In-Process is a lecture series presented by AIA Oregon exploring the creative process of local architects, designers, makers, and creators.

In this edition of InProcess, we will hear from Justin Brooks, Principal at ZGF and Marc Brune, Principal and mechanical engineer with PAE. They will discuss the Portland Living Building as a case study.

Located at SW First and Pine in the heart of the city’s historic Skidmore/Old Town District, the mixed-use building is designed to be the first fully certified Living Building in Portland and largest urban commercial Living Building in the world. The PAE Living Building tells the story of Portland: aspirational, progressive, and yet deeply rooted in Pacific Northwest history. The design is integrated into the fabric of a historic neighborhood embracing a forward-looking future for the city with the highest possible energy performance, sustainability standards, and architectural aesthetic.  Marc Brune, Principal, PAE, and Justin Brooks, Principal, ZGF, will discuss the design process, focusing on three areas: performance, pro forma, and site-constraints.

Justin Brooks, AIA, LEED AP® BD+C
Principal, ZGF

Passionate about supporting health and healing, as well as preserving the environment through design, Justin brings a global perspective as he seeks out the unique characteristics of climate, culture and place to infuse into the design solution. From one of the greenest buildings in the country—the Rocky Mountain Institute’s new, net-zero energy Innovation Center—to high-performance laboratories for Stanford University’s Biomedical Innovation Building, to the new Anschutz Health Sciences Building on the University of Colorado, Denver campus, Justin’s projects are contextually inspired, expressive of the building’s mission, and timeless in nature.

Marc Brune, PE, LEED AP BD+C
Principal, PAE

Marc is a Principal and mechanical engineer with PAE. He has led the mechanical and energy-systems design for many of the world’s most prominent net-positive energy buildings, including the Bullitt Center, Rocky Mountain Institute Innovation Center, the Kendeda Building at Georgia Tech, and the PAE Living Building. He believes that designers have a responsibility to create buildings that minimize resource use and is grateful to be part of a design community working toward a net zero carbon future. Marc holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Portland.