--- title: "Cella Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cella-architecture-pfvwus-pf~2013424351 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2013424351.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Cella Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0a635696005aa14b_6899-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1430 SE Water Avenue, STE 207, Portland, Oregon 97214, United States" latitude: 45.5142 longitude: -122.6364 phone: "(971) 229-1776" website: http://www.CellaArchitecture.com rating: 5 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 114 last_updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Cella Architecture > Portland OR Architect with an Emphasis on Fine Homes > 5x Best of Houzz Original Houzz profile: [Cella Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cella-architecture-pfvwus-pf~2013424351) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Portland, OR - **Serves:** Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Aloha, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Happy Valley, Milwaukie, Oak Grove, Cedar Hills, West Haven-Sylvan, Garden Home-Whitford, West Slope, Clackamas, Raleigh Hills, West Haven, Durham, Maywood Park, Rivergrove, Marylhurst, Portland Metro Area - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2016–2025), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - References available ### Business highlights - Best of Houzz winner - References available - Locally owned Cella Architecture is a small architectural firm located in Portland, Oregon specialized in designing fine homes throughout Oregon. We are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about residential architecture, home design, and building technology. With every project, we provide an extensive knowledge of architectural principles and traditions as we assist our clients in the design of their home and development of their property. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Mudroom Design - Staircase Design - Laundry Room Design - Dock Design & Construction - 3D Home Design ### Areas Served - Portland - Beaverton - Tigard - Aloha - Lake Oswego - Tualatin - Happy Valley - Milwaukie - Oak Grove - Cedar Hills - West Haven-Sylvan - Garden Home-Whitford - West Slope - Clackamas - Raleigh Hills - West Haven - Durham - Maywood Park - Rivergrove - Marylhurst - Portland Metro Area ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 5 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Cella Architecture | | Address | 1430 SE Water Avenue, STE 207, Portland, Oregon 97214, United States | | Phone | (971) 229-1776 | | Website | http://www.CellaArchitecture.com | | Followers on Houzz | 114 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb\_tab\_pro\_top - Blog — http://www.cellaarchitecture.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Cella Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cella-architecture-pfvwus-pf~2013424351) - **Website:** http://www.CellaArchitecture.com - **Phone:** (971) 229-1776 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Oregon & Washington Architect, - AIA, NCARB, - Luxe Gold 2018 - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2016–2025), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [AIA Custom Residential Architects Network](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-custom-residential-architects-network-pfvwus-pf~629398549) - [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 — 13 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — User, Sept. 2016** > I hired Erich to design my kitchen and basement remodel. I could not be happier with the outcome. > > From our initial meeting to the final walk through, Erich was a dream with whom to work. > > From my experience, he is a brilliant Architect, with an amazing eye for period architecture and all details attributed to it. He has high standards, and impeccable taste, yet also understands the importance of sticking to a realistic budget. He was efficient, accurate, and timely. He understood that I wanted the outcome to be stunningly beautiful, without breaking the bank in the process. > > Thanks to Erich's expertise, what previously was our small, cramped, barely-usable kitchen is now the gourmet kitchen of our dreams. Our basement, in it's original 1906 state was nothing more than a dark dreary laundry room. Now, it's a warm, cheery family room which we use daily. > > Erich is highly respected and admired by his colleagues, he collaborated so well with the all the workers on my job that the result was a smooth and enjoyable process for everyone involved. Whatever issues arose, Erich was quick to respond and worked well with all the members of our remodeling team. His guidance made the entire project fun, easy, and stress-free. > > Erich is a great communicator. He has a charming sense of humor, which puts everyone he works with at ease. He is compassionate, understanding, an amazing listener, and incredibly patient. What I appreciated most about Erich was the enthusiasm he brought to my project. Every step of the way, he was encouraging and supportive. This made each step a lot of fun! > > I feel so fortunate to have found Erich Karp and Cella Architecture. I cannot imagine working with any other Architect. Truly, the best decision I made was hiring Erich. He