Sn.architecture, llc

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Sn.architecture, llc No theatrics—just clear thinking, honest communication, and design that works when it’s built.

Practical architecture, realistic solutions, and a straightforward process from first conversation to finished space.

Now comes the fun part.The existing conditions work is complete, which means we're officially kicking off schematic desi...
07/31/2026

Now comes the fun part.

The existing conditions work is complete, which means we're officially kicking off schematic design for this 1920s Portland renovation.

This is where everyone gets around the table—the homeowners, interior designer, contractor, and me—to start exploring ideas. We talk through how the family actually lives in the house, what's working, what isn't, and what opportunities the home gives us.

I love this stage because nobody has all the answers yet. The best designs usually come from lots of conversations, sketching ideas, asking "what if?", and occasionally deciding that the first idea wasn't actually the best one.

My job is to help bring all of those ideas together into a design that's beautiful, practical, and realistic to build.

Looking forward to sharing more as the design develops.

I've been a little quiet over here lately... and that's usually a good sign.It means I've been spending my evenings and ...
07/28/2026

I've been a little quiet over here lately... and that's usually a good sign.

It means I've been spending my evenings and weekends doing the actual work.

Before I can design a single new wall, I spend hours measuring, photographing, and documenting the existing home. It's a bit like detective work—figuring out how the house was built, what has changed over the last hundred years, and where the surprises might be hiding.

Sometimes that detective work even means a little exploratory demolition.

With the homeowner's approval, the contractor and I opened a few carefully selected areas to answer some important questions: Was this wall originally an exterior wall? What's hiding behind the finishes? How was this portion of the house framed? Spending an hour investigating now can save days of redesign later and helps ensure the final design is based on what actually exists—not assumptions.

I'm currently wrapping up the existing conditions documentation for this beautiful 1920s Portland home, and it's been a fun one. Every older house has its own story, and understanding that story is what leads to thoughtful, practical design.

Good design starts with good information.

I'm looking forward to sharing more as this project moves through design.

Hiring an architect usually isn’t some dramatic “grand reveal” moment.Most of the work is actually conversations, proble...
05/14/2026

Hiring an architect usually isn’t some dramatic “grand reveal” moment.

Most of the work is actually conversations, problem solving, revisions, coordination, and figuring out what makes the most sense for the site, budget, code requirements, and how you actually want to use the space.

Sometimes that means refining the original idea. Sometimes it means realizing you don’t need as much as you thought you did.

Good design isn’t just about how something looks on paper—it’s about making sure it works in real life.

Most projects don’t need theatrics.They need clear thinking, honest communication, and design that still works once real...
05/12/2026

Most projects don’t need theatrics.

They need clear thinking, honest communication, and design that still works once real life, budgets, code requirements, and construction all get involved.

A lot of architecture happens in the problem-solving stage—not just the pretty rendering stage—and honestly, that’s one of the parts I enjoy most.

Design isn’t a straight line.Projects don’t go from idea to finished without changes along the way.There are always revi...
05/04/2026

Design isn’t a straight line.

Projects don’t go from idea to finished without changes along the way.

There are always revisions—code requirements, cost considerations, and real-world decisions that shape the design as it develops.

That’s not a setback. That’s the process.

The goal is to improve the design without losing what made it work in the first place—so what gets built actually works.

It’s not about getting it perfect on paper—it’s about getting it right in real life.

Most people don’t start a house with a gambrel roof anymore.This one did.It started as a shop with a small apartment abo...
04/30/2026

Most people don’t start a house with a gambrel roof anymore.

This one did.

It started as a shop with a small apartment above it—but code had other plans. We reworked it into a full residence without losing what made the original idea work.

Same intent. Better outcome.

And yes—there were a few rounds of revisions to get there. That’s part of the job.

(Rendering shown — project in progress)

Most people start with size when planning a garage or shop.What matters more is how it fits into your actual life—how yo...
04/24/2026

Most people start with size when planning a garage or shop.

What matters more is how it fits into your actual life—how you get in and out, how you use it every day, and how it might change over time.

A well-designed space works with you, not just around you.

The Smith Accessory Structure - Sandy, OregonA garage, shop, and storage building designed to sit naturally alongside th...
04/22/2026

The Smith Accessory Structure - Sandy, Oregon

A garage, shop, and storage building designed to sit naturally alongside the house — not just a dropped-in metal building.

The project prioritizes function first, with space for RV storage, vehicles, and workshop use, while keeping the form and materials consistent with the existing home.

Phase one is now complete, with the primary structure and exterior shell in place. Phase two — mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design and installation — is next, followed by interior build-out and finishes. The lofted level is designed with potential future ADU use in mind.

Designed by Sn.architecture, llc
Built by Baurer Construction and Flooring
Photos by Addie Mannan

Most projects don’t need theatrics—they need design that actually works when it’s built.We think through structure, sequ...
04/20/2026

Most projects don’t need theatrics—they need design that actually works when it’s built.

We think through structure, sequencing, and how things come together in the real world—not just how they look on paper.

That’s the difference.

This is Chris Wiese.Mostly behind the scenes at sn.architecture, Chris is the steady voice that keeps things grounded.He...
04/17/2026

This is Chris Wiese.

Mostly behind the scenes at sn.architecture, Chris is the steady voice that keeps things grounded.

He’s the sounding board, the reality check, and a big part of making sure ideas turn into something that actually works.

He's also married to Sean.

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Gresham, OR
97080

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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