A note from the Marketing Manager

Veronica and I attended the Daily Journal of Commerce’s annual Women of Vision event this week. This year’s panel discussion and awards ceremony drew 500 attendees to honor 37 amazing women in architecture, engineering, construction, and related professions. The panel discussion was deeply inspirational and included Grace Crunican (General Manager, Bay Area Rapid Transit) as moderator with Diana C. Mendes, AICP (Senior VP, HNTB); Dr. Beverly Scott (CEO, Beverly Scott Associates); and LaVerne Frances Reid (Former FAA New England Region Airports Division Manager). Ms. Mendes reminded the audience that “Not taking a risk is a risk in itself.” We are sometimes preconditioned to fear rather than embrace risk. Learning to embrace risk as an opportunity rather than a danger is a huge challenge. Another powerful message to take from the day is to “lift as we rise.” The importance of mentorship in our industry cannot be overstated. As we recognize those who mentor us, it is equally as important to turn around and acknowledge those next in line. In the building industry we focus so much upon sustainable and resilient built environments. Infusing our operations and professional relationships with the same regenerative spirit will go a long way in strengthening the profession for the future.

Women of Vision supplements will be appearing in Friday’s DJC. More information can be found at this link: http://djcoregon.com/women-of-vision/

Gateway Green

You may recall our post about Gateway Green in September. Now, we are happy to report that construction has started at Gateway Green! Tracks in the ground show that work is underway in this truly epic project. Our friends at PBS Engineering and Environmental shared this link with us. Check out the progress here: http://www.bermstyle.com/gateway-green-build-journal-week-one/

GreenWorks Cleans Up!

As we approach the 30^th anniversary of our practice (20 years as GreenWorks), we decided to have an office-wide flat file clean-out. We turned up the music, enjoyed some pizza, and found out just how much paper can fit inside a recycle bin.

Cardinals and Broncos at GreenWorks!

Students from programs at Ball State University (The Cardinals) and Cal Poly Pomona (The Broncos) visited our office this week. We always love talking to students, introducing them to our office, and giving them a glimpse into what they can expect when they begin their professional lives. It is also edifying for our staff to hear about what the next generation is learning in the classroom that will impact the future of the industry. From what we can see, the future is in great hands. Recent student visitors tell us about their studies in “cradle to cradle” or regenerative design, a holistic approach to design to attain efficient and waste-free environments. Our designers enjoy sharing our green infrastructure projects like the Portland Expo Center Stormwater Green Wall and Clay Street Green Street to illustrate sustainable design in Portland.

October Rain

With major storms threatening our region, stormwater management is a topic on everyone’s mind. Rain gardens, bioswales, and other stormwater facilities become highly active players in the infrastructure of a city during a major weather event like the one we are experiencing in the Pacific Northwest. The City of Albany is highly committed to managing their stormwater and has been working with GreenWorks to improve their stormwater management since 2009.

GreenWorks was hired by the City of Albany to assist them in developing stormwater quality development standards. The first phase was a thorough review of the city’s municipal and development codes and engineering standards. GreenWorks recommended updates to address water quality and stream protection goals and regulations. The team facilitated workshops and a field facility tour for city staff to determine the types of stormwater quality facilities and related design standards to adopt. We developed facility sizing requirements and prepared engineering standards, specifications and standard drawings. Key goals included the development of stormwater quality standards with a focus on vegetated facilities that can integrate into existing site landscaping and City ROW, that are straight-forward to design and review for compliance, and offer flexibility to the development community. GreenWorks used highly illustrative standards to show how various options of vegetated facilities could be sized and located. The resulting Stormwater Quality Program and Standards (including codes, standards, specifications, and drawings) was adapted by the Albany City Council in 2014.

Stormwater facilities were designed and completed in 2015. Robust in size, these facilities were built to manage a major stormwater event. GreenWorks continues to provide implementation assistance to city staff on an on-call basis to review drawings and answer questions, and in some instances provide stormwater facility design support.

GreenWorks Projects Showcased in Design Exhibit

Design Museum Portland is currently hosting Extraordinary Playscapes, a nationally touring exhibition focused on playground design. Two GreenWorks projects are among the five local Portland (and 40 international) playgrounds featured. Westmoreland Park Nature-Based Play Area and Khunamokwst Park, both designed for Portland Parks & Recreation, are showcased for their innovative ways of redefining playground design and inspiring imaginative play. The exhibit opened last night at Pacific Northwest College of ART (PNCA) and will run through December 17^th before continuing on its national tour. Several events are scheduled throughout the Fall, including a screening of The Land: Adventure Playground (October 20^th), a kids workshop on November 6^th, and a panel discussion entitled “How Portland Does Play” on November 17^th. (All events are at PNCA, 511 NW Broadway, admission is free). For more information, visit: www.designmuseumportland.org