Business Details
30 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Interior Design in Portland, OR
Terraforma Architects, founded in 1996, is a Portland-based firm dedicated to creating sustainable, high-performance buildings that harmonize with the Pacific Northwest's natural environment. Our approach blends West Coast Modern design principles with innovative use of local materials, emphasizing open spaces and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in custom residential projects, commercial developments, and master-planned communities, prioritizing environmental stewardship and client collaboration. Our team, led by Principal Architect Andrew Montgomery and Interior Designer Dana Montgomery, combines technical expertise with creative vision to deliver award-winning designs that meet both functional and aesthetic needs.We maintain a client-centric process through transparent communication, budget adherence, and rigorous attention to detail, as evidenced by our LEED Platinum-certified projects and long-standing industry reputation. Our work reflects a deep understanding of regional climate and material advantages, ensuring structures age gracefully while minimizing ecological impact.
Services
Architecture
Planning
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Custom Residential
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in sustainable architectural design.
- Our team specializes in environmentally sensitive site planning and material use.
- We provide personalized service with transparent budget and timeline management.
- We excel at navigating complex environmental and zoning regulations.
- Our designs have earned prestigious LEED Platinum certifications.
Associations and certifications
- LEED
What people say
Thrills us every time
Outstanding design
Listened to our needs
Creative solutions
On budget, on schedule
Services
Architecture
Terraforma Architects creates custom residential and commercial structures that blend modern aesthetics with sustainable practices. Our designs prioritize environmental harmony, using locally sourced materials and energy-efficient systems. Clients benefit from tailored solutions that enhance property value while respecting regional landscapes and climate conditions.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on functional, eco-conscious spaces that reflect client lifestyles. We specialize in selecting non-toxic, sustainable materials and finishes while ensuring seamless integration with architectural elements. Projects range from custom residential interiors to commercial environments, all emphasizing comfort, usability, and environmental responsibility.
Sustainable Design
We specialize in environmentally responsible design strategies, including LEED certification guidance, passive solar planning, and low-impact material selection. Our approach reduces buildings' ecological footprints while optimizing energy efficiency and occupant well-being through innovative, code-compliant solutions tailored to Pacific Northwest conditions.
Custom Residential
Terraforma designs bespoke homes that balance modern minimalism with natural elements. Our process involves deep client collaboration to create personalized spaces that maximize views, natural light, and site-specific features while maintaining strict budget and timeline controls throughout the 12-16 month project cycle.
Planning
We conduct comprehensive site evaluations considering zoning laws, environmental constraints, and natural elements like sunlight and topography. Our planning services ensure optimal building placement and orientation, addressing regulatory requirements while creating designs that enhance existing landscapes and ecosystems.
People
Andrew Montgomery
Principal/Architect
With 25+ years of experience, Andrew specializes in sustainable architecture and master-planned communities. He designed the LEED Platinum-certified Maplewood Townhomes and excels at translating client visions into award-winning, environmentally conscious designs.
Dana Montgomery
Interior Designer
Dana brings 15 years of expertise in eco-friendly interior design, focusing on non-toxic materials and functional layouts. She coordinates full-service interior projects for residential and commercial clients, ensuring seamless integration with architectural elements while prioritizing client needs.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architecture, interior design, and planning for custom residential, commercial, and master-planned community projects across the Pacific Northwest.
How long does a typical residential project take?
Most custom homes take 12-16 months to complete, including design, permitting, and construction phases, depending on project complexity and market conditions.
What is your design philosophy?
We blend West Coast Modern aesthetics with sustainable practices, emphasizing natural materials, energy efficiency, and seamless integration with regional landscapes and climate.
Do you work outside the Pacific Northwest?
While based in Portland, we've completed projects in California and collaborate remotely for select clients, maintaining the same rigorous attention to detail and client communication.
How are your fees structured?
Fees range from 6-12% of estimated construction costs, divided into project phases. The rate remains fixed unless the final bid varies by more than 10% from estimates.
