--- title: "Risa Boyer Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/risa-boyer-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1988182196 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1988182196.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Risa Boyer Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c803befd0d87c341_1545-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "4522 NE 42nd Ave., Portland, Oregon 97218, United States" latitude: 45.56 longitude: -122.6001 phone: "(503) 493-7143" website: http://www.risaboyer.com rating: 5 review_count: 14 best_of_houzz_awards: 18 followers: 687 last_updated: 2026-08-31 --- # Risa Boyer Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Risa Boyer Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/risa-boyer-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1988182196) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Portland, OR - **Serves:** Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Bend, Tigard, Aloha, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Happy Valley, Milwaukie, Sherwood, Lents, Cedar Mill, Oak Grove, Oatfield, Gladstone, Oak Hills, Damascus, Cedar Hills, West Haven-Sylvan, Hood River, Jennings Lodge, Garden Home-Whitford, West Slope, Sunnyside, Clackamas, Raleigh Hills, West Haven, King City, Metzger, Durham, Boring, Maywood Park, Fairview, Rivergrove, Johnson City, Barberton, Bellingham, Camas, Dunthorpe, Fern Prairie, Five Corners, Hazel Dell, Lake Shore, Marylhurst, Mill Plain, Minnehaha, Napa, Orchards, Vancouver - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 18 awards (2012–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Risa Boyer Architecture is a boutique full-service architecture firm specializing in modern, timeless residences and creative environments. Open spaces, natural light, and a sense of connection between the indoors and outdoors define our work. We take pride in our ability to meld high design with high performance building practices as we design for a sustainable future. Engaging with our clients as creative collaborators, we maintain in-depth communication from start to finish. And by taking an active role in every aspect of design and construction, we ensure that creativity continues throughout every stage. Our attention to detail and comprehensive knowledge of construction ensures that the design transitions fluidly to the built structure. At RBA, we believe good design can happen with any budget, small details are as vital as the big picture, and that the best kind of architecture enhances the quality of life while bringing pleasure to its inhabitants. By fusing economic responsibility with sustainable design, every project acquires a deeper level of unity between the present and the future. Risa Boyer Architecture was founded in 2006 in Los Angeles and relocated to Portland, Oregon in 2008. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Multigenerational Homes - Handicap-Accessible Design - Basement Remodeling - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Modular Home Additions - Construction Drawings - Interior Design - Mid-Century Design - Mid-Century Restoration - Passive House ### Areas Served - Portland - Gresham - Beaverton - Bend - Tigard - Aloha - Lake Oswego - Tualatin - Happy Valley - Milwaukie - Sherwood - Lents - Cedar Mill - Oak Grove - Oatfield - Gladstone - Oak Hills - Damascus - Cedar Hills - West Haven-Sylvan - Hood River - Jennings Lodge - Garden Home-Whitford - West Slope - Sunnyside - Clackamas - Raleigh Hills - West Haven - King City - Metzger - Durham - Boring - Maywood Park - Fairview - Rivergrove - Johnson City - Barberton - Bellingham - Camas - Dunthorpe - Fern Prairie - Five Corners - Hazel Dell - Lake Shore - Marylhurst - Mill Plain - Minnehaha - Napa - Orchards - Vancouver ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 5,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Risa Boyer Architecture | | Address | 4522 NE 42nd Ave., Portland, Oregon 97218, United States | | Phone | (503) 493-7143 | | Website | http://www.risaboyer.com | | License Number | CAC30415 OR:5958 | | Followers on Houzz | 687 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/risaboyerarchitecture - X (Twitter) — http://www.twitter.com/risapdx - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/risaboyer - Blog — http://www.risaboyer.com/blog/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Risa Boyer Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/risa-boyer-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1988182196) - **Website:** http://www.risaboyer.com - **Phone:** (503) 493-7143 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIA Oregon Award, 2025 Council Crest Residence - Architizer A+ Awards, Residential Interiors; 2025 Fernhill Residence - **Best of Houzz:** 18 awards (2012–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 14 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Jay Barnett, Dec. 2020** > We just moved into the house Risa designed for us. Every aspect of the design process and build, which Risa was very involved in, was a joy and we LOVE the house. Our original plan (as of 2018) was to build our ultimate dream house in Portland, where we were living at the time. I spoke with 7 architects specializing in Northwest Contemporary architecture. Risa was the last one, recommended by a local builder whose work we really like. Not only did we instantly click with Risa, but she was actually excited about the challenge of designing the kind of house we wanted that could be built within our budget. And when she took us to see a gorgeous house she had designed and the client/homeowner came running up to her with arms outstretched to greet her, we knew we were in good hands. Luckily for us, when we came to the conclusion that we would really rather build and live in Bellingham WA, Risa was 100% on board. Once we selected the property, she came up with us, walked the land, did research into geology, permits, etc. and created a house design for the site that NAILED what we wanted with very little tweaking. The plans she produced for us were exceptionally detailed and tight, based on the feedback we received from our builder as well as multiple participants in the process. Throughout the permitting and building process she came up regularly and went out of her way to be helpful. I just wish I could give