Mayer/Reed, Author at Mayer Reed

A New Waterfall View at Oregon’s Largest State Park

Famed for its 10 spectacular waterfalls and network of hiking trails within densely wooded canyons, Silver Falls State Park, southeast of Salem, recently opened a new day use area and falls viewpoint.

As part of the first phase of Oregon Parks & Recreation Department’s (OPRD) major improvements to celebrate the centennial of Oregon’s largest state park, Mayer/Reed designed a new accessible viewpoint and North Canyon Day Use Area, with a trailhead, picnic area and parking. Now visitors can experience a dramatic view of the 136-foot North Falls with just a short, accessible walk (or roll) into the park.

Universal accessibility is at the forefront of the design for the viewpoint and 0.6-mile OPRD-designed trail. “It’s like threading a needle,” said landscape architect and project manager, Anne Samuel. “With limited space working on a ridgeline, careful consideration goes into protecting natural resources, creating a high-quality aesthetic and ultimately making it welcoming to people with a variety of physical abilities.”

Mayer/Reed worked with OPRD on these visitor improvements based on our earlier master plan for the north end of the park and collaborated with KPFF to fit the day use area into the forested surroundings. The revegetation strategy includes a few trial species which OPRD will monitor for resiliency toward climate change.

More improvements are in the works for this corner of the state park. Mayer/Reed is working with KPFF on the new North Gateway District just across the highway from the North Canyon Day Use Area. We’re beginning design for a new campground with an estimated 50 campsites to expand your Silver Falls camping options which is set to open in 2025.

Mayer/Reed Promotes Anita Seeger, Hires Reece Vissia

Anita Seeger is named Associate in recognition of her business development leadership and commitment to the evolution of the firm. As marketing manager for the past decade, Anita has managed some of Mayer/Reed’s largest pursuits while building long-term client relationships and seeking meaningful projects that align with the firm’s values. Through her work, she supports staff in learning to promote the practice and contribute to the design community. “It’s a joy to advocate for excellent design and the inspiring people that make up Mayer/Reed. I look forward to participating in the firm’s continued growth.” Anita has over 20 years of experience in the AEC industry and holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Lewis & Clark College.

Reece Vissia, ASLA joined Mayer/Reed as a landscape designer. With experience supporting all aspects of project delivery, Reece collaborates to design spaces that foster a deeper connection with the natural environment. His current Mayer/Reed projects include the Columbia River Gorge Accessible Viewpoints and the Mt. St. Helens Institute Coldwater Campus Master Plan Update and Phase 1 Design (both in Washington). Reece holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with a minor in construction management from Washington State University.

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Raising a Glass to Design

We kicked off summer with a Mayer/Reed project tour and wine tasting to experience our work firsthand. Perched high in Portland’s West Hills, Amaterra Winery has become a destination for wine, fine dining and special events since opening in 2022. We value visiting our built work to both celebrate its completion and learn through observation. We took note of how construction details, materials and planting selections perform in real life.

Beginning in the fall of 2017, Mayer/Reed’s landscape architects worked with the client team, Waterleaf Architects through many iterations to design a unique urban winery – an ideal combination of working winery and hospitality venue. On the day of our visit, we enjoyed a tour from winemaker Matt Vuylsteke where we witnessed the success of the design, from the bay where grapes enter the building to the cascading waterfall that’s a perfect backdrop for wine-sipping selfies.

We found the terrace lawn to be a popular place to enjoy Amaterra’s bounty on a late afternoon. Overlooking new vineyards with expansive views beyond, the 7,000 sf terrace provides an indoor/outdoor guest experience, with space for food and drink service, live music and lawn games. On other days, it’s a prized wedding venue.

As the sun went down behind the trees, like others before us, our team marked the occasion with a group shot at the water feature we worked on with Hughes Water Gardens. We can’t wait to return!