(Scott Steele, Mike Hollern, Lorri Taylor and Todd Taylor | Photo courtesy of STEELE Associates Architects)
STEELE Associates Architects is celebrating a major milestone this year, marking three decades as a regional leader in sustainable architecture, master planning, and interior design, under the guiding sentiment of creating a “bright future through brilliant design.”
Founded in 1996 in Bend by “true Bendite” Scott Steele, the firm recently held a 30-year celebration at its Northwest Crossing offices, featuring a host of guests, reflecting deep professional and personal connections forged through long-standing Central Oregon design and community contributions.
STEELE Associates emphasizes a collaborative team approach and for several years has been recognized by Oregon Business Magazine as a 100 Best Company to Work for in Oregon, and a 100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon, based upon its supportive office culture, benefits, and emphasis on energy-efficient, forward-thinking built environments.
Reflecting on the company’s philosophy and impact on Central Oregon, Steele said, “We practice architecture because we are passionate about every aspect of design and understand the vast impact that it has upon quality of life, the environment, and personal and professional performance in the communities in which we design.
“Our designs are innovative, sustainable, and inspiring. We simply love what we do, and it shows in the energy and dedication that we pour into each unique project opportunity.”
STEELE Associates has honed a reputation for integrating eco-conscious design into major civic, commercial, and community structures and master plans throughout Central Oregon.
Recent examples include collaboration on major regional civic projects such as the new Deschutes Public Central Library in Bend, the Redmond Library (both with Miller Hull as design architect and STEELE as local architect), the new Sisters Ranger District campus, and commercial projects with top local developers.
Long-term clients include prominent local developers such as Kevin Spencer (Empire Construction and Development), Todd Taylor (Taylor Development) and Mike Hollern and Kirk Schueler of Brooks Resources.
The associated relationships, camaraderie, and trust are very meaningful to STEELE, which is continually collaborating on unique new projects with all three.
Steele said, “While we enjoy large public projects, we also find it fulfilling to design campuses and buildings for local agencies and businesses, so we can create beautiful, efficient interiors that are uplifting to work in and help each of them improve their business, process and product.”
He expressed pride in having played a mentorship role in nurturing other leaders within the company, including Principals Adam Stephen, Chris Thome and Andy Harmon, and Business Director Chanda Villano, who recently celebrated 25 years with the company.
Steele can lay claim to being a true Bendite, having been born at the original St Charles’ Hospital Hill site downtown on Franklin Avenue, which now houses the Newberry Hotel.
He credits his Bend Senior High School drafting teacher, Jeff Tuculet, for first sparking his interest in architecture as a potential career path, adding, “He knew I had the skills necessary and guided and inspired me to pursue architecture, which I think is a big reason why I have such respect for teachers and enjoy being involved in designing k-12 projects like Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Vale Middle School, and the new Coos Bay Elementary and Middle Schools, so much.”
After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Oregon architecture program, Steele honed his craft with Portland architectural firm MacKenzie Saito for eight years, including working on early silicon industry projects with Japanese tech companies, before returning to his hometown armed with a wealth of knowledge and experience and ready to start his own business.
He said, “We simply wanted to provide excellent service and design. My experience at MacKenzie Saito had instilled in me that in addition to great design that a good firm meets budgets and schedules as well.
“Word about our design skill, service and upbeat attitude coupled with technically sound documents and a record for meeting budgets and schedules increased our clientele rapidly.
“When we first opened, we assumed the initial projects would be small, but we were pleasantly surprised when were selected to design significant projects like Mill Point Business Campus, Sisters High School and the Deschutes County Fair & Expo, which has continued to be a huge positive economic impact in Central Oregon and exposed the area to thousands of visitors.”
The company also played a leading role in the renaissance of downtown Bend, with landmark mixed-use projects such as Franklin Crossing — the first five-story multi-use building in the city center — 919 Bond, St. Clair Place, and an expansion of the Deschutes Justice Center, creating a more vibrant, walkable downtown by infilling vacant lots with attractive urban buildings and shops.