her more than five stars! **★★★★★ — Debra Barnett, May 2019** > Risa is the consummate architect...from her concepts/drawings/materials to her unflappable business style; she is a joy to work with. The homes we viewed prior were immaculately detailed and had such clean lines! She is direct and to the point and well connected in her industry. We break ground soon and can hardly wait to be walking our new home's construction site! > > PS Completion AUG 2020 ... this site does not enable you to choose past 2019... **★★★★★ — Graham Adams, April 2018** > We reached out to Risa after we saw her designs on Houzz. We love/loved her aesthetic and the details in her design work. We were embarking on a major kitchen and basement remodel of our 1929 cape cod and felt confident she could realize the potential of our modest space. She did! From the first moment I spoke with her I could tell she would be great. Risa was an amazing mix of being efficient with her design process, while also respectful of our ideas, finding ways to experiment and fit them in. We had a vision for removing and bumping structural walls and she effortlessly managed all the communication between our engineer, our contractor, and the city. Risa and her team are warm, funny, detail oriented and were extremely patient when decision fatigue really started to kick in. They really walked us through it. The entire process was so smooth and we love love love the final product! If we had to do it again we would definitely use Risa. Can't recommend her highly enough! **★★★★★ — Melissa Sullivan, April 2018** > I highly recommend Risa Boyer Architecture. Risa was highly professional, organized, talented, and experienced. I appreciated Risa's direct and timely communication with me and the contractor. She followed our project from start to finish and treated us like a priority. She helped keep the project on task on on budget. My kitchen is exactly what I wanted and I attribute that success to Risa and my great contractor Petrina construction. They were a great team. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. **★★★★★ — Beth Williamson, April 2017** > I had a vision for my 1954 mid-century modern home. The vision required moving the kitchen from the back of the house to the front, turning a standard fireplace into a see-through gas fireplace and removing part of a brick wall to provide sight lines from my newly located kitchen to the park across the street. I spoke to many architects who told me I was crazy….but then I found Risa! Not only did Risa see and share my vision she also worked with me to accomplish my vision within my budget. Risa was patient and thorough, working hand in hand with our contractor to ensure incredible workmanship. I would recommend Risa to anyone without hesitation. Thanks again, Risa! **★★★★★ — wynntraci, Nov. 2015** > Design for kitchen remodel, commercial kitchen into a residential kitchen. Risa was great to work with. She helped us to stay on budget and had lots of great ideas for our crazy requests (like my used plastic baggie drying rack request). She provided us with several different design options at the beginning and worked with us to figure out what configuration would give us what we wanted given constraints of the space (e.g., windows can't move, long rectangular shape of the room). She and her assistant were both very professional but fun to work with at the same time. Risa always stuck to the schedule and worked well with the contractor as well. Her ideas and suggestions only augmented and improved our initial ideas and hopes for the space. It is now our favorite room in the house and is a conversation starter every time someone comes to our house for the first time. **★★★★★ — chezcake, Nov. 2014** > We have known Risa for over 8 years now and she did an amazing job with the design of our first house. When we bought our new house and it needed a complete remodel, the only person we wanted to design it was Risa. The only problem is that she had moved from Los Angeles to Portland. We called her up and asked if she would be willing to come to LA to work on the project and she said yes! Not only does Risa have an amazing talent but she is also the nicest and easiest person to work with. Everything with both of our projects went smoothly and she dealt with any problems that came up (not many) in a calm and professional manner. We highly recommend Risa! > Erin & Sergio **★★★★★ — rmnathan, Feb. 2014** > We worked with Risa on a remodel of our mid century modern post and beam home. We remodeled the kitchen, living room, dining room and added a covered patio. We added architectural features such as a masonry fireplace (inside and out) an 8 foot long floating divider screen, and terrazzo floors throughout. She was very easy to work with, came up with good creative ideas and was also good sounding board for the ideas we came up with as homeowners. Due to the contractor, the remodel became more challenging than expected and Risa was able to help during a very difficult process. We'd happily work with Risa again for any future projects. **★★★★★ — aetwester, Nov. 2013** > Risa designed an addition to our home, and helped with the details of an exterior remodel. Through various reiterations and scope fluctuations, Risa was responsive, flexible, creative and professional. We valued her knowledge and experience throughout. Risa is fun, friendly and positive, a great partner in any project. We highly recommend her. **★★★★★ — portland, June 2013** > Risa was wonderful! She listened to our ideas and put together a great plan for the remodel of our house. She has great taste and helped us find different components to the design, matching details in color, materials and integral design. She was always on our side and flowed with the changes that came up. She worked closely with us, and our contractor, to help make the whole process as easy as we could expect. She followed through on all requests from us with rapid expediency and was always calm throughout our entire working relationship. We are very happy with the completion of our entire remodel. We heartily recommend Risa. We would hire her again without hesitation. **★★★★★ — kknoodle, March 2013** > Risa is ultimate professional, an amazing architect who listened to our needs and then created inspired solutions... It was a very successful collaboration. **★★★★★ — hayworth, Jan. 