Mayer/Reed, Inc. is an interdisciplinary Portland, Oregon based design studio providing urban design, landscape architecture, visual communications and experiential graphic design. Our work in creating places for human activity explores the social, cultural, ecological and historic contexts that shape these environments.
We believe that the quality of communal space where people gather, connect and communicate and the accessibility of active transportation options including public transit, bicycle and foot are central to the notion of livable communities.
Places said to have a strong “sense of place” have an identity and character that is deeply felt by the inhabitants and users. Placemaking gives form to these special spaces as an intentional act of design, affecting the human sense of scale and creating social well-being.
“Giving form to outdoor space is not an arbitrary exercise. Some elements require exact size and proportion, while others are shaped more by flow and movement.” – Carol Mayer-Reed, FASLA
It may be true that not all who wander are lost, but if you are looking for something, being lost is not much fun. We address wayfinding at multiple scales, considering the connecting spaces and the relationship of landmarks, visual cues, signage and mobile apps. Whether we are designing for an airport, transit system, park, trail network, cultural center, medical center or university campus, our solutions are contextual and integrated.
“Throughout the arc of economic cycles, design must remain responsive to the complexities of project needs, while maintaining aesthetic and sustainable aspirations” – Michael Reed
Environmental stewardship and conservation are core values of our practice from our choices of materials to the design of artful stormwater in bioswales and green roofs. We work to integrate systems and find solutions that yield multiple benefits. Beyond the metrics of LEED, we examine potentials for social sustainability of our communities. Sustainable design is an inherent value in the practices of this region and integral to our approach.
Landscape Architecture Awards
Gorge Accessibility Project: Catherine Creek & Cape Horn Pro Bono Concepts
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, Green Ribbon Award, 2024
Grant High School Modernization
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, Honor Award, General Design, 2022
The Green Loop
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, Honor Award, Analysis & Planning, 2019
Kinetic Delight
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, Community Service, Honor Award, 2019
Elks Children’s Eye Clinic
Design Excellence Award, Portland Design Commission, 2019
Karl Miller Center, Portland State University
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, Honor Award, General Design, 2018
Roosevelt High School Modernization
Restore Oregon, Demuro Award for Excellence in Preservation, Reuse and Community Revitalization, 2018
Willamette Falls Riverwalk Concept Design
American Society of Landscape Architects, Honor Award, Analysis & Planning, 2018
The Waterfront Center, Excellence on the Waterfront, Top Honor Plan, 2018
American Society of Landscape Architects, New York Chapter, Honor Award, General Landscape Architecture Design, 2018
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, Honor Award, Planning & Analysis, 2017
SE 150th & Division Park Master Plan Community Engagement
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, Honor Award, Communication, 2017
Old Mill District
The Waterfront Center, Excellence on the Waterfront, Honor Award, 2017
Outstanding Firm Award
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, 2016
East Segment, TriMet MAX Orange Line
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, Award of Excellence, 2015
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, People’s Choice Award, 2015
Outdoor Adventure at the Portland Children’s Museum
The Intertwine Alliance, Force of Nature Award, Outstanding Project, 2014
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, Merit Award, General Design, 2014
Bud Clark Commons
American Society of Landscape Architects, National Honor Award, Residential Design, 2013
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Award of Excellence, 2012
Darlene Hooley Pedestrian Bridge
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, Merit Award, Transportation, 2013
Simon and Helen Director Park
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Merit Award, 2012
Mirabella Portland
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Merit Award, 2012
Oregon Daily Journal of Commerce Top Projects, First Place Private Buildings more than $50 million, 2011
TriMet, Portland Transit Mall
American Society of Landscape Architects Award of Excellence, 2011
Port of Portland Headquarters and Long-Term Parking Garage
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Honor Award, 2011
Oregon Daily Journal of Commerce Top Projects, Best in Show and First Place Public Buildings more than $50 million, 2011
PDXplore Whose Island Is It?