is a rare gem, and I'm thrilled I had the opportunity to work with him this past year. ### All 13 reviews **★★★★★ — Jeanette Nagashima, Feb. 2024** > Erich is a wizard of an architect and a genuinely nice person. Our project was an' attic conversion to a primary suite. He listened to what we wanted and worked with us to create an amazing space. Erich has a rich network of resources and offered expertise beyond design to fixtures, materials, and even colors. It's been a great experience working with Erich and we would fully recommend Cella Architecture. **Comment from Cella Architecture:** > Thanks Jeanette, It is a real pleasure to work with you two. **★★★★★ — David Labby, Feb. 2024** > We hired Erich to help us renovate our 1909 Craftsman home, which was mostly untouched. We wanted to update it with some fairly significant changes -- removing walls for a more functional kitchen, changing the location of the main stairway, and making the second floor a full living space — but wanted the house to retain its original Craftsman look and feel. Like all old houses, there were numerous design and challenges, but Erich was good at presenting options so we could collectively come up with the best solution. Erich completely understood the period idiom so that the house now looks “original.” His design sense as well as his attention to detail has given us a very lovely place to live. We couldn’t be more pleased. > > David and Sarah **★★★★★ — Dean Lemman, April 2020** > Erich designed and was an integral part in building our custom home on Lake Oswego. We told Erich we wanted a traditional Cape Cod house with a modern interior and that’s what we got. It was a very challenging project but we found Erich to be professional, creative, conscientious and extremely interested in getting the details right throughout. **Comment from Cella Architecture:** > Thanks for the kind words. I am glad you like the new house, it's looking great. . **★★★★★ — Michael Richmond, Aug. 2018** > Eric designed a to-the-studs remodel and expansion of our mid-1950s ranch in SW Portland. As you can see from the photo, the overall shape of the house was unaltered from the street view, but 50% more space was added (mostly in back). We were very concerned that the house retain the feel of the neighborhood and Eric pulled this off despite the massive changes we made to the layout. We have a large open floor plan now, that is completely up to date, but the interior retains the detailing that we fell in love with when we bought the place. > > Eric uses CAD tools with great facility, which makes him a) productive and b) able to provide 3D walkthroughs of design alternatives. > > He has a great relationship with the builder we used (Otis Construction). > > Here is one example of Eric's attention to detail. Note that the siding we have on our house now is vertical cedar board/batten but there is something special about the battens... the fronts are narrower than the backs, which tends to soften the shadows. Also, note the alternating widths of the boards and the detailed trim around the Marvin windows. Another example: specifying and laying out the lighting in the house with care, right down to bulb recommendations. Everyone who comes into the house notes how light and airy it is, despite having nominally 8' ceilings. Eric designed a cove for the living room that only adds 12" in height but transforms the space. **Comment from Cella Architecture:** > Thanks I hope your home brings you pleasure for years to come. **★★★★★ — Jackie Brown, April 2018** > Erich designed our new master suite and worked with the builder (Olson and Jones) and engineers as needed through completion. The suite was added to the 2nd story of a 1940 home and there were several components which needed to be integrated both functionally and aesthetically. His competency as an architect was evident even to this nonprofessional. His communication style and ability to both collaborate and guide made the project a beautiful and enjoyable success. We could not be happier. Thank you Erich. **★★★★★ — Robin Ruscigno, Dec. 2017** > Eric was great from start to finish. He came highly recommended by my builder Jeff Jones of Olson and Jones and he did not disappoint. He was a great listener and really took the time to help me see the possibilities of my new guest suite. His designs were truly creative and functional... he was very detailed and took the extra time to ensure that I understood what the finished product would look like... He was quick to point out when I was about to “waste” money on a design element that was overly expensive and suggested great reasonable alternatives. He was my advocate throughout the process and ensured that the permits and finalized drawings were complete and on time. He was excellent, I would highly recommend him for any project. **Comment from Cella Architecture:** > Robin, thank you for such a kind review. It was a great pleasure to work with you to bring your ideas to fruition. **★★★★★ — swentzien, Nov. 2015** > Erich provided a wonderful design for our kitchen remodel! Our house was built in 1939, and Erich was able to provide us with modern features, yet maintain the character and feel of the era in which the house was built. We appreciated Erich's attention to detail, and his design fell well within the budget. When