https://www.understory.design/home daily 1.0 2024-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1650843054304-YYW63LG4JMINOMWGZWIY/NMAAHC%2BCrocus%2BGGN-nl%2Bedit.jpg Home Plants help tell stories in the landscape. Crocus were planted to bloom during Black History Month at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. (Photo credit GGN) [1] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1652464080823-LLMUTNTNJQC1NC4C9ALB/BWP_Fritz%2BHedges%2BWaterway%2BPark-4.jpg Home Research on each site's history creates the foundation for our design concepts. At Fritz Hedges Park the meadow planting references the site's cultural history as a cultivated meadow. [2] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1650845211829-M5JNKHZQT5SQ5UIO4E6L/IMG-0963%252B%2525281%252529-nl%252Bbig%252Bedit.jpg Home Sometimes the process can be just as visually appealing as the end result. Beautiful formwork for concrete climbing walls at Glenhaven Park. [2] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1650136577427-Q5MXPIUIJ8I8L9JDKA4Q/Copy%252Bof%252BIMG_1847.jpg Home High Desert colors are amazing! This color combination of sage (Artemisia tridentata) and golden brown grasses along the Deschutes River is always a win. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1650836186778-YV37U525D345TM411HDO/08%2BNMAAHC_170607_14_F_4%2BCatherine%2BTighe-nl%2Bedit.jpg Home Functional elements are an opportunity for innovation. Security walls integrated into planting create an entry threshold at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. [1] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/9174535b-f44f-471a-bd94-98f0e815e763/IMG_7921.jpg Home We find inspiration in the natural rhythms of our region, like the mysterious beauty of frost on these alpine plants outside of Bend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1650846320376-FD60R0Z8PNE8UXJO72LO/DSCN5793-nl%2Bedit.jpg Home Our design language comes from the history and culture of each place. A custom-designed Sierra Granite CNC bench inspired by mid-century design icons is labeled for installation at the Seattle Center Garage. [1] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1650846050991-3PSDP7E5JVPXT0CTEX7P/CGCC%2BBench%2BAC%2Bphoto%2Bedit-nl%2Bedit.jpg Home We consider all scales of experience in our work. The interplay of black locust benches, concrete walls, and Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln') creates a human-scaled space at Columbia Gorge Community College. [3] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1650845029187-9GJOI91FULGVYFKBFYBZ/DSCN5305-nl%2Bedit.jpg Home Our partners in construction are part of the success of each project. Construction workers from Pacific Earthworks developed innovative methods to plant a 60,000 sf green roof at the Seattle Center Garage. [1] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1652137116971-C045EB4V7BBP8QBICNEW/IMG_5365-edit.jpg Home We respect and celebrate existing site elements. At Orenco Woods Nature Park the canopy walk is carefully sited to preserve the existing trees. [2] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1652464425287-XB8MVTRG1Y1X21E4X13E/BWP_Fritz%2BHedges%2BWaterway%2BPark-3.jpg Home Flexibility is important in urban spaces. Fritz Hedges Park was designed to be comfortable for daily gatherings with neighbors while also accomodating large community events. [2] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1650848551794-UX4RQEKJNMT6E6TDIPWJ/IMG_0119%2B%25281%2529.jpg Home As biodiversity has declined it is essential to consider all ecological communities in our design, including insects and animals. A butterfly rests on grasses along the Deschutes River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1650135785762-8COFHCA5S3NAY5N4QYYU/IMG_2690.jpg Home Our climate is changing and so is our plant palette. We research and select climate adapted plant species for long term success. (Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba' and Allium 'Globemaster') https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1650848697791-VX1WQ3156E45NN3BK8HI/P89A4786-nl%2Bedit.jpg Home Delight for everyone is part of a successful place. (Photo courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation) [2] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1650847890632-X3MOU36ST863ZBFNSASP/Eastern%2Boregon%2Brocks%2B-%2BNL.jpg Home Keen observation of the natural world is part of our process. We take design inspiration from textures and characteristics that are unique to each site. Rock texture at the John Day Wild and Scenic River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1650847624727-59QGC9IIGCE746AFKMIU/DSCN6228-nl%2Bedit.jpg Home We set up plant mixes to have variety so that the plants can successfully evolve and adapt to site conditions. At the Seattle Center Garage over eight varieties of sedum were planted to ensure that the mix would have enough variety for success. [1] https://www.understory.design/about daily 0.75 2024-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/42cb4357-2cad-45da-b50f-7c6c28c11132/understory+Bend-Portland+sketch.png About 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/ded9a3f7-479f-425b-9cfb-4b0265d49b17/IMG_6398.jpg About 1 Our Approach In our practice we embrace the extraordinarily complex, sometimes messy, beautifully textured side of the landscape with focus on narrative, human experience, and ecology. Our research-based design approach celebrates the unique qualities of each place. We use techniques like historic research, mapping, analysis of regional natural history and ecology, field observations, and detailed site photographic documentation to uncover lost stories in the landscape. We work with clients and collaborators to develop a conceptual framework for every project. This framework is effective as a guide to help make decisions throughout the design process to reinforce project goals and create a clear vision. Collaboration is more than just listening. Great design and vibrant landscapes grow out of a repeated cycle of inventing and sharing ideas with a project team. Our designs grow out of this collaborative mindset. Equity is important to our practice. By centering marginalized voices our communities can become more inclusive and welcoming places. Landscapes can support and reflect this ethic. All design choices have an ecological and climate impact. 