AIA Oregon Professional Achievement Awards 2021
2021 PRESIDENT'S AWARD WINNER
The AIA Oregon President’s Award is given to an individual AIA member for significant contribution to the architecture profession through distinguished leadership and service over an extended period of time. These services, exceeding those expected in any official capacity, and by leadership, has advanced the cause of the profession and provided an inspiration to his/her fellow practitioners.
William ‘Bill’ Hart, AIA
President, Hart Development LLC
Bill is known for his public engagement efforts that are sensitive to a diverse range of communities and cultures. Throughout his 25 years at CHA, Bill sought to create a community-based practice and made sure the firm’s commissions addressed low income or other marginalized communities. He has impacted 1,400 residential living units and improving the lives of those residents while fostering community amongst them. Bill provided an intergenerational, multi-cultural experience within his practice, mentoring and providing encouragement for emerging professionals and with university students. His commitment to engagement extended to the professional and civic community as well having provided leadership on 5 boards & 25 committees.
As one of very few African American licensed architects in the State of Oregon, Bill has been a mentor to people of color within the industry and an inspiration to the greater community. In 2019, Bill worked with the City’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability to address barriers to affordable housing which resulted in changes to the Zoning Code. Bill’s involvement extends to State government as he is participant on the State of Oregon Historic Properties Workgroup to address preservation of historic structures. Today he continues as Hart Development, which he created to provide opportunities for wealth building and ownership for Portland’s African American families. He just completed a feasibility study for a 50-unit affordable senior housing project for a local African American entrepreneur.
2021 YOUNG ARCHITECT AWARD WINNER
The Young Architect Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers. AIA Oregon sees this award as a stepping-stone to the National Young Architect Award application and aims to support Young Architects in their career pursuits through this recognition.
Chandra Robinson, AIA
Principal, LEVER Architecture
Chandra Robinson is a Principal at LEVER and Portland Design Commissioner. A Portland native, she grew up with a great love for outdoor education, inspiring her to spend years as a sea kayaking guide and to study geography and physics. From an early age though, she was always fascinated by buildings and developed a deep love for spaces that felt safe, welcoming, and comfortable. She eventually found her way to Boston Architectural Center where she earned her MArch and found exceptional opportunities to work at firms of all sizes. Returning to Portland, she found her professional home at LEVER. First as an architect and now as a Principal, she’s led groundbreaking projects such as the award winning Meyer Memorial Trust in Lower Albina. She is resourceful, brilliant, and dedicated to making her hometown feel welcoming, beautiful, and accessible to all.
Chandra is dedicated to increasing equity in the architecture profession and beyond. She is currently a member of the Portland Design Commission; a Founding Board Member and Treasurer of NOMA Portland chapter; a volunteer with Your Street Your Voice, ELSO, and EmpowHER; and on the advisory board of Hip Hop Architecture Camp.