Steele Associates Architects

05/19/2026

STEELE Associates Architects is celebrating Principal/Business Director Chanda Villano's 25th anniversary with the firm! She has been an integral part of our team and its success, and we're so glad to have her.

Chanda was an Academic All-American member of the track and cross-country teams at Idaho State University. She joined STEELE shortly after graduation and has spent most of her career here, starting as an office manager and growing into her current role as Principal/Business Director, where she leads marketing and business administration. She thrives in a wide-ranging role and genuinely loves supporting the people around her.

Outside of work, Chanda can usually be found rafting, foraging, hiking, or occasionally getting in a run. She spends a lot of time with her family, traveling to visit her daughter and cheering on her son's college lacrosse team. She's also an avid gardener who grows around 20 varieties of peppers and tomatoes — no small feat in Central Oregon. The team always looks forward to when she brings homegrown tomatoes to share.

Happy 25th Anniversary, Chanda!

04/24/2026

National Library Week feels like a fitting moment to reflect on two projects we've had the privilege of working on for the Deschutes Public Library system.

The Redmond Library, now open and recently certified LEED Platinum, was designed with the Redmond community at its center. The building is all-electric, net-zero, and topped with a rooftop solar array. The interior reflects those same community priorities: flexible meeting spaces, a dedicated teen area, creative and hands-on program spaces, and a co-working area for adults on the second floor.

Later this spring, the new Central Library in Bend opens on May 11. At nearly 100,000 square feet, it's the largest library in the district, and more than 6,000 residents had a hand in shaping it. The building nearly doubles the district's collection capacity and includes a children's discovery area, teen space, creative studios, a cafe, and solar-powered EV charging, all designed to serve Bend for generations.

Both projects reflect a shared commitment to designing spaces informed by the people who will use with them, and we're proud of what this team built together. We look forward to seeing both libraries put to use by the communities that helped shape them.

Client: Deschutes Public Library
Design Architect: The Miller Hull Partnership
Local Architect: STEELE Associates Architects
Contractor: Kirby Nagelhout Construction

04/01/2026

This year, Steele Architects celebrates 30 years in practice. Founded in 1996 in Bend, we are proud to call Central Oregon home. Surrounded by high desert, forest, mountain, and river, our work has always been shaped by a deep respect for context and community. Sustainability isn’t an add-on for us; it’s a responsibility. For three decades, we’ve approached every project with a commitment to strengthening the communities we serve and designing buildings that endure for generations.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of contributing to the fabric of our region and communities beyond it, including libraries, schools, healthcare facilities, city halls, utilities, expo centers, and more. Each project is an opportunity to listen carefully, think critically, and create architecture that is innovative, thoughtful, and reflective of the people it serves. We believe good design improves quality of life, supports environmental stewardship, and responds to the unique character of each community.

Founded by Scott Steele, the firm’s leadership has grown to include Adam Stephen, Andy Harmon, Chris Thome, Chanda Villano, and Olivia Steele. Together with our talented team, we’ve built a reputation for collaboration, integrity, and design excellence.

Thirty years later, we’re still energized by what thoughtful design can do.

Here’s to the next chapter.

03/23/2026

March brings two work anniversaries our way.

Andy Harmon is marking 11 years with us. Andy, thank you for your steady leadership and for bringing humor and warmth to the office every day.

Lucas DeCastilhos is celebrating 4 years. Lucas, thank you for your hard work and dedication, and for being such a pleasure to work with.

We're glad to have you both on the team!

03/18/2026

Bend is getting its first new library in over 20 years, and we are proud to be part of the team bringing it to life.

Deschutes Public Library has officially announced that the new Central Library will open to the public on May 11, 2026. At nearly 100,000 square feet, it's the largest library in the district, built with the community at the center of every decision. More than 6,000 residents shared their input during the planning process, and that community investment is reflected throughout the design.

Inside, you'll find flexible meeting, study and co-working spaces, an interactive children's area, dedicated teen space, hands-on creative studios, and a Thump Coffee cafe. The building also features outdoor patios and a convenient drive-thru window. Fully energy-independent with solar panels and solar-powered EV charging stations, it's designed to serve Bend for generations to come. The expanded footprint will also allow the library to double its collection and process materials more efficiently than ever before.

It has been a privilege to work alongside our design partner, The Miller Hull Partnership, and our general contractor, Kirby Nagelhout Construction, to deliver a project this meaningful to the Bend community. We look forward to seeing the doors open on May 11.

02/19/2026

Happy 2-year anniversary, Kaitlin! Your dedication to architecture is evident not only in your work, but in the way you show up for your team and community. From your involvement with Central Oregon Women in Construction to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, you embody what it means to lead with both skill and heart. We’re grateful for the energy and commitment you bring to STEELE every day.

02/12/2026

We’re honored to see the Redmond Library featured in Architect Magazine. Designed in collaboration with The Miller Hull Partnership and Deschutes Public Library, this project reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful civic spaces for the Redmond community. We’re proud to have partnered on a library that supports connection, learning, and growth for Central Oregon.

Redmond, Ore.’s new public library repositions the branch as a flexible civic hub in the city’s downtown. Designed by The Miller Hull Partnership with local firm Steele Associates for Deschutes Public Library, the two-story building more than doubles the size of the previous facility and reflect...

02/02/2026

This weekend marked Kalinda Carnahan’s 4-year anniversary with STEELE! From creating stunning interior spaces for our clients to bringing so much joy and energy into the office, Kalinda makes a lasting impact every day. Thank you for all that you do, we’re lucky to have you!

01/09/2026

Congratulations to Chris on 9 years at STEELE! From collaborating with clients and contractors to managing architectural projects, and even keeping the office fantasy football league up and running, Chris brings dedication, skill, and good energy to everything he does. We’re grateful for his many contributions and glad to have him on our team!

01/05/2026

Happy 2026! As we kick off the new year, we’re also celebrating work anniversaries for Dustin Gerkhardt and Jeffrey Hassert. Thank you both for being part of the team, we appreciate everything you do and look forward to the year ahead.