News
Healthcare of the Future: Access, Affordability and Equity
As we all know, the world has changed a lot in the last few years. We’ve seen a pandemic go from being an issue for a few people to affecting almost everyone on the planet. We’ve seen how quickly things can change, and how quickly our lives can be upended. But what got us through … Read More >
Silverton Medical Center Expansion Project Breaks Ground
The CKA team is ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with the wonderful staff of Legacy Silverton Medical Center on their $35M expansion project. Alongside staff, donors, and folks from the community, the CKA team celebrated the groundbreaking of the $35M expansion project. Learn more about this project: Groundbreaking at Silverton
A Look Back: Student Health Center
Community engagement is an important part of the design and construction process. Our project at Portland State University is a great example of how we worked with students, faculty, and staff to foster an environment that increases wellness on campus. Here’s a look back at this facility that continues to serve as a locus for … Read More >
Evon Presents Her Fellowship Project to Oregon Designers
This year at the annual AIA Oregon Design Conference, Evon Calabrese presented her fellowship project “A Built Environment for Mental Wellness”. The theme this year was ‘LINK’ which included speakers who explored the various ways that architecture connects us to our daily lives. A topic that Evon is well-versed in. In the photo here she … Read More >
Samaritan Golf Scramble Fun
We had a fun time at the annual Samaritan Golf Scramble where proceeds offer patients across Benton, Lincoln, and Linn counties assistance with medical bills, transportation, prescriptions, groceries, rent, and utilities. The program is available to patients who have demonstrated financial need. Oftentimes, these out-of-pocket expenses are seen as a barrier to accessing health care. … Read More >
A Look Back: Big Box Adaptive Reuse
Repurposing a former Circuit City store into a health care facility can be quite a design challenge, but was a real opportunity for Willamette Family Medical Center (WFMC Health), a non-profit medical clinic, to expand and realize cost savings for many years to come. CKA was excited by the adaptive reuse challenges and because of … Read More >
MultiCare Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Last week we attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was held to officially open two projects we designed at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital located in Puyallup, WA: The Gordon Family Education Center and the Substance Treatment and Recovery Training (START) inpatient unit. The new education center provides a space for care teams to learn and grow, … Read More >
Spring Teambuilding 2022
There’s nothing quite like hurling an axe at a target to help you get to know your coworkers better. Every Spring we hold a teambuilding event and this year we headed out to learn how to throw axes. We had a ton of fun learning the basics and then did some friendly team competitions. Our … Read More >
A Look Back: Replacement Clinic
We love looking back at our challenging projects and the ways we helped our clients create spaces that support their work. Whether we’re tackling a large-scale project or something small scale, we approach it with the same enthusiasm and dedication, because we want our clients to feel like they’ve been heard and that their needs … Read More >
Inside Active Cost Management Strategies
As healthcare architects, we’re committed to ensuring that value, cost, schedule and constructability are all basic components of the design criteria. We engage in what we call Active Cost Management strategies (ACM), which allows our clients to be actively involved in evaluating and refining project costs throughout the design process. A great example of how … Read More >
Welcome Back Ben Taylor
We are pleased to announce that Ben Taylor has (re)joined Clark/Kjos Architects as a Project Manager! Ben has worked in architecture for over 17 years, beginning his career at Clark/Kjos and moving on to be a Design Director at a major health system and a project architect for many projects in the healthcare, institutional, and … Read More >
Design Resource Highlight
We can’t say enough good things about The Center for Health Design’s Knowledge Repository resource. The Repository is a long-term, continually expanded library that brings together key resources within the health design community. It features resources provided by industry leaders regarding a variety of topics, including strategies, programs, and services related to healthcare design. The … Read More >
National Kidney Awareness Month
As National Kidney Month comes to a close, we wanted to share some insights we’ve gained from our work with dialysis clinics. One of the most important things we’ve learned is that kidney disease is deeply personal for everyone who has it. And that’s why these facilities need to be designed with both the patients … Read More >