The firm has long been known as a sustainability and renewable energy champion and utilizes a comprehensive suite of ecological engineering frameworks such as mass timber construction, and third-party certification, to reduce energy use and carbon footprints.
STEELE Associates Architects in association with Kirby Nagelhout Construction effectively brought LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification to Central Oregon.
Steele recalled, “I asked Kirby if he would co-sponsor a workshop to educate people on what LEED was, and of course, being the generous civic-minded man he was, he agreed.
“We invited over forty public and private individuals to the workshop to promote real sustainable design.
“We designed Midstate Electric, the first LEED Certified project in Central Oregon (and the first LEED Gold Certified Electric Utility in the United States), and a slew of LEED and other third-party certified sustainable projects throughout the region.
“We led the way for proven third-party certified energy-efficient sustainable projects. We felt it was important to cut through the unfortunate ‘greenwash’ marketing that hitherto was claiming energy efficiency and sustainability without any documented proof.”
The firm’s sustainable design leadership and expertise has been recognized by multiple awards and its range of projects includes custom homes, mixed-use, senior, healthcare, aviation, tech, industrial, commercial/retail, city halls, libraries, multi-family, and master planning.
Steele observed, “Some firms focus on specialization, but we love the variety of our projects.”
Principal Architect Adam Stephen said, “I am proud to have been part of the STEELE team for 13 of the firm’s 30 years, with many more to come.
“Reaching a milestone like this doesn’t happen by chance. It takes great people, strong client relationships, and the opportunity to work on meaningful projects. It has been rewarding to play a role in Central Oregon’s growth while working alongside exceptional colleagues, contractors, and clients.”
Thome echoed Stephens’ sentiments, saying: “Creating a bright future through brilliant design” is more than a motto; it is a prediction fulfilled by 30 years of successful design work.
“Such longevity is not accomplished on a whim. It requires hard work, deep financial and business acumen, and award-winning execution.
“Furthermore, success relies on a diversified project portfolio and active community service and involvement.
“We are especially thankful to the clients who have placed their confidence in us, many of whom have returned to work with us time and again. We are equally grateful for our dedicated team, whose passion for thoughtful, sustainable design continues to define who we are and what we stand for.”
Harmon added, “While thirty years is an important moment to reflect on where we’ve been, it is also an opportunity to look ahead.
“Architecture continues to evolve, bringing innovative technologies, new challenges, and new opportunities. We embrace that future with optimism and enthusiasm, and our commitment remains the same: to provide exceptional design, outstanding service, and enduring value for every client and community we serve.”
Villano said, “This milestone reflects our commitment to our employees, our clients, and our community. As one of STEELE’s longest tenured employees I have seen the relationships we have fostered across every aspect of our business serve as the cornerstone of our success.
“Although it may be cliché, it is the little things that no one sees that contribute to our success, whether we are improving neighborhoods and quality of life through efficient design, supporting the personal and professional growth of our employees, or supporting our local businesses and charities.
“Each project is an opportunity to listen carefully, think critically, and create architecture that is innovative, thoughtful, and reflective of the people it serves. We believe good design improves quality of life, supports environmental stewardship, and responds to the unique character of each community.”
While the majority of STEELE Associates’ work is in Central, and other areas, of Oregon, the company’s service region includes the western and southwestern states of Montana, Idaho, Arizona, California, Washington and Utah. With offices in Bend and St. George, Utah, the firm can easily service projects all over the western states.
As firm believers in a responsibility to give back to the communities it serves, the company has supported many organizations and activities as well as donating cash and pro bono services to charitable organizations over the years, including designing three veterans’ memorials.
Steele said, “We have been blessed and fortunate and we believe the future holds even greater opportunities to nurture existing relationships, forge strong new ones, and improve businesses, economies, and communities through brilliant design. We love it, we thrive on it and we look forward to it.”
