REFRESH is an annual mixer and jovial networking opportunity for design and building professionals, especially younger individuals working to advance their career prospects, to enhance connections across the industry. Held at a different and architecturally exciting location each summer, the event brings together over 100 guests to learn about a stunning newly renovated, reimagined, or brand new project. Guests will learn more about what makes the project special from the designers and builders and mingle at AFO’s second largest annual event of the year.

The iconic Portland Building, originally designed by renowned architect Michael Graves, accommodates approximately 1,400 workers primarily with city bureaus and Multnomah County offices. For the recent renovation, the City chose progressive design-build as the best delivery model for a collaborative team approach to the reconstruction project, featuring a core team including DLR Group, Balfour Beatty, and the City of Portland.

The building first opened as City offices in 1982 and incorporated several design features that didn’t adapt over the building’s 40-year life span. The reconstruction restored some of the original design vision, while adapting a new vision for the city. A unitized curtain wall recreates the original colors and shapes of Michael Graves’ design intent while solving for many of the building’s technical performance issues, from moisture to daylight.

Join us to experience this building which was recognized by the Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies with a 2021 American Architectural Award.

All funds raised by this event go toward supporting AFO, which includes programs such as Architects in Schools and multiple scholarship opportunities.