2013** > I have now worked with Risa Boyer Architecture twice and with excellent results each time. Risa is a great listener, taking into account all of our programmatic requirements, aesthetic preferences - materials, etc as well as budgets. The projects went smoothly from design through construction without a single hiccup. She prepares beautiful drawings and materials samples / boards which are very easy to read and understand. The process was collaborative, fun and quite easy - especially compared to others I have worked with. Our spaces are a delight to be in and without sounding silly they make me happy! I have recommended Risa Boyer Architecture to our friends and I am sure they will reiterate the positive experiences and awesome results. ## Selected projects - [Glen Road](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glen-road-pj-vj~6721852) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 23 - Description: Sited on a large, wooded lot, the existing 1950’s home was remodeled from head to toe to become a modern family home while keeping a connection to its history. The house was opened up to provide a better connection to the beautiful landscape. A 25-foot wide, pocketing sliding door creates an unobstructed opening from the living and dining room to a new covered patio and brick outdoor fireplace. Two new outbuildings were added under mature maple and pine trees to create a separate workshop and a… - [Fernhill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fernhill-pj-vj~7459562) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 10 - Description: Designed for a young couple living in Northeast Portland, the Fernhill project updated a Mid Century home to meet the needs of a modern family. The renovation included opening the great room to create a larger living space that highlights custom built ins and a plaster fireplace. The second story was reworked to include more storage and an additional, beautiful plasterwork bathroom. A large sliding door and a refinished den area open up to the shaded backyard and pool. - [Jamieson](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jamieson-pj-vj~7459558) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 8 - Description: The Jamieson Road remodel and addition is a modern refresh to a single-family home in Southwest Portland. The RBA team refinished existing bedrooms & bathrooms and added an entirely new owner’s suite, featuring a bedroom with vaulted ceilings and an all plaster bathroom with oak and concrete accents. The addition and updated spaces are accessed via a long, connecting hallway where skylights were introduced to bring in natural light. Warm, neutral materials and matte black fixtures make these spa… - [Academy Highlands](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/academy-highlands-pj-vj~7459352) - Location: Bellingham, WA - Photos: 10 - Description: The Academy Highland House sits perched on a secluded hilltop in Bellingham, WA, with a stunning view. The building was designed to be the forever home for a couple looking to settle down in an inspiring, uplifting environment. The long roof structure connects the house to an art studio, creating a carport that doubles as an outdoor entertainment and gallery space. The design of the main living space is anchored by a cast-in-place, concrete fireplace, and opens up to a panoramic view of Whatcom… - [Mt. Tabor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mt-tabor-pj-vj~2789710) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 13 - Description: Transformation of a 1950's Mid Century house. The home owners were looking for home with a view and they found perhaps the best view in Portland from the top of Mt. Tabor in SE Portland. The house originally had flat ceilings throughout at just under 8 feet tall. The living room was wide and low with heavy drapes blocking the 180 degree view. From the street and front yard the roof jets up toward the sky and was begging for a vaulted ceiling with floor to ceiling windows. The remainder of the ho… - [Quimby](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/quimby-pj-vj~5669304) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 10 - Description: In this midcentury remodel, we opened up the main living space, removed walls between the kitchen, dining room and vaulted the living room ceiling creating a better flow and a stronger connection to the yard. The living room was opened up to the backyard with a 24' multi-slide patio door. The kitchen was opened up by removing a few walls and a small, not so cooking friendly, kitchen creating a stronger connection to the side yard with large bifolding doors. A window seat was boxed out the side o… - [Mt. Veeder](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mt-veeder-pj-vj~6721893) - Location: Napa, CA - Photos: 16 - [Nathan](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nathan-pj-vj~460438) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 7 - Description: Mid century remodel and covered patio addition - [Riverwood](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/riverwood-pj-vj~5669013) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 16 - [Buena Vista](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/buena-vista-pj-vj~6721828) - Location: Vancouver, WA - Photos: 10 - [Terrace Drive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/terrace-drive-pj-vj~1900213) - Location: Lake Oswego, OR - Photos: 16 - Description: Complete update and renovation of a post modern architect designed home sitting above Lake Oswego with gorgeous views of the lake. The interior of the house was opened up and focuses on a double height stone clad fireplace and steel stringer staircase with floating wood treads. On the exterior a glass and steel box projects into the garden creating a sun room and showcasing stained glass artwork by the home owners. The existing garage has been connected to the house by a steel and glass enclosur… - [6006](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/6006-pj-vj~1902371) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 4 - Description: Kitchen and Laundry Room renovation - [Split Level Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/split-level-modern-pj-vj~1899841) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 15 - [Modern Walnut Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-walnut-kitchen-pj-vj~1031457) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 