A Day of Pie
We love Pie Day around here and are lucky to have a couple of ‘Pie Guys’ in the office who love to bake them. Scot Jahn brought in a vegan pumpkin pie — which was delicious and Scott Combs brought in his classic cherry pie along with his amazing chocolate buttermilk pie. Needless to say, … Read More >
A Fun Way To Bring The Community Together
A vibrant, positive mural was unveiled at Kaiser Permanente’s Interstate Medical Center and we couldn’t be more proud of the outcome. This bold and bright mural project was a meaningful one to us because it conveys an uplifting message that celebrates diversity and encourages engagement in the community. It brings art to an unexpected place … Read More >
We Have a New Team Member
Meet one of our newer staff members, Ben Stewart. Ben holds an architectural degree from the University of Arizona and has previous experience working on healthcare, civic, and K-12 projects. He is interested in how the built environment influences the thoughts, actions, and health of its occupants, and he seeks design solutions that benefit both … Read More >
A Look Back: Adolescent Behavioral Health
When a child or teen is going through a mental health crisis, knowing where to turn can be overwhelming. Tacoma General’s Adolescent Behavioral Health unit is the first and only inpatient program in Pierce County designed specifically to help teens facing mental health crisis and its helping families face those challenges with expertise, compassion and … Read More >
On The Boards in 2022
With a wide range of healthcare projects, Clark/Kjos continues to attract new business. We often work with repeat clients and get referrals from our past clients. We feel this reflects our core values as we always strive to exceed our client’s expectations. Here’s a sample of the projects we currently have ‘on the boards’ at … Read More >
A Look Back: Hood River Memorial Hospital
Healthcare Planning is about helping our clients develop a larger vision for their facilities, which translates into solid, long-term decisions. It’s not just about getting a building built. It’s about getting the right building built. Here’s a look back at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital- a Critical Access Hospital that hired us to develop a … Read More >
Congratulations to Adam McSorley
Clark/Kjos Architects is pleased to announce that Adam McSorley has been named our newest associate. Adam has been a valuable member of our team since 2016 and his promotion is well deserved. We look forward to the many great things he will continue to bring to our firm and to our projects! Adam is a … Read More >
Public Service Project of the Year
Look what we got in the mail the other day! What a great feeling it is to have our hard work recognized. We strive to satisfy all of our clients’ needs, and this award is just one way that we know we have accomplished that goal. This project was a new clinic for long-term client … Read More >
A Look Back: Wallowa Memorial Hospital
To celebrate 30 years in business, throughout the year we will be sharing some of our favorite projects that show how all of our years in business have added up to something special. Here’s a look back at the first project we completed at Wallowa Memorial Hospital where the architecture resembles a lodge that provides … Read More >
The ‘why’ behind our work
Clark/Kjos Architects is celebrating our 30th anniversary in business this year, and we look forward to continuing our mission to create better healthcare environments for the organizations and the people we serve. Since our inception, we have been bridging the gap between facilities, people, and technology to help healthcare organizations create the best possible experience … Read More >
Now Hiring a Job Captain
Clark/Kjos Architects seeks problem-solvers, responsibility-seekers, creative forces, and people-people. We aim to add a Job Captain to our talented team in the heart of Portland. This position is best suited to those who value making a positive impact on the world, working with others collaboratively, active listening, and rolling up their sleeves. Specifically, we are … Read More >
Holiday Party 2021
We had a wonderful time this year at our office holiday party and managed to catch up on some much-needed socializing. We took over an entire restaurant space at a nearby hotel that had high ceilings and plenty of room for us to move around comfortably. The food was great, the company was even better … Read More >
We Have A New Team Member
Evon is a design professional who recently joined our team and is working to help create engaging healthcare spaces. At CKA she is our Evidence-Based Design/Research Lead, assisting our teams by researching and evaluating evidence from other facilities, as well as leading research projects with a focus on the impact of design on human health … Read More >
The Holidays Are Here!
