LEVER Architecture

Located in Portland, Oregon, North Portland Library renovates and expands a historic Carnegie-era library that has served the community for more than a century. Designed by LEVER in collaboration with Multnomah County Library and Noll & Tam Architects, the project was informed by more than 75 community meetings and engagement events. The completed work preserves the character of the historic building while introducing new spaces that respond to contemporary library needs.

The project includes a new cultural center addition, expanded lounge and work areas, an enlarged children’s section, flexible community spaces, and an accessible outdoor pathway with garden seating. A new visual connection links the library entrance to the cultural center, while a dedicated exterior path provides direct access from the street. The addition incorporates large windows, custom wood carvings, artwork, and furnishings that contribute to the identity of the space.

The renovation also transformed the center of the library into an expanded children’s area connected to a shared reading porch. Throughout the historic building, original plaster details, bronze fixtures, and wood windows were preserved, while new lighting, furniture, glazing, and a full seismic upgrade support the library’s long-term use.

For more information about this project, please visit: https://leverarchitecture.com/projects/north_portland_library

Photo credits: © Lara Swimmer / Esto
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Designed by LEVER in collaboration with Bora Architecture & Interiors, the Jefferson High School modernization project in Portland, Oregon is scheduled to break ground on Friday, May 29, 2026, marking the start of construction.

Portland Public Schools' Jefferson High School has served Portland students and the broader community for more than a century. The project honors the school's history while creating contemporary learning environments that support teaching, learning, and student engagement. Community outreach during the conceptual phase helped inform a design that serves students, educators, families, and alumni while establishing a foundation for the school's next chapter.

Additional project partners include Hoffman Construction Company and Colas Construction as general contractors, PLACE as landscape architect, and Colloqate and Chromatografica as cultural placemaking consultants. Renderings by Side Pixel Studio and Nephew Studio

For more information, please visit: https://leverarchitecture.com/news/news_post/levers_jefferson_high_school_project_breaks_ground

Job Opportunity | LEVER Architecture is seeking a Proposal Coordinator based in Portland, Oregon, to manage proposals and qualification packages from RFP through final delivery. The role includes collaborating with firm leadership on pursuits across cultural, civic, higher education, and affordable housing sectors.

The position involves coordinating written and visual proposal materials, maintaining marketing resources, and supporting project descriptions, resumes, awards submissions, and website updates as time allows. The role requires 2+ years of proposal experience, strong writing, editing, and graphic communication skills, and fluency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign.

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with a hybrid schedule. Applications require a cover letter, resume, and two redacted proposal samples submitted as a single PDF, with review continuing until the position is filled.

LEVER Architecture is a mid-sized design practice known for excellence and innovation in mass timber construction. With offices in Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, California, we partner with communities and institutions to create buildings that elevate the human experience.

For more information or to apply, please visit: https://leverarchitecture.com/careers/proposal_coordinator

Photo credit: © Jeremy Bittermann / JBSA
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