Hugh Bitzer's Portfolio by Hugh Bitzer

HUGH BITZER

Project Architect & Designer

Architect

Designer

University of Oregon B. Arch, 2011

Registered Architect Oregon, 2018

Summary: A big picture thinker with an eye for detail, I’m inspired by nature and driven by the goal of creating beautiful spaces. I excel at visualizing projects and harnessing technology to aid in the design process.

Gap Year(s) Travelled extensively throughout North America, Europe, Oceania, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Soderstrom Architects - Portland, OR

Collaborated closely with firm principals to develop detailed design proposals for a wide variety of project types, including academic buildings, student housing, rec centers, clinics, master plans, and chapels. Interacted directly with clients, consultants, and contractors to shepherd projects from concept design through construction. Excelled at leveraging real-time rendering technology and VR to visualize projects, improve design decisions, enhance client engagement, and eliminate coordination headaches.

Select Projects

Hadlock Student Center – George Fox University: Worked side-by-side with the lead project designer to develop all aspects of this 48,000 SF award winning recreation center from concept through construction.

Medical Sciences Building – George Fox University: Partnered closely with the project principal and client to envision a 42,000 SF health occupations building, with heavy involvement from programing through construction.

George Fox University Engineering Innov. Center

New University Chapel

Newlin Residence Hall

Art Annex Addition

Leadership

University of Portland Pilot House Dining Hall

Physical Plant Building

University Boat House

Lund Residence Hall

Miscellaneous Projects

Eugene VA Health Center Regis U. Student Center SOU Science Building Arrupe High School

Associate’s Committee (2017-2022): Planned office events, mentored staff, developed graphic standards, onboarded new employees, established WFH policies, and worked with firm principals to realize the firm’s mission and vision.

JEDI Committee Leader ( 2019-2022): Led the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee to help usher in policy changes such as paid family leave, organize officewide EDI trainings, and become JUST certified.

Technology Upgrades (2015-2022): Upgraded all office workstations, purchased VR headsets, improved rendering standards, and introduced Enscape and Lumion.

OMSI Gingerbread Team Leader (2014-2019): Designed and constructed elaborate sculptures using Sketchup, wood framing, carved foam, 3d printing and edible decorations. Competition winners in 2014, 2015 and 2017.

GBD Architects - Portland, OR Designer

Jan - Aug 2012

Developed schematic design proposals for a wide variety of projects. Illustrated sustainable strategies for $350 million Lloyd Blocks project. Worked on 13 new Les Schwab stores, helping to reach planning approval and construction.

University of Oregon - Eugene, OR Student

2006-2011

Intern

Summer 2008

Skills

3D Modeling, Rendering, Virtual Reality, Drafting, 3D Printing, Video Editing

Software: Revit, Sketchup, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, Bluebeam, Enscape, Lumion, MS Office

Travel

Study Abroad, Vicenza, Italy: Participated in a 10 week architecture program in Italy, going on study trips to Rome, Florence, Siena, Venice and Switzerland while taking art history and design courses in Vicenza.

Senior Thesis: August 2011, entitled “Biophilic Design: Exploring Built Strategies for Reconnecting with Nature in the Design of a Freshwater Aquarium and Research Center in Salem.” Passed with honors.

Architectural Design Works - Ashland, OR

Drafted with AutoCAD, took site measurements, negotiated small design decisions on a variety of projects ranging from high school remodels to new residences.

Awards

1st Place: DJC Top Projects, Education, Hadlock Student Center, 2019

2nd Place - AIAS National Design Competition, Municipal Courthouse ($1500, published in Crit), 2010

1st Place - Gingerbread Bridge Competition, 2014, 2015

Volunteer Interests

Architects in Schools Taught 4th and 5th graders 2018-2022.

Rebuilding Together Repaired homes. 2014-2022

OMSI Gingerbread Competition - Constructed edible sculptures. 2015-2019

Growing Gardens - Helped families plant gardens 2016-2019

Intramural Soccer Ultimate Frisbee Backpacking Hiking Travel

Computer Graphics Community Band Conservation Photography French Horn Gardening Urbanism

HADLOCK STUDENT CENTER

Soderstrom Architects / George Fox University

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SD, DD, CD, CA

Newberg, OR

48,625 SF

2018

$11.5 M

Recreation Center, Offices

New Construction

1st Place, DJC Top Projects

Photographs by Alex Vertikoff and Stephen Cridland

Description: This two-story recreation center for George Fox University houses three basketball/ volleyball courts, a running track, a fitness center, student office space and more. The student center alleviated demands on the school’s prexisting athletic facility, Wheeler Sports Center, providing space for intramural athletics as well as other large events like dances. The fitness center pavilion overlooks Hess Creek, providing soothing views into the forest. Other features include a rock climbing wall, two movement studios, a student lounge and 5,400 feet of office space for student government and clubs.