small problems arose during the project, Erich was able to provide valuable input on solving the issues. We LOVE our new kitchen, and will definitely call on Erich for further remodeling projects. **★★★★★ — Lisa Brooke, Jan. 2015** > Cella Architecture was a vital member to the team for my new custom home. Erich did a great job in the design by listening to what I wanted and then adding some wonderful creativity. He also worked well with the various other consultants I assembled on the project. I would absolutely recommended Cella Architecture to family and friends. **★★★★★ — DM Distributing & Imports, LLC, Jan. 2015** > Erich is a bright & talented architect whose attention to detail makes him a delight to provide for. I found his communication and questions to be thorough and concise. I would highly recommend Erich! **★★★★★ — User, Oct. 2013** > Our team has recently had the pleasure of working with Erich on a new construction project in the Portland, OR area. Erich has been great to work with and has had much insight into the details related to not only to the construction side but also the design aesthetics. We look forward to working with him on another upcoming project. **★★★★★ — Cowan Construction, Sept. 2013** > "I have worked with Erich the last few years on a 9000 square foot French > Home. His construction drawings and design have been excellent and very easy > for myself and all of the trades to understand and perform the work. He has > been very organized and efficient with his details and understanding of the > construction process. He has been a pleasure to work with as an architect > and a person. I would highly recommend Erich for your architecture and > design needs." > Mike Cowan, Cowan Construction, LLC **★★★★★ — nwds, Aug. 2013** > I have had the pleasure of working with Erich on several projects throughout the years. On building projects, hundreds of problems will arise and how they are dealt with determines the true professionalism of an architect. Erich has never missed a beat on solving the problems with me on custom door and window orders and has come up with very creative solutions. It would simplify Erich's skills to just say he is detail oriented, he goes far beyond just details. He looks at the job as a whole and somehow manages to break every component down into sub assemblies and how they interact with each other. Not just how it's to be designed and built, but does the item work aesthetically in the overall design. Simply put, he is a pro, an absolute pro. I have always enjoyed working with him and look forward to working on the next project with Erich. > > Shawn Shallenberger > Northwest Door and Sash ## Selected projects - [Arrow Wood Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arrow-wood-home-pj-vj~5819900) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 15 - [Arrow Wood Pool House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arrow-wood-pool-house-pj-vj~5837528) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 4 - Description: Set at the end of the pool, the pool house creates a cozy place to relax and entertain with family and friends. The exterior of the building is finished with painted wood clapboard siding and simple wrapped columns to match the house. While beneath the sheltering roof the space opens up to reveal the exposed structure and rustic trusses finished with a light stain to provide an elegant contrast to the more formal exterior. Lit by gas light, the center of focus is the large basalt stone fire plac… - [Ranch Home Renovation, Broadmoor \| Oregon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ranch-home-renovation-broadmoor-oregon-pj-vj~6066034) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: The goal of this whole house remodel in Portland's Broadmoor neighborhood was to Make the house feel as it nothing had been done at all when viewed from the street. Inside we strove to achieve a space that embraced the outdoors and was well fit to the lifestyle of the owners. This meant opening up small cramped rooms and the creation of al spacious kitchen along with the addition of a new master suite. The result is a quite home that lives large. - [Tudor Revival Home - Laurelhurst \| Portland, OR](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tudor-revival-home-laurelhurst-portland-or-pj-vj~713120) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 8 - Description: === Featured in Luxe Magazine Nov/Dec 2017 === This new Tudor Revival styled home, situated in Portland’s Laurelhurst area, was designed to blend with one of the city’s distinctive old neighborhoods. While there are a variety of existing house styles along the nearby streets, the Tudor Revival style with its characteristic steeply pitched roof lines, arched doorways, and heavy chimneys occurs throughout the neighborhood and was the ideal style choice for the new home. The house was conceived wit… - [Kitchen Remodel - Eastmoreland \| Portland Oregon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-remodel-eastmoreland-portland-oregon-pj-vj~1471192) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 9 - Description: Often a kitchen remodel is the most direct way to make a big impact in the feeling of your home. That is just what the owners of this Eastmoreland kitchen wanted when they asked Cella Architecture for a