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1684863521343-D5PDUWM98MJ02MISD5RZ/Concept%2BDiagram%2BWeb.jpg Center for Native Arts and Cultures (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/93d6ee5c-8e8b-440d-85f0-961ff53ffd41/Full+Site+Plan+Web.jpg Center for Native Arts and Cultures (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1674689557857-RL9X4PN2RG4OQKO08AB0/CNAC%2BCourtyard%2B1%2BWeb.jpg Center for Native Arts and Cultures (Copy) https://www.understory.design/new-community-park-lincoln-city daily 0.75 2024-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1702068299753-9R2B80WBJ5ZXF809QOVZ/Open%2BHouse%2B%25233%2BBoards%2B-%2BFINAL%2BPage%2B014.jpg New Community Park in Lincoln City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1702068400626-XS9CY1GVKRK957W9PE6C/Open%2BHouse%2B%25233%2BBoards%2B-%2BFINAL%2BPage%2B006.jpg New Community Park in Lincoln City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1702068430756-5K7QWSTDRC2H285KHZKF/Open%2BHouse%2B%25233%2BBoards%2B-%2BFINAL%2BPage%2B008.jpg New Community Park in Lincoln City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1702068516070-60685NLQTV36RUC36HB2/Open%2BHouse%2B%25233%2BBoards%2B-%2BFINAL%2BPage%2B010.jpg New Community Park in Lincoln City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1702068546569-5VXFSIQ88TPI2W5IGQDN/Open%2BHouse%2B%25233%2BBoards%2B-%2BFINAL%2BPage%2B012.jpg New Community Park in Lincoln City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1702317859501-KXZSRS4OOIG8TD6JWZ57/labeled%2Bplan%2Bfor%2Bwebsite.jpg New Community Park in Lincoln City https://www.understory.design/skamania-courthouse-plaza daily 0.75 2024-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/cc6a91eb-c6d2-4147-bec5-19d4fc05e884/Illustrative+Plan+Community+Porches+1+to+20.jpg Skamania Courthouse Plaza https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/0ff279ad-a2aa-4b6d-a82c-53298e2799ca/Eye+Level+View+1.jpg Skamania Courthouse Plaza https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/b965c85f-e2cb-4e3e-8585-affa1ca2f5dc/Eye+Level+View+2.jpg Skamania Courthouse Plaza https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/236872b0-861e-447a-8026-067a31a2a733/Eye+Level+View+3.jpg Skamania Courthouse Plaza https://www.understory.design/openpositions daily 0.75 2025-07-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/db1fe4b5-bb92-4b13-8543-f6725b158cd6/Taft+Process+Sketches+Web.jpg https://www.understory.design/people-1 daily 0.75 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/9c2d579c-c7cf-4ee5-b7c7-661b5443c1c7/AC+Headshot+Horizontal.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/ec1ac2e2-bed2-4768-b254-948c81660850/cropped+IMG_7547+copy.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/45700b0f-7742-407f-a536-d2fa43a1cdb8/Annaliese_Chapa_Headshot-square.jpg https://www.understory.design/people-2 daily 0.75 2024-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/9c2d579c-c7cf-4ee5-b7c7-661b5443c1c7/AC+Headshot+Horizontal.jpg https://www.understory.design/people-2-1 daily 0.75 2024-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/ec1ac2e2-bed2-4768-b254-948c81660850/cropped+IMG_7547+copy.jpg https://www.understory.design/drummond daily 0.75 2025-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/88d83ada-7b83-43f1-b8dc-7476ad740491/ND+Headshot.jpg https://www.understory.design/chapa-1 daily 0.75 2026-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/c481e378-29d1-4b1f-8b1f-1c5ad5f88d24/Annaliese_Chapa_Headshot-square.jpg https://www.understory.design/work-1 daily 0.75 2024-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/193fc3e9-2212-492f-a374-eb3af437944f/08+NMAAHC_170607_14_F_4+Catherine+Tighe-nl+edit.jpg Work National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington DC (photo credit Catherine Tighe) [1] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/9751c5d4-4606-4562-9547-4a487f12d081/NMAAHC+Crocus+GGN-nl+edit.jpg Work National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington DC (photo credit GGN) [1] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/04d4f4e8-be38-4103-8db2-839cfca373f5/BWP_Fritz+Hedges+Waterway+Park-1.jpg Work Fritz Hedges Waterway Park, Seattle, WA (photo copyright Meghan Montgomery) [2] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/64a0a4aa-adb4-40a5-8071-4f4068c9bb7b/BWP_Fritz+Hedges+Waterway+Park-4.jpg Work Fritz Hedges Waterway Park, Seattle, WA (photo copyright Meghan Montgomery) [2] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/f2d691bc-6e48-4086-8668-5d24423a6132/BWP_Fritz+Hedges+Waterway+Park-2.jpg Work Fritz Hedges Waterway Park, Seattle, WA (photo copyright Meghan Montgomery) [2] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/517e446c-b91c-4213-ade3-8dd94c6de442/Theater+Commons+Entry+GGN-nl+edit.jpg Work Theater Commons and Donnelly Gardens, Seattle, WA (photo credit GGN) [1] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/1651522286520-W0Q55YJB367G6D7V74K4/IMG_6494.jpg Work South Waterfront Greenway, Portland, OR [2] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/fddbeafa-dba6-4acc-a64c-5b9b1225d0b5/1602_190801_8587E-nl+edit.jpg Work Building Cure, Seattle, WA (photo credit GGN) [1] https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621d68e732e7484e8b2a8d1c/11f921d9-12ce-4712-9400-39ec5ebbd52b/P89A4786-nl+edit.jpg Work Kenton Park Playground, Portland, OR (Photo courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation) [2]