South Elevation

Lower Level Floor Plan

Exercise & Weight Room

Climbing Wall

Exercise & Weight Room

Section

Running Track

Entry Framing Pavilion Roof

DESIGN RENDERINGS

MEDICAL SCIENCES BUILDING

Soderstrom Architects / George Fox University

Classroom & Operating Rooms

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Newberg, OR SD, DD, CD, CA

42,000 SF 2021

$11.4 M

Academic Building

Classrooms, Faculty Offices, Anatomy Lab, Exam Rooms, Student Support Spaces, Study Center, Career Services

Description: The Medical Sciences building provides a new, off-campus center for the Physical Therapy and Physician’s Associate graduate programs, with classrooms, labs, mock exam rooms, faculty offices, and student support and gathering spaces. To simulate real-world medical environments, the facility also includes both a traditional and virtual anatomy lab.

The exterior design for the building was chosen to compliment the architecture styles found in downtown Newberg’s historic core. An arched entry welcomes students, professors, and community residents who come to visit the programs’ clinics. To save cost, light frame wood construction was utilized for the primary structure, with acoustic treatment between floors.

Photographs by Alex Vertikoff

Ground Floor

GROUND LEVEL PLAN

DESIGN RENDERINGS

NEWLIN RESIDENCE HALL

Soderstrom Architects / George Fox University

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Construction

Description: As George Fox University’s largest residence hall, the new four-story building completes an existing residential quadrangle. The design-build project broke ground in the summer of 2018 and was completed in time to house students in the fall of 2019. Designed to entice upper classmen to stay on campus, the new residence hall includes 198 beds, student rooms, study lounges, washrooms, communal kitchen areas, seminar rooms and residence life offices.

Hugh Bitzer - Portfolio

Photographs by Alex Vertikoff and David Homer

ENGINEERING INNOVATION CENTER

Soderstrom Architects / George Fox University

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Hugh Bitzer - Portfolio

SD, DD, CD, CA

Newberg, OR

16,500 SF

2016

$1.4 M

Renovation

Description: An adaptive remodel of the former cafeteria in the Klages Center building, which was built in 1958. The new engineering center is a maker space which connects multiple departments and provides a platform for modern learning and collaboration. In addition to systems upgrades, the project added a machine and woodworking shop, manufacturing and prototyping lab, design rooms, study rooms, an environmental lab, and a tool room. The open main room, or “Collaboratory,” is a large design center where students from engineering and other majors can participate in and showcase design projects.

Photographs by Alex Vertikoff

SODERSTROM OFFICE REMODEL

Soderstrom Architects / Portland, Oregon

Description: A tenant improvement on the 7th floor of the Lovejoy Office Building overlooking the Peal District. We focused on creating a compelling new space for employees to work in. Relocating from our old Albers Mill location, this was a big step up, with upgraded workstations, new meeting spaces and an enlarged kitchen with access to outside seating areas. The goal was to create a warm and inviting contemporary space with ample access to daylight. My role encompassed the design, modeling, and visualization of the new space.

Hugh Bitzer - Portfolio

Personal Photographs

Lobby & Main Conference Room

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$1 M Renovation

Break Room

Interior Rendering

GEORGE FOX MASTER PLAN

Soderstrom Architects / George Fox University

Description: We were tasked with envisioning strategic growth opportunities for the campus, identifying key areas for expansion. The plan focused on enhancing public spaces and improving walkability by strengthening circulation routes and integrating new academic quadrangles to create a cohesive campus experience. Parking was relocated to the periphery, allowing for more pedestrianfriendly zones and open spaces.

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Newberg, OR Lead SD 108 Acres 2015

Proposed Campus

ARTS & MEDIA BUILDING

Soderstrom Architects / George Fox University

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Proposal: Newberg, OR Lead SD 6,000 SF 2021

Description: This proposal for a new Arts & Media Building was designed to give students access to greatly improved studio spaces with access to the nearby Engineering Innovation Center. It also facilitaed the relocation and restoration of Minthron Hall, the oldest building on campus, through removal of the old art building, which in turn freed up space to reimagine the main quadrangle as an ellipse. The goal was to create a warm and inviting space with ample access to daylight.