The holidays are officially here and it’s back to our CKA traditions! We love decorating our office during the holidays so last week dusted off our ornaments and spent some time decking out our halls. We also made some giant snowflakes for our windows using recycled drawings. It’s been fun getting back to pre-pandemic CKA … Read More >
DJC Top Projects 2021: Outside In
Published in DJC Oregon, November 15, 2021: Since 1968, Outside In has provided a safe, supportive and inclusive place for health care in Portland, along with services to help the underserved and people experiencing homelessness achieve independence. The recently completed East Clinic expands its service to support the Gresham/Rockwood community. The new 6,200-square-foot clinic features … Read More >
Design Lessons learned for Future Pandemics
As we have all learned from COVID-19, even with all of the medical advancements in our society, we are all affected by the consequences of a pandemic. Healthcare systems and organizations especially have had to develop programs to identify transmission risks and mitigate them quickly. This is particularly true for hospitals, which are vulnerable to … Read More >
Expansion lets University Health Services grow with the University of Oregon
The newly renovated and expanded University Health Services, which houses the University of Oregon’s health Center, was designed to be more than just a building; it was designed to help students through some of their toughest moments. The facility’s design focuses on human interactions, encouraging students to turn to the health center for all their … Read More >
Welcome Shawn Fernandez
We are excited to introduce Shawn Fernandez, our new Office Manager. She has extensive experience in accounting, human resources, and financial management. Her years of proven leadership and knowledge in business administration, coupled with her enthusiasm to help people, make her the perfect fit for this role. Welcome Shawn!
Connie Ables is Retiring
For those who don’t already know, we have big retirement news to share about Connie Ables! As an integral part of Clark/Kjos’ success for almost three decades, Connie has decided to transition into retirement. We are beyond grateful for the many contributions she has made to Clark/Kjos over the years and we are really going … Read More >
Come Grow With Us!
Come grow with us! If you love solving problems and finding new ways to do things– and most importantly, you love doing it with a team of creative, experienced professionals who rally around a shared purpose– then you’ll thrive at Clark/Kjos. Specifically, we are looking for experienced Project Architects with the ability and the interest … Read More >
Elements of Design
A Closer Look at Real-Time Rendering Accurate renderings are one of the most essential tools an architect can use to help clients visualize a concept. An informed client makes better decisions because they have an increased understanding of the design while it is still “on paper;” otherwise, they may be surprised when they see the … Read More >
September Cycle Bike Challenge Results
September Cycle 2021 bike challenge is officially over and we rode some serious miles placing us 6th place nationwide and 8th place globally for our staff size! The best part of the challenge for us was that it encouraged us to ride to different places, go on long bike tours, and get some extra exercise … Read More >
Fall Team Building 2021
Last Friday we rebooted our Annual Fall Teambuilding event with a good old game of disc golf. The weather was fantastic that day and it was just a really nice way to spend an afternoon together outside. A special teambuilding kudos goes to ‘The Airbenders’ for working together and going above and beyond when they … Read More >
Public Service Project of the Year
Celebrations are in order! Outside In’s East Clinic celebrated its one-year anniversary AND was named ‘Public Service Project of the Year’ by the Daily Journal of Commerce Top Projects annual awards event! We are humbled by Outside In’s passion, commitment, and commitment to quality healthcare for patients in the most underserved parts of our community. … Read More >
Welcome Back Alex!
Bike month is here! How do we know it’s going to be even more awesome this year than it has been in the past? Because this month we are welcoming back Alex Hill from his own epic Summer coast-to-coast bike ride and his trip across the country has been inspiring to us all. One of … Read More >
Staff member receives honor for design competition
A shoutout goes to one of our newest staff members, Uran Sokoli, for receiving an honor in the AISC/ACSA 2021 Steel Design Student Competition. The competition recognizes eleven projects, in two categories, with Uran’s design aiming to reinvigorate interest in the public bathhouse through a contemporary conceptual typology. Read more about his winning design and … Read More >
Great attendance at Cottage Grove Health Clinic
Great attendance today at Cottage Grove Health Clinic as officials, including Congressman Peter DeFazio, toured the physical space of the existing clinic and took the virtual tour we created of the future clinic. Proud to be a part of the planning process for this important project and excited to be involved in this community health … Read More >
Clark/Kjos Cleanup Crew Does it Again
Thank you to SOLVE and the Clark/Kjos cleanup crew. We came together and helped clean up the streets, sidewalks, and alleyways of our city today. More about the event from SOLVE’s website: Detrash Portland connects like-minded volunteers who want to tackle the issue of litter in Portland. Each week, we support events throughout the city, provide … Read More >
Meet Our Newest Team Members
We are so happy to be expanding our team at this time and are pleased to welcome additional staff members Charles Westerholm , Teresa Kruse, Rebecca Kiefer and Rich Bonewits II, AIA! They each bring a wide range of strengths and we’re proud to introduce them as valuable additions. Help us welcome them to the … Read More >
Summer Picnic 2021
A few weeks ago, we hosted our annual summer picnic for all our staff and their families! It was a fun afternoon reconnecting with everyone at beautiful Sellwood Park, while enjoying some great food truck lunch from KOi Fusion and live music from Jet Black Pearl. It sure felt good to see everyone again in … Read More >
New Staff Photos
It was nice to see eachother in the office again the other day as we updated staff photos. Stay tuned to see our new staff photos! Thanks PhotosbyKim
Now Hiring: Project Designer
You belong in healthcare architecture — we can prove it. Architects are needed in clinical and non-clinical settings across the country, and the field of healthcare is rapidly growing. We offer excellent opportunities for career growth and skills development and have a passion for improving patient experiences through the built environment. Job Postings can be … Read More >
Wallowa Memorial Medical Clinic Timelapse Video
The new Wallowa Memorial Clinic located in Joseph, Oregon has been built and has begun seeing patients. In this video you can watch the facility grow from the ground up, from construction through completion with a beautiful timelapse. This new clinic is a great addition to the Wallowa community.
