ABOUT US
Community-Based and People-Oriented
Founded in 1994, Carleton Hart Architecture is a collaborative design practice dedicated to creating innovative solutions to community-centered design challenges. As a full-service architectural firm, we are a dynamic team of problem solvers, creatives, and visionaries who share a passion for developing projects that seamlessly integrate the program with the natural and social environments. Whether for public, private, or non-profit clients, we focus on projects that are community-based and people-oriented.
Our Mission
Design Inspired by Community
Our Vision
CHA practices at the forefront of community inspired architecture through curiosity, research, innovation, and a connection to the people we serve. We seek to work with those who value the crafting of thoughful places that elevate the human experience and support thriving communities.
Our Values
DIVERSITY
CREATIVITY
STEWARDSHIP
RESPECT
COLLABORATION
Our Culture
We strive to promote an office culture that supports and celebrates our mission. As a diverse team of professionals, we believe our differences make us stronger and foster equitable solutions to design challenges. We encourage staff to take initiative and get involved with numerous in-house committees that support our firm Values with focus areas ranging from design and innovation to women in architecture and sustainability.
Service is a core value of Carleton Hart Architecture. As a firm, we share a deep commitment to serve others and make contributions to our community. We recognize that service can take many forms, so we strive to diversify our approach with activities that strengthen our culture and reinforce our mission. Carleton Hart supports many of our non-profit clients through monetary and in-kind donations, we participate in various community service events throughout the year, and we also support employees in their own personal volunteer efforts.
As designers, we are in a unique position to influence the relationship between the built and natural environments. We integrate the science and spirit of sustainability into our practice of architecture and the internal operations of our firm. CHA works closely with our clients, employing a variety of paths to meet green building goals including LEED, Earth Advantage, Enterprise Green Communities, OHCS Green Path, and Evergreen Sustainable Development Standards. Through our efforts we strive to build healthy, sustainable, and resilient communities.
Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion
We embrace our responsibility to create a workplace that values our differences, provides equal opportunities, and supports the needs of all. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion means continually improving ourselves through learning, supporting one another, and creating space for all. We strive for an office culture where all feel empowered to share their ideas, resulting in robust conversations, innovative thinking, and creative problem solving.
We prioritize equity in our recruitment, promotion, and retention practices. We seek candidates through a wide variety of recruitment channels to reach a large cross section of candidates. Our firm invests the time and funds to navigate the complex visa process which gives non-citizens an opportunity to join the firm. Promotions are based on merit and employee qualifications. We provide equity training to staff and have Community Agreements posted throughout the office which guide our interactions and support mindful communication. Internal resource groups including the Emerging Professionals and Women in Architecture offer mentorship. We have an internal Diversity and Equity Committee to facilitate internal education and oversee DEI initiatives.
Our projects benefit from diverse consultant teams, and we give precedence to subconsultants that are minority-owned, women-owned, or emerging small business enterprises (M/W/ESB) firms, including those certified through Oregon's Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID). As a formerly certified MBE/DBE firm, we are committed to supporting the next generation of emerging professionals. We offer mentorship and frequently help new practices establish themselves by including them on our projects. These subcontractor utilization and outreach efforts are aided by our in-house M/W/ESB consultant database which is continually updated and expanded to provide an additional resource from which project teams may refer for selecting teaming partners. We also strive to support local organizations that promote diversity by attending networking events.
Join Us
View our current job openings or get in touch with us to be considered.