Architecture Foundation of Oregon

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At Honored Citizen last month, we heard from Architects in Schools volunteer and AFO K-5 Committee member Awar Meman, an architectural designer at @mcknzedesign. He shared how the Architects in Schools program shaped his life—not once, but twice. Swipe to read his story.

We are still in need of more design/building professional volunteers! Currently, over 40 elementary school classrooms are left without a volunteer, meaning those students may not reap the benefits of our Architects in Schools program. Help us ensure all students receive our free design programming by signing up and sharing this post. Together we can give students the tools to succeed.

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#architectsinschools #designeducation #volunteer

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NOVEMBER AFO HAPPENINGS

AFO Scholarship Applications Open: 11/1, February 2026 deadlines – Apply now for our $5,000-10,000 scholarships for students pursuing art, design and building degrees in Oregon and beyond.

Formation Mentorship 2025-26 Program Launch Party: 11/12, 5:30-7:30pm, MWA Architects – Mix, mingle, and build your network across design fields while helping us kick off our second year of Formation.

The Design Trail: Columbia River Gorge: 11/14-15, Hood River and surrounding areas – A two-day experience through the Gorge discovering historic and contemporary buildings and the leaders that are initiating innovation.

Formation Mentorship Application Deadline: 11/16 – BIPOC design professionals and students: apply now to participate in our design-focused mentorship program from January-June.

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#afohappenings #pdxdesignevents #afoevents #thismonth #deadlines

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2025 Honored Citizen moments, part II.

Photo credit: Chad Crook & Jaime Valdez. View all event photos through the link in our bio.

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for supporting our event!
Event Sponsor: @the_ocf
Wine Sponsor: @kingestate Sustaining Sponsor: @place_studio
Supporting Sponsors: @andersen.construction @kelleycreate @kpff_pdx @mcknzedesign @oegpoweron @psuarchitecture @stantec @turnerportland @woofterbolch.architecture @wpibuilds @zgfarchitects

#afohonoredcitizen #afohonoredcitizen2025

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2025 Honored Citizen moments, part I.

Photo credit: Chad Crook & Jaime Valdez. View all event photos through the link in our bio.

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for supporting our event!
Event Sponsor: @the_ocf
Wine Sponsor: @kingestate
Sustaining Sponsor: @place_studio
Supporting Sponsors: @andersen.construction @kelleycreate @kpff_pdx @mcknzedesign @oegpoweron @psuarchitecture @stantec @turnerportland @woofterbolch.architecture @wpibuilds @zgfarchitects

#afohonoredcitizen #afohonoredcitizen2025

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Join us at a launch party for the 2025-26 season of the Formation Mentorship program!

You can expect a fun evening getting to know the college students and professionals of Portland's vibrant design community. Mix, mingle, and build your network across design fields from graphic design to architecture to product design to experiential design, and many more...all while helping us kick off our second year of Formation.

Formation is a local mentorship program supporting the next generation of designers of color in the transition from student to professional. The program matches BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color) college design students with BIPOC design professionals who will provide guidance on next steps from portfolio review to interview support to career trajectory.

All are welcome for this exciting kick-off event: Black, Indigenous, people of color, and our White allies. Begin, build, and reconnect with your network—students and professionals alike!

Wednesday, November 12
5:30-7:30pm
@mwa_archs

Formation is a collaboration between @diversityindesign, @aforegon, and @psugd_comma.

#formation #mentorship #designmentorship #futuredesigners #bipocmentorship

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This video tribute by Jacob Pander of Collaborator Studios captures the magic of Ernesto Fonseca’s influence in Oregon. It debuted at our 2025 Honored Citizen celebration for Ernesto on October 16 at The Nines.

Ernesto, CEO of @hacienda_cdc, has a special understanding of the role that architecture plays in creating community. A champion for affordable housing, mass timber, rural and urban communities, cultural spaces, and the next generation, Ernesto is always thinking ahead and centering people and their experiences.

Thank you, Ernesto, for your immense impact on Oregon’s built environment. This state is a better place because of your generous contributions.

Video by @pandervision @collaboratorpdx

#afohonoredcitizen #afohonoredcitizen2025

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Through leadership, innovation, and friendship, Ernesto has brought his thoughtful approach to Oregon’s built environment, impacting communities through his work at @hacienda_cdc.

We can’t wait to share this inspiration with you at our annual Honored Citizen celebration this Thursday, October 16 at The Nines Hotel Ballroom.