Halloween 2020
It was nice to see everyone at our virtual happy hour last week. We had some laughs while sharing Halloween photos from our past, and even a few of us dressed up! Wishing you a fun-filled, safe, and spooky Halloween tomorrow.
Valentine’s Day 2020
We Heart VR! As a team, we’re all about keeping things light and fun. The first Friday of every month, we like to do something fun at the end of the day as a way to unwind and get our creative juices flowing. This past Friday was Valentine’s Day theme that was accompanied with VR … Read More >
The Perfect Reception
Did you know that the initial experience at the reception desk often shapes the customer’s impression of an organization? It’s true! The first impression is the last impression, and we know from our own work as healthcare designers that even seemingly small details like the space around the reception desk can have a big impact … Read More >
Sensitive Landscaping Brings Healing Power To Healthcare Buildings
We all know sensitively designed gardens and landscaping brings healing power to any healthcare building. A great example of this is the Japanese-style garden at Samaritan Lebanon community hospital- a project we collaborated with landscape architect Kurisu over a decade ago. It’s a beautiful 11,000 square foot garden and is featured in a book “Visionary … Read More >
Thinking Inside the Box
Q: How can we make healthcare more convenient, accessible, and affordable, while at the same time helping to fill up the growing inventory of large vacant buildings around the country? A: By taking healthcare out of the most expensive buildings—hospitals–and placing it in lower-cost structures in local communities, bringing care closer to populations. The world … Read More >
Safer health care environments by design
Health care environments can and are being designed to prevent injury, minimize human error, and actually promote improved health and safety. This article shows risk managers how evidence-based design is reducing medication error, staff injury, infection rates, patient falls, and more. Research knowledge can contribute to effective design solutions by simply clarifying a safety problem … Read More >
Hidden Design Innovation
Probably no area of a hospital is more densely packed with infrastructure than the ceilings of operating rooms and interventional radiology rooms. Structurally, this includes supports for monitor and equipment booms, patient lifts, surgical lights, and ceiling-mounted radiology equipment such as C-arms, which can be movable on a track system throughout the room. The need … Read More >
IIDA Award Recipient
Clark/Kjos Architects is excited to announce that it has been named a winner of the International Interior Design Association’s 6th annual IIDA Healthcare Interior Design Competition. The competition honors and celebrates outstanding originality and excellence in the design of healthcare interior spaces. Clark Kjos Architects was recognized in the category of Hospitals – Psychiatric, for … Read More >
Staff POD Designs featured at Portland Art Museum
[May 19, 2017] Opening this weekend—new POD designs in an exhibit that features John Yeon called “Quest for Beauty: The Architecture, Landscapes, and Collections of John Yeon”. Two of Clark/Kjos staff have their designs in the exhibit and marks the second phase of a POD initiative where local architects designed and constructed 14 tiny house … Read More >
Sushi Time
We love having team-building opportunities and our sushi team-building event was unlike any other. Our quality of life committee brought in a chef to teach us about the art of sushi making and to give us some hands-on experience using non-traditional ingredients. We then split into several teams, each with a different challenge such as … Read More >