About AFO

The Architecture Foundation of Oregon educates and inspires Oregonians of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the design of our built environment. We believe that architecture and the built environment can address our most challenging problems, and that Oregon is stronger when more people from diverse backgrounds participate in designing the places that shape our world. We believe that design should consider diverse points of view, and reflect these views, in a built environment that provides access and equity for all.

About City Club

City Club of Portland, established in 1916, is dedicated to promoting civic education, community service, and leadership development. Through public forums, debates, community-based research, and advocacy, we address important issues in the Portland area, the state, and society as a whole. We provide an impartial, nonpartisan platform, ensuring that our programming and research reflects the varied perspectives and voices within our community.

About the VEB Fellowship

Since 2001, AFO has partnered with The Van Evera and Janet M. Bailey Fund of Oregon Community Foundation in awarding the now $50,000 annual Van Evera Bailey Fellowship to advance the professional development of design and building professionals and encourage greater contributions to their profession and community.

This Fellowship is an opportunity for professionals in the field to examine not only what they think, but how they think. The intention is to provide time for creativity, reflection, and a pursuit of deeper understanding of ideas that will result in lasting value to the applicant, the profession, and/or the greater community. The Fellowship honors the original benefactor’s dedication of a grant “for the preservation and betterment of the art and science of architecture.”