Sam Uccello, AIA
AIA Southern Oregon Section Director-Elect

Hello Oregon architects and friends of Architects. My name is Sam and I have been a licensed architect for over 23 years. I have been an Oregon resident since 2015 and a member of the Local AIA chapter for that time. I am currently serving as Section Director-Elect for AIA Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon has so much to offer including outdoor activities, world class wineries, the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, and a thriving architectural community. We have a diverse range of architecture firms that are responsible for all types and sizes of project.

A little about myself: I attended and got my degree from the University of Illinois @ Chicago, which included a year overseas study at the Ecole D’Beaux Arts in Versailles France. During my time in Versailles I traveled extensively in Western and Eastern Europe, including Russia. I was there for the reuniting of East and West Germany. There was so much architecture and history to study, as well as the chance to witness a part of history.

I have had many career opportunities including working on different project types. Before moving to Oregon my main specialties were hospitality and commercial. I have worked on projects in Spain, Cypress, and New Zealand and throughout the Caribbean, mostly in Hospitality and multi-family residential. I have an award from ASLA for a park that included many facilities that I worked on with EDSA in Owensboro Kentucky. I was the head of the Hollywood, Florida Green team set up by city commissioners that wanted suggestions on how the city could become more environmentally responsible. We were successful in getting the city to pass several “Green” ordinances. We also became a part of Tree City USA, although I believe they have not kept up with the process. Once in Oregon I have specialized in medical facilities.

Late last year I was honored to be chosen as Director-Elect for the Southern Oregon Chapter by my colleagues. It has been an eye-opening experience for me as I was coming into the position and learning the way in which the chapter works, when the pandemic hit and most planned events were thrown out and now meetings are held virtually. It has taken getting used to, but like everyone else we are managing. Earlier this year I took over the duties of the Director.

The Southern Oregon Chapter is looking to get more involvement from its members in the local section as well in the State organization. As a group we are striving to showcase the Architects and their projects and services we offer in Southern Oregon. In that respect we are proud to announce, for the first time in many years, a Southern Oregon People’s Choice Awards. We would love to have as many submittals as possible, as the public will be voting for these awards and it is a unique way to introduce the work of Architecture and Architects in Southern Oregon to the local community. We are working on having a display space in Downtown Medford that can be viewed from the sidewalk, adhering to COVID-19 restrictions. See the article in Thursdays @ Three today for more information.

I encourage anyone to reach out to me with comments, concerns and info on upcoming events and programs at SamuelUccello@SBJames.com and also remember to register for the Thursdays @ Three where there is so much information about what is going on in AIA Oregon and the different sections including the Southern Oregon Section.

Thank you and stay safe.