Observation Studio

is a full-service architecture and interiors firm based in Portland, Oregon. Our philosophy is one of productive tension—between lyricism and technique; texture and clarity; generosity and precision. We seek with every project to understand the often multiple narratives and desires that drive each client, and to transform those drives into built space.

We have chosen the Pacific Northwest as our permanent home, and are continually and newly inspired by its extraordinary landscapes and vibrant communities. Drawing on founder Chris Brown’s history working with regionally-inflected architects like Marlon Blackwell and formally-innovative architects like Brad Cloepfil, we see great richness where we are, and work both locally and nationally to harness the qualities we see here. Our architecture is one of understanding and generosity. We are deeply steeped in the history of craftsmanship and the Pacific Northwest’s design legacy, whether in the historic culture of a specific materiality, or contemporary craft approaches.

Our work seeks to marry the subtle and the rustic; the narrative and the formal. We begin each project by finding its fundamental question, and then proposing and re-proposing possible answers to that question. We have completed state-of-the-art wineries; cultural facilities; live/work spaces; and finely detailed residences. Each project has given us a new understanding of the importance of material selection, orientation, program, and curiosity, and each has led us to form new and lasting relationships with local builders, artists, clients, and craftspeople.

We have been the recipient of numerous accolades, including Architectural Record’s storied Design Vanguard program, and multiple AIA awards.

Chris Brown

Founder/Principal

Raised in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Chris earned a Bachelors of Architecture from the University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture, receiving traveling fellowships to study internationally in Rome, Italy and Mexico City, Mexico. After completing those studies, Chris traveled and practiced extensively throughout Southeast Asia and Europe, ultimately working in several internationally recognized design practices—Marlon Blackwell Architects and Allied Works Architecture, where he led numerous significant civic, institutional, and residential projects from concept design through construction.

As a founding principal of Observation Studio, Chris brings his extensive experience and sensitive design approach to every project, creating thoughtful spaces with tactile materials and abundant natural light.

Chris also teaches graduate design studios at the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Environment, serves on design juries, and is a member of the Professional Advisory Board at the University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.

Education
University of Arkansas, Fay Jones School of Architecture Bachelor of Architecture, Magna Cum Laude

Professional Registration and Affiliation
Licensed Architect in Oregon, Washington
Adjunct Professor, University of Oregon School of Architecture and Environment
Member, AIA
Member, Professional Advisory Board, University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture
Member, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

  • Since returning to Portland in 2019, Dillon Phillips has served as Project Architect for many of the studio’s key projects. As a Texas native and Allied Works alumnus, Dillon has a special interest in folk art, material innovation, and environmental stewardship. He previously served as an agricultural volunteer with the Peace Corps in Madagascar and is presently on the Executive Board for the Ko-Falen Cultural Center in Portland.

    Education:

    Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Architecture

    University of Houston, Master of Architecture

  • Ben received his M.Arch from the University of Virginia in 2021 graduating honors and several awards, including the Alpha Rho Chi Award, after which he joined the faculty to teach advanced research studios and pursue his own research. Ben's work has been presented in a wide range of exhibitions and symposia, including the 2021 Venice Biennale. He graduated Cum Laude from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon in 2015.

    Education:

    Lewis and Clark College, Bachelor of Environmental Studies (sculpture/ceramics)

    University of Virginia, Master of Architecture

Staff

Brent Linden
Sarah Rousey
Hutch Landfair
Elizabeth Carmody
Jason Argyropoulos
Jared Abraham
Selena Linkous
Adam Monkaba
Ethan Zagorec-Marks

Previous Collaborators

Press

2024 Residential Design Magazine Award—
Tonal House

2024 Residential Design Magazine Award—
4015 Studio

2023 Fay Jones School of Architecture Alumni Honor Award—
Sequitur Winery

2023 AN Best Of Commercial Hospitality—
Sequitur Winery

2023 Oregon AIA Honor Award—
Sequitur Winery

2023 Architectural Record Design Vanguard Award Winner—
Linden, Brown Architecture Firm Award

2023 Residential Design Magazine Honor Award—
Gradient House and Studio

2022 Oregon AIA Honor Award—
Gradient House and Studio

2022 Fay Jones School of Architecture Alumni Honor Award—
Gradient House and Studio

Awards