We work closely with creative and mission-driven organizations to design buildings that embody their values and enrich cities.

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Process

Our work explores making, materiality, and experience using an economy of design. Great work delivered with economy requires precise architecture and a willingness to rethink how buildings are made. We challenge conventional methods of fabrication, use local and commonplace materials in unexpected ways, and pursue construction that benefits the environment and regional economy. This approach emphasizes transformation at every level of design and brings greater beauty and meaning to the final built work.

Team

Thomas Robinson

Founding Principal

Thomas is the Founder and Principal of LEVER Architecture. He works closely with clients to develop the design vision for each project. Prior to establishing the firm, Thomas led cultural and institutional projects for Allied Works and Herzog & de Meuron. He received an MArch from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley.

Doug Sheets

Design Director

Doug is closely involved in the conceptual development and design of LEVER projects. Part of the firm since its inception, he has played a key role in all of LEVER’s major completions. Doug’s expertise includes the design of significant institutional, educational, and creative office projects. He received a BArch from Ball State University.

Sara Martin

Development Director

Sara leads the firm’s business development, marketing, and communications efforts. She draws on 10 years of experience working in the offices of Selldorf Architects, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, SOM, and OMA/ Rem Koolhaas among others. Sara studied architecture at Smith College and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

Jonathan Heppner

Director of Projects

Jonathan has over 18 years of design and management experience working with significant civic and creative organizations. As a native Oregonian, his interest in timber detailing and construction led to his management role on Framework, the first mass timber high-rise project in the US to receive permitted approval. Jonathan holds a BArch from the University of Oregon.

Pamela Kislak

Managing Director

Pamela is responsible for the operations of LEVER Architecture. Prior to joining the firm, she spent 20 years leading marketing, strategy, and operations for growing companies. Pamela holds an MBA from the Haas School at the University of California, Berkeley and a BA from Dartmouth College.

Cecily Ryan

Director of Interiors

Cecily is an Interior Designer with 16 years of experience leading design efforts on a diverse range of project types, including corporate and creative offices, hospitality, residential, and mixed use development. She received her BFA in Interior Design from Pratt Institute.

Dannon Canterbury

Project Director

With 20 years in the field, Dannon has experience with hospitality, residential, creative office, cultural, and institutional work. He has held teaching positions in architecture and interiors at the University of Oregon. Dannon studied at the Mackintosh School of Architecture and holds a MArch from Tulane University.

Don Lee

Project Director

Don has practiced Architecture for over 20 years. He has managed an array of projects ranging from commercial high-rise and mixed-use to small residential. Prior to joining LEVER, he was a Senior Associate at Robert AM Architects in New York. He received a BFA and BArch from Rhode Island School of Design.