“Environments of Engagement: Recent Work Toward Equity and Sustainability”
Speaker - Chandra Robinson, AIA
1 AIA LU|HSW available

This presentation will explore inclusive ways in which we can engage and collaborate with stakeholders, community members, and our project teams, even in a virtual world. Chandra Robinson is a Principal at LEVER Architecture and an active member in the Portland community. She serves on the Portland Design Commission, as Treasurer of NOMA PDX, and is also involved in Hip Hop Architecture Camp and Your Street Your Voice. She will describe her experiences promoting equity in the architecture profession through her active roles in these organizations, while simultaneously implementing strategies for equity, inclusion, and sustainability in her recent projects:

Meyer Memorial Trust Headquarters

The new 19,800 sf LEED Platinum headquarters for Meyer Memorial Trust is designed as a community anchor that reflects the Foundation’s commitment to equity and sustainability. The building’s Center for Great Purposes is one of the first uses of exposed Mass Plywood in a premier event space.

Dekum Court Affordable Housing

Dekum Court is an affordable housing development in Portland’s Concordia neighborhood which encompasses 5.3 acres and will provide 190 units to residents earning at or below 60% of the median family income. The design included a robust community engagement process to solicit feedback from the Dekum community and existing residents.

Albina Vision Affordable Housing and Theater

With 120 units of affordable housing and a new community theater, the first project in Albina Vision Trust's Master Plan responds to the displacement of Portland’s Black community in Lower Albina, and aims to create an inclusive neighborhood that serves as a new community hub for arts and culture.

Chandra Robinson, AIA
Principal, LEVER Architecture

Chandra is a licensed architect with 14 years of experience designing and managing institutional projects for higher education and nonprofit clients. She serves on the Portland Design Commission, and as Treasurer for the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Portland Chapter.

Chandra recently managed a new LEED Platinum headquarters building for one of Oregon’s largest foundations, and prior to joining LEVER, served as Project Architect on First Tech Federal Credit Union, one of the largest CLT buildings in the US. She is passionate about creating beautiful spaces that are accessible for everyone and enjoys working closely with clients to create designs that are expressive of their vision and values.