Business Details
11 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architect in Portland, OR
At Metta Architecture, we believe in designing spaces that elevate the human experience through intentional, joyful environments. Founded in 2015 by Patricia S. Nossen-Johnson, our practice is rooted in the Buddhist concept of 'metta'loving-kindnesswhich guides our approach to creating functional, beautiful spaces that nurture both people and the planet. With over two decades of combined experience in artistic design and architecture, including a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech and professional roles at esteemed firms like Bushnaq Studios and Carleton Hart Architecture, we bring technical precision and creative vision to every project.Our 2017 Sustainable Homes Professional accreditation reflects our commitment to cutting-edge eco-conscious building practices. Clients consistently praise our collaborative process, patient problem-solving, and ability to balance aesthetic innovation with practical needs, as demonstrated in award-winning projects like the $4M Scandinavian farmhouse featured in Portland media. We specialize in residential architecture that harmonizes form and function, ensuring each space we design becomes a source of lasting inspiration and comfort for its inhabitants.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Homebuilding
Space Remodeling
Creative Solutions
Functional Spaces
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer over 10 years of artistic experience combined with architectural expertise
- Our founder holds a Master of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute
- We implement sustainable homebuilding practices accredited by industry professionals
- Our team balances technical knowledge with patient, personalized service
- We have professional experience across three major US architectural firms
Associations and certifications
- Sustainable Homes Professional
What people say
Patient and accommodating
Good balance of interpersonal skill
Creative solutions
Highly recommend
Technical knowledge
Services
Architectural Design
We create custom residential designs that integrate Buddhist-inspired principles of loving-kindness with modern functionality. Our approach prioritizes spatial harmony, natural light optimization, and material sustainability. Clients benefit from 3D modeling technology and decades of combined design experience to transform visions into buildable plans.
Sustainable Homebuilding
Our accredited sustainable homebuilding service implements energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials. We specialize in passive solar design, low-impact construction methods, and LEED-compliant practices. This service helps clients reduce environmental footprint while creating healthier living environments through certified green building standards.
Space Remodeling
We transform existing spaces into optimized living environments through strategic remodeling solutions. Our process identifies underutilized areas and reimagines layouts for improved functionality. Clients receive customized plans that maximize spatial efficiency while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic cohesion.
Creative Solutions
Our artistic background informs unique problem-solving approaches to complex architectural challenges. We combine technical expertise with creative thinking to develop unconventional yet practical solutions. This service provides clients with distinctive design elements that enhance both form and function in residential spaces.
Functional Spaces
We design spaces that balance aesthetic appeal with practical usability requirements. Our methodology analyzes lifestyle patterns to create intuitive room layouts and storage solutions. Clients receive spatial configurations that improve daily living efficiency while maintaining visual harmony and ergonomic comfort.
People
Patricia S. Nossen-Johnson
Founder
Founder Patricia brings 10+ years of artistic experience and architectural expertise to Metta Architecture. With a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech and professional experience at firms in Chicago, Portland, and Seattle, she specializes in sustainable residential design that reflects Buddhist principles of loving-kindness.
Questions
What is metta-inspired architectural design?
Metta-inspired design incorporates Buddhist principles of loving-kindness into spatial planning, creating environments that promote well-being through intentional layouts, natural materials, and spaces for mindfulness.
What services does Metta Architecture offer?
We provide residential architectural design, sustainable homebuilding solutions, space remodeling, and creative problem-solving for complex design challenges in the Pacific Northwest region.
How does Metta Architecture approach sustainability?
Our Sustainable Homes Professional accreditation ensures we implement energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and low-impact construction methods that minimize environmental footprint while maintaining design integrity.
What makes Metta Architecture different from other firms?
Our unique combination of artistic background, technical expertise, and Buddhist-inspired design philosophy creates spaces that balance aesthetic beauty with functional practicality for lasting client satisfaction.
How do you handle complex architectural projects?
We apply patient problem-solving and collaborative planning to complex projects, as demonstrated in our $4M Scandinavian farmhouse project that required innovative spatial solutions and meticulous attention to detail.
