(BBT Architects Team | Photo courtesy of BBT Architects)
BBT Architects was founded in 1976 here in Bend under the name Waldron Huston Barber Architects. In 1988, leadership changes involving architects Ron Barber, Jim Barrett and Todd Turner shifted the name to Barber Barrett Turner Architects, with that being shortened to “BBT” by 2002.
Since their founding, BBT Architects has helped develop Bend, Central Oregon and further regions with quality, modern style. The firm has a deep portfolio that includes more than 75 educational facilities (K-12), many higher education projects, commercial spaces that span from offices to breweries as well as many healthcare and civic-related projects.
This year, BBT announced three leadership changes to their team. Renée Alexander has been the sole owner for the last five years and is now a senior partner. Kourtney Strong has moved from associate up to managing partner while Kyle Burke has moved from associate to partner.
The leadership changes reflect the culture of BBT and the values they strive to maintain. Back when the firm was founded, the core value of the firm was to serve Central Oregon as it was a very underserved region at the time. BBT has been a Bend firm for nearly 50 years and they have had several influential architects work for them during those years. BBT is Bend based, through and through.
As BBT (and Bend) has grown, their values have evolved to address the needs of the community. Today, their values are curiosity, courage and responsibility. According to Strong, “It’s a big part of how we show up and how we operate the business. I think of curiosity and courage as two ways to ask questions and interact with clients, while responsibility dictates what we do with that info, how we implement opinions or critique and how we move forward on projects.”
Alexander pointed out an additional value that the firm holds true, “One thing that isn’t specifically called out as part of our core values but is still rooted in our practice is truly listening and understanding our clients. It’s something we really pride ourselves on and according to our clients, it’s something they really value in our process. We will always listen to try to solve our clients’ problems, address unique issues and make sure everyone is heard and respected. We make sure their dreams are achieved by hearing them out and acknowledging the unique challenges and culture surrounding each project.”
Understanding culture is a big part of what makes BBT stand out among competitors. For example, BBT is currently working with Bend Senior High School to modernize the school.
“A project like Bend High requires us to really understand who they are, what they value and what we can do to respect that and make everything work for them as best we can,” said Burke. “From a big project like Bend High to a smaller one, it comes down to us understanding how the finished project will function and how our community will use it.”
Burke said this is true especially beyond Bend and in smaller communities in Central and Eastern Oregon. “Their cultures can be very unique to them and it’ll be different from a project in Bend. It goes beyond putting blinders on and fulfilling some basic needs. We take the time to ingrain ourselves and get to know the community. We might be in a community for a bond project, like a high school, for five to eight eight years so we really get to learn who we are working with and what we can do to make their dreams happen.”
Beyond those values, BBT strives to lead the industry in sustainability. They have committed to the AIA 2030 commitment, which is a platform initiated by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions in the built environment by 2030. BBT strives to go beyond basic requirements and accolades and truly push to make a difference in their community.
BBT has been proudly women-owned for years and also has a staff that is majority female — a contrast to the statistic that only about one in four American architects are women. “Being a women owned business sets us apart in the world of architecture,” said Strong. “Having leadership and representation that understands what it is like to be a woman in this industry, who can relate to younger staff and help them develop professionally is very beneficial to everyone involved.”
Continuing, she said, “I’ve seen the industry change from a top-down structure and female leadership is allowing room for others to move up. For me, being able to mentor with Renee and past partners has really helped me understand what my trajectory is and what my options are without a glass ceiling.”
Renee pointed out another value that makes BBT special: transparency. “One thing we’ve changed quite significantly in the last few years is we are very transparent. The industry has been traditionally very top-down and hierarchical. We started quarter launches where we share financial info with the staff, get everyone involved in their work and have conversations about what the future looks like. We listen to our staff, conduct surveys and include everyone wherever we can.”
This mentality goes beyond financial discussions. Entry level design staff are involved in pitch meetings where they themselves can present their own work. Friday afternoons, the office is closed and employees are encouraged to enjoy what Bend has to offer with their friends, coworkers and families. Employees are encouraged to speak up, get involved around town and enjoy Bend for the beautiful and healthy community that it is.
“Taking care of our people means that they take care of our clients,” said Strong. “It all comes around to quality work and happy interactions for the clients.”
Looking to the future, the goal for BBT’s new leadership revolves around maintaining excellence and a healthy culture at work. For project selection, they intend to focus on projects that they feel will be a real asset for the community.
“I think the firm is in great hands for the future,” said Alexander. “I’m so very excited about these changes and I feel very confident that this firm has a great future ahead.”
