When things are not running as they should, industrious professionals pave a smoother road. Such is the case with Portland, OR, architects Building Arts Workshop LLC. The firm confronted a daunting task: how to transform their work from a vision to a reality. They encountered the obvious space/cost challenges while living in San Francisco, where before moving north they ran their practice. But Portland represented a clean slate. Not only was it a homecoming for the firm — one of the partners, Tracy Prose, grew up in Eugene — but also the firm went to work creating a space that was as an example of their work, and a place in which they could see themselves living.

The property consists of two connecting townhouses.

The townhouses retain independent spaces. Connected by one jointed garage, the property is at once divided and defined by its union of modern architectural technique and focus on personal style.

Portland is excited to have these innovative architects residing in their neck of the woods. They represent the best of Portland’s contemporary real estate, and their future work should prove interesting and capture the spirit of this unique Northwestern city.

Here’s a draft of the home’s floorplan:

Phoenix is a dry and expansive place with lots of room to build. Without significantly altering the natural landscape, architects and designers are able to mirror the environment’s character while fostering the city’s inclination to improve its standing as one of the southwest’s best modern cities.

Doria Architects are prime examples of quality Phoenix modern architecture. Their work consistently reflects an innovative aesthetic and settles into the surrounding landscape with charm, ingenuity and grace.

Modern Carefree Kitchen by Doria:

About Doria Architects:

Doria Architecture, Inc. is a full service architecture firm based in Phoenix, Arizona. We’re dedicated to innovative design and provide focused client service to deliver the best solution for every project. Our firm has completed a wide range of projects since its inception and we continue to expand our capabilities year after year. Our experience ranges from commercial structures and custom homes to modern interpretations and intitutional builds.

Portland, OR is growing at a rapid pace. And for good reason. The city is a beacon of creative and sustainable living. It focus on community projects, public transportation and modern architecture make it a destination for many people. the population boom means more people in need of houses and more architects designing projects. The modern Portland home below is a private residence designed by architect Keith Hoelscher.

Hoelscher Architects

From the Web site:

Keith Hoelscher Architect is an award winning, full-service design firm located in Portland, Oregon. His studio is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality in Architecture, Master Planning, Interior Design and Environmental Design. With over 30 years of design experience, Mr. Hoelscher has designed a wide variety of projects throughout the Western United States, including work ranging from commercial office, corporate headquarters, retail and mixed use projects, multi-family and single family residences.

America’s Northwest region speaks in rustic architectural terms. It is deeply reflective of its environment and resources materials from surrounding forests and plains. It is uniquely modern and thoroughly green.

Embarking on a hike and spending the day among the Pines and brush, it might set you back to stumble upon a contemporary home tucked in the woods.

But if the house is regional, appreciative of its environment and minimal, the sight is rewarding; it signals a healthy relationship between man and nature. It’s provocative, smart, and just plain cool.

The Neal Creek Residence in Portland, Oregon is such a place.

Architects Paul McKean and Amy Donohue designed this award winning home in 2007. Basically two boxes — a large box settled on top of a smaller box –and located among the century-old Neal Creak flood plain, the architects adhered to the environment during the planning and building process. The smaller box is used for storage and mechanical space. It was designed with water in mind. Since the home is located near a creek that floods, the bottom box allows water to flow through it. The residence, which overlooks the sky, meadow and horizon, is in the second story box.

The house received an AIA Built Honor Award in 2007.

From the jury: “The jury was taken by the way this building sits on the landscape and found it to be an example of elegant and innovative use of space on a very restrictive budget. They described the project as very humble in its concept - very tight in plan and beautifully executed with a vertical circulation for the meadow up into the house. The jurors particularly enjoyed the creation of outdoor space within the rectangular plan with no additive features on the outside.”