2023 Impact Report

Join us in supporting
Oregon’s quality of life

Mission

The Architecture Foundation of Oregon supports Oregon’s quality of life and creates awareness of our designed environment through education, engagement and inspiration

AFO believes that all Oregonians benefit from thoughtful design in their homes, in their community and in the environment around them. Through dynamic programming such as Architects in Schools and our Scholarship program, AFO works with community partners to share design’s role in shaping our future.

AFO partners with organizations across the state to connect communities with the power of design. By convening conversations and encouraging involvement, we empower people to embrace design as a tool to impact the future of Oregon for generations to come.

AFO embraces the special sense of place that makes Oregon a unique location. From honoring the people and organizations that define this place we call home to fostering the next generation of leaders and thinkers, we work to ensure that our built and natural environments inspire us to dream more, create more and do more.

History

AFO has grown into a thriving and dynamic nonprofit organization since 1981, when five firms provided $5,000 each to fund an endowment leading to incorporation as a not-for-profit Oregon corporation in 1983. AIA Portland, additional architecture firms and individuals contributed operating funds.

With partnerships across the state of Oregon, AFO is committed to supporting Oregon’s quality of life through education, engagement and inspiration.

Founding Members: John Matteson, AIA, William Fletcher, FAIA, Brooks Gunsul, FAIA, William Merrit, AIA, Gary Michael, FAIA, Richard E. Ritz, AIA, Jon Schleuning, FAIA, and Roger Yost, FAIA

Founding Firms: Bora Architects, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, SRG Partnership, Yost Grube Hall Architecture, and ZGF Architects