(Ribbon cutting for Cleveland Commons on January 9, 2025 | Photo courtesy of Pinnacle Architecture)
The Architect’s Role
The architecture industry continues to evolve and change. From the integration of new technology to expanded markets, Pinnacle continues to look for ways to help our clients and our communities across Oregon.
A Focus on Mental Health + Housing
Our nation is facing a severe mental health and housing crisis, impacting families, friends, and neighbors directly. In 2024, much of our focus was on developing mental health facilities and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). A highlight from 2024 is Cleveland Commons PSH in Bend, which offers 33 units with comprehensive services for medically vulnerable individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. This project was an amazing partnership between Housing Works, Shepherd’s House Ministries, FUSE, and many more.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are committed to assisting clients across Oregon in planning crisis stabilization centers, residential treatment facilities, and additional PSH projects. Many communities have the need but lack the know-how to bring these projects to fruition. Pinnacle goes beyond the traditional architect’s role and helps connect partners, operators, and funders, to the community to make these vital projects a reality.
Enhancing Public Facilities to Meet Growing Demands
Central Oregon has been one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, with population growth outpacing much of the country. This rapid expansion has put increasing pressure on public facilities, necessitating upgrades and expansions to courthouses and emergency response facilities. A significant achievement in 2024 was the completion of the new Crook County Justice Center, replacing the historic 1909 courthouse. This modern facility not only meets the current needs of the community but also supports future growth with functional, durable spaces that convey a strong civic presence.
Looking ahead to 2025, many of our public clients are planning further expansion, often driven by the need to accommodate additional staff and services. However, expansion doesn’t always mean constructing new buildings. Like in our own business, we advocate for a comprehensive approach, investing in planning and considering both current and future needs. By providing our clients with planning services, we help them reconfigure their spaces to function efficiently today while planning for future expansion, often saving them money in the process.
Doing Cool Stuff with Technology
A couple of years ago, we welcomed Matterport, a 360-degree 3D scanning camera, affectionally named “Molley”, into the Pinnacle family. Since then, she has scanned over 400,000 square feet of existing space across Oregon and Washington, producing accurate 3D models for numerous buildings. In 2024, we even helped train a client to use their own Matterport camera, assisting them in creating drawings for eight buildings, which enabled them to update their facilities masterplan and for future needs. In 2025, our goal is to continue working smarter with AI tools and explore more visualization tools to add even greater value for our clients.
We are immensely proud of our achievements in 2024 and eagerly anticipate embarking on several key projects in 2025 to enhance communities across Oregon. The past few years have highlighted the importance of flexibility and strong partnerships. Our team remains dedicated to building relationships, staying attuned to our clients’ needs, and continually seeking collaboration opportunities to further enrich our community.
Peter Baer is the principal architect and founder of Pinnacle Architecture. Founded in 1990, he has built the firm on the foundation of a solid commitment to continuous improvement and client satisfaction. His portfolio of work is vast and varied, and the theme of enhancing lives and communities has been a constant. Baer can be reached at 541-388-9897×12 or Peter@parch.biz.
