Meyer Memorial Trust Headquarters: a new model for equity and sustainability

1 AIA LU|HSW Available

This presentation will share ways to meaningfully address diversity, equity, and inclusion in sustainable design, with an in-depth case study on the new Meyer Memorial Trust Headquarters—recipient of an AIA Oregon Honor Award and 2030 Award.

Meyer Memorial Trust is one of Oregon's largest private foundations dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for diverse communities in Oregon, and their new headquarters serves as a new model for connecting sustainable building design with social equity and community development—demonstrating the synergistic relationship that can be developed between these goals. Meyer's new campus is Oregon's first LEED v4 Platinum building and employs a variety of sustainable design strategies to achieve this ambitious certification, including the development of specific materials sourcing criteria to benefit BIPOC businesses, encourage climate-smart forestry practices, and increase rural economic development in Oregon.

Chandra Robinson, AIA

Chandra is a Principal at LEVER Architecture, a Portland, Oregon based design practice recognized for material innovation and equity-centered sustainable design. Chandra recently completed a LEED Platinum campus for Meyer Memorial Trust and is currently working with communities on transformative designs for affordable housing and libraries. 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 values. In addition to her civic design work, Chandra is a member of the Portland Design Commission; a Founding Board Member and Treasurer of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Portland chapter; and on the advisory board of Hip Hop Architecture Camp. She was recently honored by DJC Oregon with a Building Diversity Award and as a Woman of Vision for her efforts in promoting diversity in the AEC industry.