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Honor Award, 2010
Willamette National Cemetery East Expansion
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Merit Award, 2010
Oregon Chapter President’s Award to Carol Mayer-Reed for Outstanding Service to ASLA Oregon Chapter
American Society of Landscape Architects, 2010
The Rain Garden, Oregon Convention Center Expansion
American Society of Landscape Architects, Washington Chapter Award of Merit, 2008
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Honor Award, 2004
Portland Design Festival Bronze Award, 2004
City of Portland, Best Water Conservation Award, 2003
Villebois Development
Urban Land Institute of Oregon & Southwest Washington, Recognizing Excellence Award, 2007
Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade
Urban Land Institute of Oregon & Southwest Washington, Recognizing Excellence Award, 2007
American Society of Landscape Architects, National Merit Award, 2004
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Award of Excellence, 2004
Portland Design Festival Gold Award, 2004
The Waterfront Center, Excellence on the Waterfront Honor Award, 2001
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Honor Award, 2000
Taft 51st Street Streetscape Project
Oregon Downtown Development Association, Streetscape Renaissance Award, 2003
The Amazing Water Garden, Oregon Garden
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Honor Award, 2002
Nike World Headquarters North Campus Expansion
American Society of Landscape Architects, National Merit Award, 2001
Washington State University Vancouver Phase I
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter People’s Choice Award, 1996
Tropical Africa Rainforest Exhibit, Oregon Zoo
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter People’s Choice Award, 1992
Mt. Hood Community Re-Entry Program
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Honor Award, 1988
Sellwood Riverfront Park
The Waterfront Center, Excellence on the Waterfront Honor Award, 1987
Visual Communications Awards
Revolution in the Landscape: Re-experience Halprin’s Fountains
SEGD Global Design Awards, Merit Award, Public Installation, 2016
(Awarded to SEGD Portland Chapter; Mayer/Reed, Portland State University Graphic Design Department, Sticky Co, PNCA Animation Arts)
Revolution in the Landscape: Re-experience Halprin’s Fountains (Awarded to SEGD Portland Chapter)
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter, Merit Award, Research & Communication, 2014
Vancouver Community Library
SEGD Global Design Awards, Merit Award, Wayfinding, 2014
Bud Clark Commons
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Award of Excellence, 2012
EWEB Roosevelt Operations Center
Oregon Daily Journal of Commerce Top Projects, Third Place Public Buildings more than $50 million, 2011
TriMet, Portland Transit Mall
American Society of Landscape Architects Award of Excellence, 2011
Port of Portland Headquarters and Long-Term Parking Garage
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon Chapter Honor Award, 2011
Port of Portland Headquarters and Long-Term Parking Garage
Oregon Daily Journal of Commerce Top Projects, Best in Show and First Place Public Buildings more than $50 million, 2011
Wayne Morse United States Courthouse Signage
U.S. General Services Administration, Design Excellence Award, 2008
Springfield Station Rain Funnel
American Institute of Architects, Oregon Chapter, Innovation Award, 2005
Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture Donor Recognition ‘Fire Lodge’ Sculpture
Society for Environmental Graphic Design, Merit Award, 2003
San Francisco International Airport Signage
Society for Environmental Graphic Design, Honor Award, 2003
Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade Urban Markers
Society for Environmental Graphic Design, Merit Award, 2002
Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade Interpretive Program
American Society of Landscape Architects, National Merit Award, 2002
Mark Hatfield United States Courthouse Signage
U.S. General Services Administration, Excellence in Design Honor Award, 1998
Catlin Gabel School Donor Recognition Display
HOW International Design Annual, Merit Award, 1997
Pacific Lutheran University Mary Baker Russell Music Center Signage
Society for Environmental Graphic Design, Merit Award, 1995
Portland State University Art Department Brochure
HOW International Annual of Design, Merit Award, 1995
Table, Lamp + Chair Poster
HOW International Annual of Design, Merit Award, 1995
ASLA Regional Conference Promotional Materials
ASLA, Excellence in Communications and Marketing, 1995
Columbus Convention Center Signage
Society for Environmental Graphic Design, Merit Award, 1994
Table, Lamp + Chair Poster
AIGA Portland Chapter, Award of Excellence, 1993
Oregon Convention Center Signage
Society for Environmental Graphic Design, Merit Award, 1993
Table, Lamp + Chair Promotional Materials
PRINT Computer Art & Design AnnuaI, Merit Award, 1992
Northern Olympic Peninsula Visitor Guide
Washington State Tourism Division Award, 1986