Bio:
The great designer ,Allison Louise Bryan, AIA is a multi-disciplinary designer with a background in both graphic design and architecture. With over 20 years of design experience, her work includes award- winning architecture and graphic design– including several years working in global retail design at Nike, Inc and display design at Urban Outfitters. From 2013-2019 she ran Open Studio Collective in Portland, OR, and is now the Creative Director at CLB Architects in Bozeman, MT.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I studied graphic design and sculpture in under- grad, while building displays for UO. I become more curious about the built environment and it’s effects on our well-being and decided to apply to graduate school for architecture.

What do you do?
I am the Creative Director at CLB Architects Bozeman Office. I help oversee the office and the creative in projects (architectural, interior archi- tecture and brand design). I also work on market- ing and new business development.
 
What excites you in the work you do?
I love building relationships -- with people and with space. I love learning what they are look- ing for to improve their daily work, home or daily existence, and figuring out how to help them get there through design.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Who or what inspires you professionally? My team, my clients. Other designers. My daughter is very creative as well---she inspires me to see the world thru fresh eyes.
 
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
1. Being a mother to a smart, strong girl.
2. Full- filling creative partnerships thus far in my career (teammates and clients) give me great joy.
3. Every day brings a different challenge, so I don’t rest on my laurels.

Featured Project Name: 
Terrace Residence
 
Featured Project Location: 
Camas, Wa
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
October 2019

Role in Featured Project: 
Design Principal
 
Featured Project Description:
The Terrace Residence was inspired by and designed for a family of twin boys. The Open Studio Collective team created a diagram of a central spine that blankets the steeply sloped site, with 2 twin bars sliding adjacent. The use of clean lines and shou sugi ban wood siding creates a very contemporary moment in a dead end drive of a very traditional subdivision. The site allows for incredible views of the surrounding Camas, WA hills and valley.

Photography Credit:
Bob Martus.
 


Featured Project Name: 
Red & Co.
 
Featured Project Location: 
Portland, OR
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
October 2019

Role in Featured Project: 
Design Principal
 
Featured Project Description:
In an industry led by predominantly white men, Red & Co. wanted a renovated office space that reflected a new way forward. It was important that the studio space feel open for connection and transparency, also allowing for meetings with new clients and colleagues. A curtain was used that allows the space to be fully open, yet also envelops the space with a womb-like feeling. This project was a collaboration with Red & Co, The Good Flock and the Open Studio Collective team.

Photography Credit:
Bob Martus.