Sixteen years of designing spaces that matter. Rooted in Portland, reaching beyond.
Forma Architecture Studio was founded in 2008 by Elena Vasquez with a clear conviction: architecture should serve the people who inhabit it and the environment that surrounds it. What began as a two-person practice in a converted warehouse has grown into a studio of twelve architects, designers, and thinkers.
Over sixteen years, we have designed more than 120 projects across the Pacific Northwest, from single-family residences to civic landmarks. Each one reflects our commitment to human-centered design, material honesty, and environmental responsibility.
Our work has earned national recognition, but the measure we value most is simpler: do the people who use these spaces love being in them?
A multidisciplinary team united by curiosity, rigor, and a shared belief in the power of thoughtful design.
With over twenty years of experience and a Master's from Harvard GSD, Elena leads the studio's design vision. Her work bridges the poetic and the pragmatic, creating architecture that is both deeply felt and precisely executed.
James brings a background in structural engineering and computational design to Forma. He oversees the technical development of every project, ensuring that bold design ideas are grounded in buildable, sustainable reality.
Sofia manages client relationships and project delivery with meticulous attention to schedule, budget, and craft. Her background in Scandinavian architecture brings a material sensibility that enriches every project she touches.
Three ideas guide every decision we make, from the earliest sketch to the final detail.
Every design responds to its environment. We study the land, the light, the climate, and the culture of a place before we draw a single line. Architecture that ignores its context is architecture that fails.
We use authentic materials and let them speak. Concrete looks like concrete. Wood weathers and tells its story. There is no artifice in our work, only the honest expression of structure and surface.
Natural light is our most important building material. We design with the sun's path in mind, crafting spaces where light shifts through the day, marking time and transforming atmosphere.
Elena Vasquez establishes Forma Architecture Studio in Portland's Central Eastside, launching with two residential commissions and a commitment to sustainable design.
Awarded the design of the Sellwood Community Center, our first public project and a turning point that expanded the studio's scope and reputation.
Moved to our current home in the Design District. Team grows to eight. James Chen joins as Design Director, bringing computational design expertise to the practice.
Became a LEED Platinum Partner, reflecting our commitment to sustainability across every project. 100% of new projects designed to meet LEED Silver standards or above.
Construction begins on our largest project to date, a 14-story mixed-use tower on Portland's waterfront. The project would go on to define the emerging district.
The Glass House receives the AIA Honor Award for Architecture, recognizing the home's seamless integration of landscape, structure, and sustainable systems.
We take on a limited number of projects each year to ensure every client receives our full attention and best work.
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