This tenant improvement project alongside a major commercial and transit corridor in northeast Portland is for the new offices of Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., a nonprofit that trains and advocates for women in the construction trades. The raw space allowed for an increase in staff work spaces at both the ADA-accessible ground level and at a new mezzanine, and includes a generous entry and job resource area, as well as meeting, counseling, and other staff areas.

 

The project allows daylight deep into the space and creates a sense of connectedness, visibility, and openness throughout while permitting acoustic and privacy separation. Volunteers and support from skilled tradespeople, students, and vendors helped OTI to minimize project labor and material costs. The focus on simple and direct detailing was designed to accommodate a range of skill levels. Finishes were also selected for a healthy working environment.