Business Details
11 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Design Partner in Portland, OR
Founded in 2015, Thesis Studio approaches design as a collaborative journey rooted in empathy and innovation. Our team combines architectural expertise with a deep understanding of client needs, delivering tailored solutions for residential and commercial projects of all scales. With a focus on Pacific Northwest design principles, we prioritize functionality, aesthetics, and budget-conscious creativity. Our process emphasizes active listening, weekly project walkthroughs, and seamless contractor coordination to ensure transparency and client satisfaction.We specialize in transforming spaces through adaptive reuse, modern additions, and interior design, maintaining a commitment to quality from initial concept to final execution. Our work has earned recognition for its ability to blend historical elements with contemporary design while consistently meeting deadlines and budgets. By fostering open communication and leveraging decades of combined experience, we empower clients to make informed decisions throughout every project phase.
Services
Residential Renovation
Interior Design
New Construction
Exterior Design
Commercial Projects
ADU Development
Historic Preservation
Space Planning
Contractor Coordination
Design Consultation
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We deliver projects on time and within budget through rigorous project management
- Our team combines architectural licensing with specialized interior design expertise
- We provide weekly walkthroughs and transparent communication throughout projects
- Our designers have decades of combined experience in residential and commercial architecture
- We specialize in integrating historical elements with modern design solutions
What people say
On time and budget
Creative solutions
Attention to detail
Seamless integration
Professional communication
Services
Residential Renovation
We specialize in transforming existing homes through comprehensive renovations that balance modern functionality with architectural integrity. Our team handles complete gut remodels, kitchen and bathroom updates, and structural modifications while preserving historical elements. Clients benefit from our expertise in navigating permitting processes and coordinating with trusted contractors to ensure seamless execution.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on creating cohesive, personalized spaces that reflect clients' lifestyles. We provide material selections, furniture specifications, and lighting design while maintaining functional flow. The team excels at maximizing small spaces and integrating custom solutions that enhance both aesthetics and daily usability across residential and commercial environments.
New Construction
We design and oversee the creation of new residential and commercial structures tailored to specific site conditions and client needs. Our approach emphasizes sustainable practices, innovative spatial planning, and material selection that complements the Pacific Northwest environment. From modern additions to ground-up developments, we ensure architectural harmony and long-term functionality.
Commercial Projects
Our commercial design services cater to businesses seeking functional, brand-aligned spaces that enhance customer experience. We specialize in adaptive reuse of historic buildings while incorporating modern amenities. The team provides space planning, code compliance guidance, and design solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency for retail, office, and hospitality environments.
ADU Development
We design and manage accessory dwelling unit projects that maximize property potential while meeting local zoning requirements. Our solutions include detached studios, garage conversions, and basement apartments that provide flexible living spaces. The team focuses on creating energy-efficient, code-compliant units that increase property value and address housing needs.
People
Colin Jensen
Founder & Architect
Licensed architect and University of Oregon graduate with expertise in adaptive reuse and residential design. Founded THESIS in 2015 after years of practicing at local firms while developing residential projects independently.
Andy Barlow
Head of Interior Design
Interior design specialist with experience in real estate and visual merchandising. Joined THESIS in 2018, bringing empathetic design approach and a background in freelance projects that gained national design blog recognition.
Jen Malmberg
Designer
Creative professional with fine arts and engineering background. Specializes in residential redesigns and interior styling, combining artistic vision with practical experience from diverse creative fields including graphic design and product development.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architectural design including residential renovations, new construction, commercial projects, ADUs, and interior design solutions tailored to Pacific Northwest environments.
Do you work on both residential and commercial properties?
Yes, we handle both residential and commercial projects, with expertise in historic preservation, modern additions, and adaptive reuse of existing structures.
How do you manage project timelines and budgets?
We use weekly walkthroughs, transparent communication, and experienced contractor coordination to ensure projects stay on schedule and within agreed budgets.
Can you help with design consultations remotely?
Yes, we've successfully completed projects with remote clients using digital communication tools and detailed renderings throughout the design process.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Portland, OR, including Sellwood, Council Crest, Pearl District, and surrounding neighborhoods with architectural and design services.
How do you approach historic home renovations?
We specialize in preserving historical elements while integrating modern functionality, ensuring renovations maintain original character while meeting current building standards.
Reviews (4)
Dane Teachman
Dec 28, 2021
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A quick look to any media that Thesis shares on their website or Instagram page(@thesisstudiopdx) will immediately show you the level of quality and creativity they bring to every job. I've had the immense pleasure of working with this company in a professional capacity (appliances) for a number of years now. Whether I am working with Colin or Andy, I know I am going to have an easy time with the project. They go above and beyond with every one of their clients, often times following through with making sure their clients are getting the best deal on products and services from all of their business
David Barrett
Dec 17, 2021
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In short, THESIS was incredible. Colin basically redesigned my entire house while I was away, through a series of email conversations and renderings, and its great. Everything was shockingly on time and budget, which seems absolutely impossible based upon what Ive heard from others doing major renovation projects (ie, removed and raised the roof, totally gutted everything to the studs, added a new room and even moved the kitchen, which people say you should never do). I cant recommend them enough. Their attention to detail was amazing (its impossible to tell what is new versus original
Ezekiel McFadin
Dec 16, 2021
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Ive collaborated with Colin Jensen and the team at Thesis for several years, both as a professional builder and customer. As a customer my spouse and I hired Thesis to develop drawings for an addition on our own home. We had spent 3 years planning and putting together what we thought was a very tidy, logical format. We handed it to Colin and he came back with something so different, so challenging, and so far out of the box that we literally couldnt believe it. After sitting with it for a short while, we came to embrace the new vision. After really thinking about it, we came to realize it
Ross Hayes
Dec 13, 2021
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I've had the pleasure of working with Thesis on a number of projects as both a GC, as well as a supplier from our Custom Cabinet Company. The team at Thesis is thoughtful, organized, and imaginative. I can personally attest to the care and attention each project receives and always look forward to collaborating with the team at Thesis. Whether the project be large or small, I'd strongly recommend Thesis Studio.