8 - [Portland Modern Tudor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/portland-modern-tudor-pj-vj~11885) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 21 - Description: 1920's Tudor home with complimentary modern interior. - [Concordia Midcentury Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/concordia-midcentury-modern-pj-vj~2454993) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 18 - Description: Remodel of a split level home located in an enclave of mid-century homes built in the 1950’s. The original main level of the house was disjointed with the kitchen and dining room at the rear of the home and the living room at the front and a long hallway and a few bedrooms in between. We rearranged the floor plan moving the kitchen and dining area to the center of the house and opening up the living room and fireplace to the new kitchen. A bedroom and small den were created where the kitchen and… - [Tangent Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tangent-renovation-pj-vj~7888728) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 29 - [Council Crest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/council-crest-pj-vj~7851564) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 34 - Description: When the pandemic reshaped the way we think about home, one Portland family decided to reimagine theirs completely. The result is the Council Crest Residence (completed May 2024), a project by Risa Boyer Architecture that blends intimacy, craft, and high performance into a singular vision of residential living. Perched into the hillside of Portland’s Council Crest neighborhood, the home responds to a deep desire for connection, to each other, to nature, and to the future. The clients, coming fro… - [Fernwood Circle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fernwood-circle-pj-vj~7851578) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: With an eye toward honoring the house’s mid-century character, the clients tasked the RBA design team to expand and reorganize the house to create a seamless integration of old and new—one that feels both timeless and distinctly tailored. As part of the design challenge, the clients made it clear to RBA that they wanted to retain the original character of the home. That vision guided the interiors, along with an expanded footprint. Custom oak cabinetry, cedar tongue-and-groove ceilings, and stac… - [Dimmick Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dimmick-cabin-pj-vj~7765669) - Location: Mount Hood, OR - Photos: 38 - Description: After years of searching for the perfect spot to build their cabin in Hood River Valley, Oregon, Risa discovered a defunct state park for sale known as Dimmick Park. Originally spanning 22 acres, the park had been flooded in the 1980s and was later traded to the Western River Conservancy. To protect the East Fork of the Hood River that boarders the property, the conservancy imposed restrictions on the deed before listing it for sale. Risa and her family, along with her brother-in-law’s family te… [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/risa-boyer-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1988182196) ## Ideabooks - [Olson Ct](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/109344313/list/olson-ct) — 1 idea - [Mary Failing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106514199/list/mary-failing) — 14 ideas - [Wakefield Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49785784/list/wakefield-kitchen) — 2 ideas - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/926091/list/kitchens) — 19 ideas - [Ash Inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/42856840/list/ash-inspiration) — 13 ideas - [Fuzio Inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44252480/list/fuzio-inspiration) — 5 ideas - [Window details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32341680/list/window-details) — 3 ideas - [Modern Yards](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/323620/list/modern-yards) — 18 ideas - [Kitchen Hoods](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26082304/list/kitchen-hoods) — 6 ideas - [fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23041332/list/fireplaces) — 10 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/938339/list/bathrooms) — 16 ideas - [brick in modern architecture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/484297/list/brick-in-modern-architecture) — 2 ideas - [Fences](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11360539/list/fences) — 11 ideas - [Outdoor Living](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14665572/list/outdoor-living) — 13 ideas - [Alldrin Yard](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15461672/list/alldrin-yard) — 5 ideas - [stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14005037/list/stairs) — 10 ideas - [ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1269198/list/ideas) — 5 ideas - [Gates](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1701931/list/gates) — 2 ideas - [awnings & overhangs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/913412/list/awnings-overhangs) — 12 ideas [See all 19 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/risaboyer) ## Community Q&A **Q: Where are the cabinets from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where are the cabinets from? A: These cabinets are ikea with Semi-Handmade doors. **Q: Flooring and Cabinetry** *(in Photo Questions)* What was used for both in the kitchen? A: Thanks for the question. The cabinets are walnut and the floor is rift sawn white oak. **Q: What are the cabinets made of?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The cabinets are vertical grain douglas fir. **Q: How are these shelves attached to the wall?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These shelves are supported by a hidden cleat that is on the side and back walls that the shelf slides over. **Q: What color are the shingles on this home?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: they are black asphalt shingles, they have a little bit of dark charcoal mixed in. **Q: Who fabricated this fire table?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The fire pit was designed by me and built by a local steel fabricator, Deform NW. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-31.*