Case Study: SERA Architects & P:ear

SERA Architects, an architecture, planning, urban design, and interiors firm paired up with p:ear to create a standout space with offices, program space, and art gallery for the nonprofit organization—now a focal point for the community. The design relies on an eclectic, comfortable-modern aesthetic that seamlessly incorporates salvaged and donated materials and furniture, physically bridging p:ear’s past with its fresh new direction.

The opportunity

Based in Portland, Ore., p:ear (program: education, arts, recreation) is a nonprofit organization that provides homeless teens and young adults supportive services and programs. After six years in a single space, p:ear lost the lease to its home of six years. What could have been a disaster for the organization became an opportunity—to reestablish itself in a space that could better suit their program and allow for growth in previously unforeseen directions.

SERA’s Pro Bono Investment 

The design was developed from the storefront’s pre-existing division of space between front, back, and mezzanine. Taking into consideration p:ear’s desire for maximizing flexible and useable space—a concept severely lacking in its old location—the open feel of the old storefront building was kept intact. SERA used movable, folding door panels and visual organization to provide different programmatic areas without adding too many walls. The side space was converted into a gallery, music room, and flexible event space. To minimize adding extra walls, the restroom, storeroom, darkroom, and music room were grouped into one unit at the back of the gallery. Wide doors at the front of the music room can be opened to create a stage. The new gallery gives p:ear space to showcase three-dimensional artwork. SERA’s careful budgeting and use of salvaged materials provided the savings to invest in signature features, including a wide-folding glass door that welcomes members of the community and proudly displays the organization’s achievements.

The “front” space fulfills p:ear’s private programmatic needs. Here, homeless youth enjoy both private and solitary activities, such as reading, communal meals, and lessons. A quiet library nook takes advantage of large windows on one side of the room. The heart of the space is a warm, spacious kitchen, equipped and designed to prepare healthy meals, inviting the youth to engage in the cooking process. Built-in cabinetry off of the main space provides storage and encourages everyone to keep the p:ear facility organized and clean.

On the mezzanine, p:ear staff now have dedicated administrative space, which has “raised the level of professionalism of the team,” notes Beth Burns, p:ear’s Executive Director. In short, the new office allows staff to focus. “Staff relationships were strained in the old space because we were on top of each other.” The mezzanine also provides volunteer teachers with newfound space to store their belongings and prepare for classes.

Project designers Christina Tello, Jessamyn Griffin, and Suzanne Blair led p:ear through an innovative and highly collaborative design process to understand the programmatic needs. Design charrettes included a series of games and collages “designed to elicit our spoken and unspoken ideas and needs”, Burns explains. “SERA guided us through the process and helped us explore our ideas from many angles, offering their own creative and thoughtful ideas based on knowledge of space, ergonomics, and materials.”

One of the greatest challenges of the process was working around an unfixed budget. SERA strove to balance quality and cost to ensure that p:ear received the best possible end-result. The firm incorporated donated and salvaged materials and preserved the industrial character of the space to keep costs low. In addition, SERA recruited additional community professionals to donate services and materials to the cause. Tello advises, “Share the responsibility. There are lots of people that want to make a contribution and the more people you get involved the better the end product is for the client.” Fortis Construction Inc. donated their fee, project management, and early preconstruction services. Spreading the call for support, Fortis brought in subcontractors, who donated labor and other in-kind services.

Born to this mix of constraints and freedoms, the p:ear facility resonates a modern down-to-earth vibe that is both warm and welcoming.

The Impact

P:ear’s relocation and renovated space decidedly changed the dynamics of the program. Burns sees the youth “acting more maturely in the new space, and taking better care of the supplies…The space tells the kids that they are cared about in ways that are very rare.”

The new space allows for additional programs and expands the array of services offered. The new library nook encourages youth to spend their time reading, an uncommon activity in p:ear’s cramped former quarters. The new kitchen—a vast improvement from the cold water utility sink, microwave, and toaster that comprised the old kitchen—helps staff prepare 12,000 meals annually. A large rear room allows for a recording studio, a concert venue, additional class space, and more flexible gallery room, thereby expanding p:ear’s arts curriculum to include sculpture, film making, musicianship, song-writing, and many other media.

Not only has the space been a positive force on the kids, but it has also become a crucial resource for p:ear. Since its opening Fall 2008, the gallery has been rented out over 20 times for various parties, exhibits, and meetings, providing a new source of revenue. The youth themselves have fundraised over $50,000 by selling their artwork. In addition, the new visibility set forth by SERA’s design has spurred a 50% increase in program volunteers.

Pro bono work proves to be a good business strategy for architecture and design firms. After showing p:ear’s facility to a potential client, SERA secured a new fee-generating project. The client, a homeless shelter, was sold by p:ear’s “homelike feel.” The designers are now formalizing the firm’s pro bono approach to create SERA’s first pro bono policy. Crucial to the project’s success, SERA gave p:ear the same level of service as any paying client. The project was subsequently featured in numerous publications and was honored with the AIA/IIDA 2008 Annual Design Sui Generis Award. In their words, SERA’s commitment to pro bono work has paid off.

About SERA Architects, Inc.

Founded over 36 years ago, the Portland-based firm SERA is dedicated to sustainable and socially responsible design and renovation. Prior to their involvement with p:ear via The 1% program, SERA had been involved with several ad hoc pro bono projects.

About P:ear

P:ear was founded in 2003 by three former Salvation Army employees, Pippa Arend, Beth Burns, and Joy Cartier—with a mission to reach homeless youth with programs in education, arts, and recreation. The organization serves daily meals, provides supplementary education, and organizes outings and arts programs for the homeless youth who visit the facility. In addition, p:ear uses its facility to bridge homeless youth and teenagers with the community through events such as gallery showings and concerts. The facility is rented out as a venue for events and fundraisers.