history

Spearheaded by architect Robert Hastings, FAIA, the “Oregon, By Design” effort is one of only a handful in the U.S. promoting design as a stimulus for economic a, environmental and social development. 

Initially in collaboration with the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, and currently with Resources Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) at the Univeristy of Oregon, its research was funded by an Oregon Community Foundation grant. Monies from the Van Evera and Janet Bailey Fund underwrote the effort; Van Evera Bailey was an architect in the mid-20th century who believed the built and natural environments should work together as distinguishing features of Oregon.

In its first phase, the grant funded Hastings’ efforts to travel and meet with stakeholders around the state and abroad to learn about local challenges and opportunities and then develop a policy framework to address them. 

Hastings developed the Oregon, By Design concept after studying other countries that have successfully created national policies to increase their global competitiveness by raising the standard of design while creating jobs and making communities more livable.

He researched and visited Brazil, Scotland, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, The Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Wales, England, and Canada.

An architect for more than 30 years, Hastings draws on his 10 years of experience leading the Oregon Design Conference, a statewide gathering of architects, building industry, and innovators. He is a fellow in the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and past president of AIA/Oregon, and AIA/Portland chapters. He also attained extensive knowledge and skills working with communities, businesses, and local government as TriMet’s Agency Architect for 20 years.

 Now retired from TriMet, this is a part-time, volunteer endeavor for Hastings, who pursues the Oregon, By Design initiative in his off-hours.