Notes from
the studio.
Design, hospitality, business, Portland, projects in progress, and the things we keep noticing.
Start reading ↘Useful thinking, honest project stories, and a view into the life around the work.
The questions clients ask us most, answered honestly — plus the project stories, studio news, and Portland observations that don't have another home on this site.
Six subjects we keep coming back to: Hospitality, Commercial, Residential, Studio News, Gallery, and Portland.
Before you sign a restaurant lease
Twelve questions smart operators ask to expose constraints, protect leverage, and avoid preventable delays in a Portland build-out.
Read the story →
From "just new furniture" to a complete transformation
How an honest early conversation changed the scope, orientation, flow, light, and life of a midcentury lake house.
Read the story →When clients go smaller, the work gets more complex
A practical framework for planning boutique commercial interiors around flow, feel, and friction.
HospitalityHospitality everywhere
Why welcoming design is not limited to hotels and restaurants, and why feeling matters long after the first impression.
WorkplaceWhy commercial office lobbies matter more than ever
How arrival spaces influence tenant perception, identity, connection, and leasing performance.
Studio lifeBringing a shared dream to life: our gallery space
The story behind turning part of the WDP building into a public-facing creative room for Portland.
PortlandFinding your place in Portland
A personal look at helping people create homes that feel grounded in the city and the life they came here to build.
Read what is useful.
Stay for what is personal.
Hospitality
Feeling, welcome, gathering, ritual, and what makes people want to stay.
Commercial
Leases, test fits, lobbies, restaurant planning, workplace, brands, and the realities behind opening.
Residential
Remodels, daily life, decision making, furniture, materials, and the stories behind complete homes.
Studio News
Projects, people, events, collaborations, and what is happening inside WDP.
Gallery
Artists, exhibitions, interviews, and the ideas that enter the studio through the work on the walls.
Portland
The city, its creative community, its buildings, and why place matters to the way we design.
A few thoughtful emails each year. Choose studio news, Gallery WDP updates, or both.
Finding Your Place in Portland: Redesigning Life in the Heart of the Pacific Northwest
For over 20 years, our design firm, Weedman Design Partners, has helped individuals and families transition to this vibrant city by creating spaces that feel both grounded and inspired. As native Portlanders and a husband-and-wife team, we understand the city's unique culture and how to design homes that reflect the lifestyle it fosters.
Large sliders let an abundance of light into the living room of this midcentury home, providing a seamless connection to the outdoors.
Portland, Oregon, is a city that effortlessly marries urban charm with breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Portland offers an unparalleled quality of life, making it a magnet for those seeking a fresh start and a deeper connection to nature and community.
For over 20 years, our design firm, Weedman Design Partners, has helped individuals and families transition to this vibrant city by creating spaces that feel both grounded and inspired. As native Portlanders and a husband-and-wife team, we understand the city's unique culture and how to design homes that reflect the lifestyle it fosters.
Portland’s Appeal: Where City Meets Nature
Scene from a family trip to the foggy Oregon coast.
The Pacific Northwest is known for its stunning landscapes, and Portland is at its heart. Whether you're drawn to the towering peaks of Mt. Hood, the serenity of the Oregon Coast, or the lush vineyards of the Willamette Valley, Portland offers proximity to it all. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike forested trails, paddleboard along the Willamette River, or ski within a short drive of the city. For those who crave cultural experiences, Portland’s culinary scene, coffee roasters, and award-winning wineries offer a feast for the senses.
Designing Homes That Fit Portland’s Lifestyle
Relocating to Portland is more than a change of address—it’s a chance to rethink how you live. At Weedman Design Partners, we specialize in helping clients craft homes that embrace the city’s ethos: sustainability, creativity, and connection. From restoring century-old craftsman homes to modernizing spaces for contemporary living, our design process starts with understanding your story and how you envision your life in Portland.
Family ski trips to Mt. Hood are a breeze - just over an hour away from Portland!
Portland homes often benefit from a thoughtful redesign to maximize natural light, highlight local materials like wood and stone, and create seamless indoor-outdoor connections. Whether it's a custom kitchen perfect for exploring Portland’s farm-to-table bounty or a cozy living room to relax after a day at the coast, we help create spaces that feel uniquely yours.
Our Experience: A Partnership Built on Design
As a husband-and-wife team, we bring a unique perspective to every project. Our partnership allows us to balance creative vision with practical execution, offering a collaborative experience that clients often describe as seamless and intuitive. With over two decades of experience, we’ve honed our ability to listen, understand, and translate your needs into a home that feels like an extension of yourself.
Why Portland Is the Perfect Canvas
Wine tasting in the Willamette Valley at Mineral Springs Ranch, Soter Vineyards
Portland’s neighborhoods each tell a different story, from the historic charm of Irvington to the modern vibes of the Pearl District. Whether you’re drawn to a home with character or a sleek, contemporary space, Portland provides the perfect backdrop for a new chapter.
Relocating here is an opportunity to not just live in Portland but to truly thrive in it. With our deep roots in the city, Weedman Design Partners is uniquely positioned to help you settle into a home that embodies everything Portland has to offer.
Let’s Create Your Portland Story
If you’re considering a move to Portland, we’d love to help you turn a house into your home. With decades of experience, a passion for thoughtful design, and a love for the city we call home, Weedman Design Partners is here to make your transition as seamless as possible.
Reach out to us today to begin your Portland design journey. Let’s create a space where you can live, grow, and connect—in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
View of Mount Saint Helens from Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Oregon