Business Details
42 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design Services in Portland, OR
TVA Architects has been shaping the architectural character of the Pacific Northwest for four decades. Founded in 1984 by Robert Thompson, our firm specializes in creating meaningful buildings that serve communities, clients, and users. As a majority women-owned business, we prioritize collaboration, innovative design, and meticulous attention to detail. Our interdisciplinary team delivers spaces that function seamlessly while pushing boundaries to achieve lasting impact.With expertise in workplace, residential, cultural, and healthcare projects, we approach each commission as a unique opportunity to enhance environments through open communication and creative problem-solving. Our commitment to advancing women in architecture and fostering an inclusive workplace reflects our belief that diverse perspectives drive excellence.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Architecture
Healthcare Facilities
Educational Buildings
Residential Projects
Urban Planning
Interior Design
Cultural Spaces
Workplace Solutions
Historic Renovation
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40 years of regional architectural expertise with a focus on community impact
- Our majority women-owned firm advances diversity in architectural leadership
- LEED-certified professionals integrate sustainable design principles
- Collaborative approach ensures client visions become functional realities
- Specialized experience in complex projects across healthcare, education, and cultural sectors
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- NCARB
What people say
Exceptional design vision
Strong community engagement
Technical expertise
Sustainable focus
Collaborative approach
Services
Architectural Design
Creating purposeful spaces that enhance human interaction and environmental connection. Our full-service design process integrates client vision with technical expertise to deliver functional, aesthetically significant buildings across commercial, residential, and institutional sectors. Specializing in complex projects requiring stakeholder engagement and innovative problem-solving.
Sustainable Architecture
Implementing environmentally responsible solutions through LEED-certified practices and material innovation. We prioritize energy efficiency, natural resource integration, and long-term community benefits while maintaining architectural integrity across new constructions and renovations for corporate, educational, and healthcare clients.
Healthcare Facilities
Designing healing environments that balance functionality with patient comfort. Our expertise includes outpatient centers, cancer treatment facilities, and behavioral health units, incorporating evidence-based design principles to improve clinical outcomes while meeting strict regulatory requirements for safety and accessibility.
Educational Buildings
Creating dynamic learning environments for universities and K-12 institutions. Specializing in research facilities, student centers, and adaptive reuse projects that maintain historical context while integrating modern technology and collaborative spaces to support evolving educational needs.
Residential Projects
Crafting custom living spaces that harmonize with natural surroundings. Our residential portfolio includes urban infill projects, rural retreats, and multi-family developments emphasizing sustainable materials, functional layouts, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections tailored to Pacific Northwest landscapes.
People
Robert Thompson
Principal, FAIA
Founder of TVA Architects with 40 years of experience shaping Pacific Northwest architecture. Specializes in complex institutional projects and fostering collaborative design processes that prioritize community impact and sustainable innovation.
Mandy Butler
Principal, AIA
Senior design leader with expertise in healthcare and educational architecture. Focuses on creating healing environments and learning spaces that integrate technical precision with human-centered design principles to enhance user experience.
Bonnie ChiuWong
Senior Associate, RA
Licensed architect with extensive experience in multi-family residential and mixed-use developments. Specializes in urban design solutions that balance density with livability while maintaining architectural integrity across diverse project scales.
Dimitri Englert
Senior Associate, AIA
Design leader focused on sustainable commercial architecture. Brings technical expertise in energy-efficient building systems and material innovation to corporate headquarters and workplace projects that prioritize occupant wellbeing and environmental stewardship.
Elisa Rocha
Associate Principal, RA
Specializes in cultural and civic projects that strengthen community connections. Expertise includes public spaces, performing arts facilities, and adaptive reuse projects that preserve historical context while meeting modern functional requirements.
Questions
What architectural services does TVA Architects specialize in?
We specialize in commercial, residential, healthcare, educational, and cultural projects with expertise in sustainable design and complex renovations.
How long has TVA Architects been in business?
We've been shaping Pacific Northwest architecture since our founding in 1984 by Robert Thompson.
What makes TVA Architects unique?
As a majority women-owned firm with 40 years of experience, we combine collaborative design processes with technical innovation to create meaningful community spaces.
Do you work on LEED-certified projects?
Yes, our team includes LEED AP professionals who integrate sustainable practices in all project types.
What geographic areas do you serve?
Primarily the Pacific Northwest, with completed projects in Oregon, Washington, California, and international locations like Shanghai.
How do you approach complex renovation projects?
We employ phased construction strategies and stakeholder engagement to maintain functionality while modernizing infrastructure and design elements.