new kitchen design. They needed a space that felt more appropriate to their classic Portland home – a kitchen that was brighter and more functional. In analyzing their previous kitchen the issues were obvious. The space was segregated from the rest of the house and the small work areas limited th… - [Pool House - Dunthorpe \| Portland, OR](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pool-house-dunthorpe-portland-or-pj-vj~779747) - Location: Portland, OR - Photos: 8 - Description: This elegant pool house, located in the Dunthorpe neighborhood in Portland Oregon, provides a comfortable space for casual outdoor entertaining with friends and family. Although new from the ground up, the pool house was conceived as a relic left over from an earlier era, a structure fallen into disrepair and then restored and repurposed. With this concept in mind, Cella Architecture designed the strong end walls to echo the forms seen in the nearby house. These walls were then spanned by a simp… - [Kitchen Remodel - Lake Oswego Oregon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-remodel-lake-oswego-oregon-pj-vj~86936) - Location: Lake Oswego, OR - Photos: 9 - Description: This project involved the remodel of an existing kitchen as family room. The kitchen layout was improved to ease cooking and cleaning tasks and to allow for the large gatherings the client frequently entertained. We also incorporated a home office space into an existing bay window but allowed storage to help keep the space neat and orderly. - [Ashland Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ashland-home-pj-vj~86934) - Location: Ashland, OR - Photos: 1 - Description: A new home in the hills above the city of Ashland. - [Current Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/current-projects-pj-vj~1404659) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 [See all 9 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cella-architecture-pfvwus-pf~2013424351) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840740213.m3u8?s=98396901cca7cac2d727d1356ea924448cc8a090&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do you handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals?** Yes, we absolutely handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals. Our services include comprehensive project planning, site analysis, zoning analysis, and code research. We also prepare construction documentation for submission to local jurisdictions to ensure a smooth permitting process for your project. **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** We specialize in a wide range of residential projects, including custom home design from the ground up, as well as extensive renovations, remodels, and additions of all scales. Our focus is on creating fine homes that truly reflect our clients' lifestyles. **How do you help clients design within their construction budget?** We help manage your construction budget from the start. Our services include preliminary budget development and refining cost estimates during design. We also assist with pricing and bidding, reviewing contractor bids to ensure you get the best value and make informed decisions, and suggesting alternatives to stay within budget. **Do you provide full-service architectural services through construction?** Yes, we provide full-service architectural services, guiding you through every phase of your project, from initial project planning and conceptual design all the way through construction administration and project closeout. We act as your representative during construction to ensure quality and adherence to design. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Absolutely, designing fully custom homes is a core part of our expertise. We collaborate closely with you to develop a unique design that perfectly suits your needs, desires, and the specific opportunities of your property, ensuring every aspect of your new home is truly your own. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Community Q&A **Q: Exterior Color** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi! What is the Exterior paint color of the home? A: The color is Benjamin Moore's Shenandoah Taupe AC-36 **Q: paint colors used?** *(in Photo Questions)* I have that rose brick and trying to find nice paint colors. What are the paint colors used? A: The body color is Benjamin Moore AC-36 Shenandoah Taupe The trim is a custom mix to match the window cladding. **Q: What a wonderful exterior color.** *(in Photo Questions)* Can I ask the exterior color please? I loved the beige+ black combination. Thank you very much. Best regards A: The body color is Benjamin Moore's Shenandoah Taupe AC-36 **Q: Color** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi! Could you share the color of this potting shed? A: I am sorry we do not have that information. **Q: What color paint for stucco is being used? Also, name of brick?** *(in Photo Questions)* I'm using same color scheme on our new home. A: The trim and door color is a custom color selected to match the window cladding. **Q: what kind of roof?** *(in Photo Questions)* Stucco Home A: :The roofing is a laminated asphalt shingle made by Malarkey Roofing. The color is Black Oak and the singled used were the Legacy XL if I remember correctly. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-11.*