Autodesk Portland Office

Located in the city’s burgeoning Central Eastside Industrial District, the restored post and beam timber building, a typology reflective of the region’s roots in industry, forestry and wood construction, seemed the perfect home for a CAD software company with the moto “Make Anything”. Within its historic 100-year old timber bones, wood finishes are used throughout, giving warmth and contrast to the exposed brick and concrete walls. By exposing as much of the existing nail-laminated timber (NLT) floors as possible, the architect accentuated the character of the building and the industrial history of the neighborhood. Local makers and locally sourced wood form the interior finishes, including Douglas Fir reclaimed from Centennial Mills, a complex of buildings along the Willamette River slated for demolition.  This includes a dramatic cubist-style all-wood staircase, resembling a 3D AutoCAD model, that envelopes visitors in Douglas Fir as they ascend to offices above.

Collaborative rooms and meeting spaces are inspired by the tiny house movement, using a palette of materials reflective of the Central Eastside neighborhood’s industrial history, and incorporating the work of local makers. Portland cultural motifs are woven throughout the workplace, paying homage to the city’s artisans, urban landmarks, geography, and history. All the casework is plywood, as are many components of the “tiny house” rooms.

Social benefits of the project included connections with local artists and artisans on the project ranging from neighborhood makers working sustainably with salvaged material to a retired couple who crafted picnic tables for communal areas. Malachi Milbourn of Against the Grain, a neighborhood maker/woodworker, crafted the black walnut library table/benches, and a Japanese garden conference room table.  By occupying a building of adaptive reuse, and sourcing wood and materials locally, Autodesk reduced the environmental impact of this dynamic new office space.