#afohonoredcitizen #afohonoredcitizen2025

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We are just one week away from our SOLD OUT Honored Citizen celebration honoring Ernesto Fonseca. Didn’t snag a ticket in time? Don’t fret, you can still take part in the fun by participating in our silent auction and raffle!

From travel experiences to kid-friendly packages and items, there is something for everyone. Follow the link in our bio to explore the items and place your bid, today!

Your contribution supports AFO operations and programs including Architects in Schools, Scholarships, Formation Mentorship, and more.

#afohonoredcitizen #afohonoredcitizen2025 #afoevents #silentauction #raffle

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Calling all Oregon women in architecture! Apply for the Pat Sanchez Women’s Fellowship by Sunday, October 26!

The fellowship, offered in partnership with @opsis.architecture, is available to women who are mid-career and seeking to grow professionally, particularly in areas related to firm leadership and management. The fellowship offers up to $3,000, which can be used to attend professional conferences, college-level coursework, or specialized seminars that support advancement in key areas of architectural practice. These may include firm management, leadership, business development, design, and other facets of the profession.

Applicants are asked to submit a professional resume and a written proposal of one page in length outlining their intended use of the fellowship funds as well as a clear budget for the proposal, and how the experience will support their long-term professional goals.

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#afofellowships #sanchezfellowship #careerdevelopment #oregonarchitecture #womenarchitects

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Every year, teachers share the impact that Architects in Schools has on their students. Shared by long-time participant Caitlin Smith, a 3rd grade teacher at Queen of Peace in Salem, Oregon, "I look forward to this project every year! Our students are enthusiastically engaged in the whole process and often continue designing blueprints when our project is over. They love learning about architecture and noticing it around them."

She also shared how her classroom’s field trip to @cbtwo_architects and the Mount Angel Abbey Library designed by Alvar Aalto was one of the highlights of the year.

Architects in Schools is designed for students of all backgrounds and learning abilities. The program increases classroom engagement and teaches critical thinking, communication, and teamwork, all through the principles of design.

The deadline for teachers and volunteers to participate in the 2025-26 season is approaching on October 19! Help us bring free design education to more Oregon students by signing up today.

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#architectsinschools #designeducation #freeprogram #applytoday

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AFO is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Oregon’s Next award, recognizing the accomplishments and promise of emerging professionals in the AEC industry. Members of the community nominated individuals from around the state whose leadership shows exemplary commitment to the betterment of the community.

Please join us in celebrating them at Honored Citizen the evening of October 16 at The Nines. Tickets to the seated program and dinner are sold out, but we still have reception only tickets available.

Congratulations to our 2025 Oregon’s Next Awardees!
- Peter Harrison, Assoc. IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, Fitwel Amb., LFA
- Savannah Sinowitz, AIA, NCARB, @zgfarchitects
- Nikita Kumar, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, @mcknzedesign
- Katherine Marple, @colloqate

Learn more through the link in our bio.

#aforegonsnext #aforegonsnext2025 #emergingprofessionals #emergingleaders

Gate Kwaleso

2025 Colas Scholar, Lane Community College

Gate is a Civil Engineering major from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is excited to use his skills as an aspiring engineer to design roads and circulation in Oregon and in the Congo. “In my country, I have learned through the suffering of the majority of the Congolese population that I am blessed to have the opportunity to study in the US and gain a valuable education. This pushes me to work very hard because it is an investment that will positively contribute to the lives of people of my communities both in the US and in the Congo.” Learn more about AFO Scholarships.

Sofia Irvin

2025 Hart Scholar, University of Oregon

Sofia is a Master of Architecture candidate and a member and advocate of the disabled community. “Growing up and living with individuals with both physical and cognitive disabilities, I am constantly reminded how the built environment exacerbates the unjust treatment of people with disabilities. A body is considered “disabled” when it cannot effectively engage with or utilize its surroundings. Architecture exacerbates bodily differences and facilitates disability.” Learn more about AFO Scholarships.

Morgan Dawkins

2025 PAE Scholar, Pennsylvania State University

Morgan is an Architectural Engineering major who is passionate about disaster-resilient infrastructure. “By focusing on inclusive and sustainable designs, I believe that engineers can tackle issues such as climate change, while also addressing the socio-economic disparities that often exacerbate the effects of environmental challenges… I plan to use my degree to design structures that not only address climate justice but also create opportunities for everyone to be successful in a sustainable and resilient future.” Learn more about AFO Scholarships.

Architects in Schools