lango.hansen
The lango.hansen landscape architects team brings craftsmanship and creativity to designing new and vibrant outdoor spaces and experiences.
Image:Kurt Lango,lango.hansenThis Pearl District Portfolio spotlight features the award-winning landscape architecture firm and long-time tenant, lango.hansen. Kurt Lango, and co-Principal, Jane Hansen, lead the team responsible for such captivating outdoor spaces as Saltwood South, Flaneur Wines, the Osprey, the Pearl Marriott, Elizabeth Caruthers Park, and the Treehouse. Since opening its doors, lango.hansen has racked up a jaw-dropping 58 awards!
We asked Kurt Lango, about the firm’s projects and their long relationship with the Pearl District.
A little history.
Back in 2000, lango.hansen moved into their first office on 13th and Everett, and they've been in the Pearl District ever since.
"We have been tenants of Al Solheim," Lango said, "since we began our office 22 years ago." The firm recently moved their office space in the 1100 Glisan building, but just across the hall. The team is thrilled with the great view, and staying in the building made the move "so easy!"
Why stay in the neighborhood for over two decades?
The firm considered making a change, but "we always come back to thinking that the Pearl District provides so many amenities, is in close proximity to a number of our projects, and is easy to access for most of our office staff that commutes to work on bikes."
Kurt also emphasized the connectivity of working in Portland's original creative district. "The other benefit is that there is a strong design and arts community within the Pearl District, and we feel that as designers, it's inspiring to be in an artistic environment with your peers."
Glisan 14
A dynamic company culture.
When facing the challenges of the past two years and adapting to changing workplace dynamics, the company culture appears to be as resilient and adaptable as the stunning designs they create.
Over the past two years, the firm skillfully found a way to adapt to our “new normal.” Like many other businesses, virtual meetings became commonplace. They've largely adopted a hybrid model, and it seems to be working well.
A Hybrid Model
"The ability to work from home or remotely has a better work/life balance in some respects though the interpersonal contact within an office environment was missed. We have slowly reintroduced people into our office while still providing opportunities to work from home. This hybrid gives us the best of all worlds while allowing for face-to-face meetings within the office but also providing flex time to work at home."
Image - Sellwood Ferns, Lango.HansenThe Work.
lango.hansen’s projects encompass a broad spectrum of urban and suburban locations. The work includes public parks, rooftop terraces, campus planning, office environments, and residential projects.
We felt a little guilty when asking Kurt about which projects he was most proud of - it's like asking which child is your favorite, but we were curious… and there are a few that make the list.
"As a firm, we have been fortunate to work on many public and private projects in Portland that we are especially proud of, like the courtyard at the Hotel Modera (now Hotel Zags), the first living wall in Portland."
A favorite in the Pearl neighborhood, is The Field Office, a large plaza space that “emphasized bringing nature into the work environment with a large outdoor garden/plaza.”
Image: The Field Office/lango.hansen Over the past few years, lango.hansen has been very active in Slabtown. Their projects include the LL Hawkins, Slabtown Marketplace, The Carson, Leland James, and The Saltwood. And like the Pearl District’s industrial history, Slabtown has a fascinating past inspired by Portland’s lumber mills. Kurt and his team design with an acknowledgment and incorporation of the history of a place.
“We have also been fortunate to work on over 10-blocks within the Slabtown District. We have designed numerous roof terraces, gardens, courtyards, and the major pedestrian way in the district. Each of these projects build upon the rich history of Slabtown to truly create a unique and vibrant place to live, work and play in Portland.”
Image: Slabtown/lango.hansenThe office mascot - Sadie.
And what would a creative office in the Pearl be without a canine, feline, or feathered office mascot? "In our office, we have Sadie, the lab who keeps us in line. She's a sweet mascot who is always welcoming us at the start of each day." Sadie is creative in her own tail-wagging way, and is even on Instagram!
Sadie: lango.hansen mascot
Image: lango.hansenWhen wandering the Pearl, Slabtown, and elsewhere, look around. The greenspaces, rooftop gardens, walkways, and seating areas, are all by design. Each project lango.hansen creates ties the environment and urban places together, inviting visitors and locals alike to walk, sit, and enjoy the gorgeous, green, walkable space of our community.
Learn more about lango.hansen, the award winning landscape architectual and design firm.
Website: lango.hansen.com
1100 NW Glisan St #3A, Portland, OR 97209
t: 503·295·2437
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The Pearl District Portfolio: Distinct creative office and retail space located in Portland’s original creative district.
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