The renovated studio space is located in the former Edris Morrison Photography Studio, built in 1947, and designed by Pietro Belluschi. Belluschi was one of the preeminent figures in regional 20th century architecture. He emigrated from Italy to the United States in the 1920s, and eventually settled in Portland, where he joined the firm of A.E. Doyle.  Edris was a well-known photographer, and the custom design for her building stands as a clear example of the modern era’s notions of forward-thinking style, simplicity, and functionality.

​

The studio space is on the upper floor overlooking a unique glass-fronted courtyard at the street edge.  Originally the space had been offices, changing rooms and a ‘black-box’ photo studio. This area had been modified and partially opened up some decades ago. This current design for the tenant improvement removed the remaining partitions blocking the views towards the courtyard and removed the dropped ceiling grid, opening up the space for a more daylight-filled work environment.

​

The boldly colored stair wall was further defined with a freestanding shelving system and glazed panel divider. The original birch railings and stair millwork were chosen as a theme to be replicated in a series of new high entablature panels, which integrate the space’s various ceiling heights in a cohesive manner.