((L-R) Ryan Cain, Briana Manfrass and Jessica Biel | Photo Courtesy of Pinnacle Architecture)
Pinnacle Architecture is a local architecture firm that provides planning and feasibility studies, interior design, sustainable design/certification support, and fundraising support such as NOFA assistance, along with the high-quality architectural services that they have become known for. Their portfolio includes civic, education, senior living, behavioral health, healthcare and housing projects.
Pinnacle was founded by Peter Baer in the fall of 1990. With a $1,500 investment and a basement, Baer founded his firm, during a recession, while having a baby on the way. Baer was motivated with a dream to create a firm that not only designed buildings but also left a long-term positive impact on his community. “Just a few months after starting the firm, Baer hired his first employee and moved into a small office on Third Street in Bend,” said a spokesperson for Pinnacle. “This marked the beginning of Pinnacle’s growth. The firm quickly garnered a reputation for excellence, securing its first projects through word of mouth and community connections. From single-family homes to public buildings, Baer’s human approach and dedication to quality set Pinnacle apart from the start.”
Reflecting back on the years, Pinnacle’s leadership said that one of the biggest lessons learned is the importance of relationships. “Relationships are at the root,” they said. “From clients and consultants to vendors, bankers and lawyers, creating strong, trusting relationships has been essential in adapting and expanding our business.”
While Pinnacle’s commitment to high-quality design and customer service has helped them stand apart from competitors, it is a foundational belief within the company that their most valuable assets are their people. “Being a mission-oriented firm has attracted a highly empathetic and human-centered group of people eager to support our clients’ missions. You will find that our team values community enhancement and local relationships just as much as architectural design trends,” a spokesperson for Pinnacle said. “Since our inception, we have been guided by the principles of integrity, social responsibility, and collaboration. These values have been the foundation of our projects and have helped establish our reputation as a trusted full-service design firm. From trauma-informed behavioral health centers to dignified, affordable housing communities, our work demonstrates a deep commitment to designing spaces that allow users to thrive and make a positive impact on the community in which they are placed.”
After years of exceptional community service, Baer retired from Pinnacle in January of 2025.
A spokesperson for Pinnacle said, “The firm is welcoming an exciting chapter in its rich history with a new ownership group — Briana Manfrass, Jessica Biel, and Ryan Cain. Briana will continue to guide our vision, nurture relationships, and forge meaningful connections to ensure the success of our clients’ projects. Jessica, vice president, oversees finance, human resources, marketing, and IT operations, ensuring alignment with the firm’s long-term strategy. Ryan, principal, Pinnacle’s Architect of Record, focuses on quality control and staff development, enhancing Pinnacle’s legacy of excellence.”
This new leadership beckons a new chapter for the firm; one that maintains the firm’s commitment to equality and accessibility. “Just like any industry, architecture has not been an easy space for women to succeed,” said the spokesperson from Pinnacle. “But with a firm founded on community enhancement and equity, inclusion was organically part of Pinnacle’s culture. That is not to say that the firm has not intentionally incorporated equity into processes, but the effort came naturally. The humble nature of our founder who was a continual learner created a culture focused on listening and understanding — this requires the perspectives of all kinds of people with varying lived experiences.”
Continuing, they said, “We believe that true innovation and growth stem from diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership. Traditionally, architectural firms have been led exclusively by licensed architects. While this ensures technical expertise, it can also limit the breadth of ideas and leadership styles within the firm. By intentionally including non-licensed professionals in our leadership team, Pinnacle embraces a broader range of skills, experiences, and viewpoints. This diversity fosters creativity and drives more holistic decision-making, which ultimately benefits our projects and clients.”
Going into a future with new leadership, Pinnacle’s commitment to exceptional customer service and high-quality design remains unchanged. The new leadership is looking forward to expanding the firm’s expertise and geographical reach.
Speaking on the future of the firm, the spokesperson said, “Together, this dynamic trio is poised to lead Pinnacle into the future, building on the strong foundation laid by our predecessor. Our long-term focus is on creating a resilient firm that adapts and positively contributes to our changing world through the built environment and the services we provide. We aim to leverage technology to enhance our craft, seek ways to be better stewards of our environment, and support our staff so they can thrive. As we embark on this new chapter, we invite our clients, partners, and community members to join us on this exciting journey. While our ownership may be changing, our mission and values remain unwavering.”
