1. Ries
Advice
Architecture
Architecture Testimonials
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Management
Paul turns dreams, hopes, wishes, half-glimpsed aspirations into reality. That is
his talent and his gift to his clients. It starts with his really listening, not just to
the client's words, but what he senses behind the words; and on seeing the final
result one realizes that, "yes, that's what I wanted - I didn't know it would look
like that, but that's it." It isn't a quick process, but nothing worthwhile ever is.
Community
Development The creation of something one will live in, live with, that will be an important
& Enablement
part of one's life necessarily has a complex gestation - a gentle, full coming to
fruition. This co-creation (architect and clients) is itself an art form, and we feel
lucky we engaged in it with Paul.
Scott Forbes
(971) 409-5677
I truly have appreciated the way you worked with me and the fact that you’ve
been honest, open, and helpful throughout the process, providing quality work
at an affordable price. Most of all, I have valued the ease of conversation and
extent of communication with you. I have been very favorably impressed by
your professionalism and humanity. Your input and ideas have been extremely
important in bringing my project to fruition. I would highly recommend you to
anyone who asks (as a matter of fact, I already have referred you to two
acquaintances who are looking for architectural and building assistance.
Chuck Kunert
(503) 470-0908
Working with Paul Ries has been a joy. He really shows genuine excitement of
his own about our project. It seems that he is as invested in our home remodel
as we are. It’s wonderful to work with someone who has a real passion for his
Paul Ries, profession and seems to really care about getting you what you want and
Architect, making it work without breaking the bank. Not only is he a true professional
NCARB who knows his craft, but he is so much fun to work with personally. He has a
great sense of humor and that is so important when remodeling your home. I
know we need our sense of humor during this process! I cannot recommend
Paul enough, he’s a true gem.
Thanks,
Alex
Alex Robison
PO Box 3677 Executive Assistant
P r l n , O 9 2 8
o t a d R 7 0
Tel 503.764.2330 Power Delivery & Thermal Assets
Fax 866.936.1119
1125 NW Couch, Suite 700, Portland, OR 97209
Telephone (503) 796-7025, Mobile (971) 219-0508, Fax (503) 796-6906
Email:
r e . r h t c u e @ g a l c m
i s a c i e t r m i . o
Paul Ries, Architect (an architecture and design counseling company)

2. 26 May 2009
To Whom it May Concern:
I have worked with Paul Ries for 11 years on projects ranging from residential
remodels to loft conversions of old buildings to a garbage transfer station. Over
this period Paul and I have developed a special working relationship and
friendship.
My development style is to do what others cannot while under great pressure
and time constraints. Paul seems to work well in this environment and has
always been willing to step up and get the job done under these circumstances.
Not one of the projects we have done together has been normal. Every project
has had at least one special component such as a land use hearing, variance,
change of use, etc. Because of the working relationships Paul has developed
with the City, we have been able to prevail in every situation. Besides the
regulatory issues, every project has involved the need for creativity and
adaptability due to my habit of making silk purses out of sow’s ears. Many times
I have discovered a major change I wanted to make mid project. Because of
Paul’s ability to listen and see what others are seeing we have been able to
perform the redesign over the phone and Paul has acquired the approvals for
the permit changes while I enacted the changes. Not once has his drawings
deviated from what we agreed upon. While Paul has many great ideas and a
knack for design, he respects other’s opinions and dreams and does not force his
personal views on a project. At the same time, it the dream is too wild, he gently
places a reality check on the situation.
I have enjoyed working over the years with Paul and have found him highly
adaptable to just about any situation and more than willing to push the envelope
in terms of design concept and application without jeopardizing his deep seated
morality.
Sincerely,
Terrell Garrett
PO Box 4483
Portland, OR 97208-4483
(503) 793-9238
We worked with Paul Ries last year to raise part of the roof and redesign the
second floor of a not very big 1913 house. This was our first time working with
an architect and I'm grateful we found an empathetic and creative yet down-to-
earth mind to work with. There were some specific changes we knew we needed
to make, but we didn't have any idea how to make everything else work. Paul
listened to our stream of conscious ramblings and came up with a visually
exciting, smart plan (which, due to the economy, we haven't been able to execute
yet). He came up with an engineering idea that should save us money during
construction. He communicated quickly, responded to our questions at length,
took our concerns to heart, and was patient with us when we were distracted
from the process - it was fascinating to watch him come up with creative and
aesthetically pleasing solutions and we are delighted with how the house will
look.
Catherine and Michael Peroni
(503) 807-5644

3. Most of us who are homeowners do not get the opportunity to work with Architects
very often, some of us never do. Many probably feel that they can have their
contractor do the design for them, or that they can do it themselves. While no two
situations are ever the same, hopefully our experiences can help you with your
project.
Last fall we decided to embark on a major change. We downsized from a 3400
square foot three level 9 year old custom home (too much space for the two of us)
to a 40 year old 1800 square foot rambler that was just off the 13th green at our
Country Club. Going in to the change we knew that there would be some
significant “face lifts” needed. Most notable was a change to the kitchen and
replacement of the original (40 year old) cabinets! Other future changes will be
needed as well, but we’ll focus on the kitchen.
After moving into our new home, we spent a couple months just determining what
our priorities were and what potential changes we might want. We also attended a
local home remodeling and home improvement shows. We discovered that many of
the contractors were “design build”. In other words, if they didn’t design the job,
they wouldn’t bid it or do the work. The design build may work well, however our
experience/fear was that this was a recipe for never being able to have truly
comparative construction bids. Furthermore, it is my experience from business that
engaging the right professionals can save time and significant amounts of money.
During this time we were referred to Paul Ries by our favorite Starbucks barista
(who has a degree in architecture). We contacted Paul and scheduled an initial
interview. From the very first appointment Paul showed us that he was different
from the staid corporate, big firm architects. His professional resume was great;
however it was the time he took to get to know our interests, likes/dislikes and
desires that truly made the difference. Paul took it beyond the structural to
determine the elements that would make the difference for us. Paul presented us
with multiple options for design; ranging from minimal structure change, with
lower cost, to full demo with corresponding cost increase.
Paul worked through numerous options with us and helped us to arrive at the
solution that best met our needs. Throughout the entire process Paul was readily
available and provided thoughtful input. From a pure architectural standpoint, our
plans sailed through County permitting, without issue. More importantly as
construction moved forward and questions arose, Paul was there with advice and
the ability to make minor changes for our review prior to our contractor’s
execution.
Now that the project is done, we are ecstatic! From a financial standpoint we view
this as money well invested. From a lifestyle perspective we now have a living
(emphasis on livable) space that we will enjoy for years to come. This was a
process that was enhanced by Paul’s thoughtful approach to the lifestyle design of
space.
Jon Nicholson
VP/GM Oregon & SW Washington
tw telecom inc.
520 SW 6th, Suite 400
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 503-416-1855
Fax: 503-416-1555
Cell: 503-319-4725

4. In April of 2005 my partner and I purchased a semi –condemned old house on
Vancouver Ave in North Portland with the intention of developing it into a
business. It had great bones but needed to be completely redesigned in order to fit
our long term needs. After interviewing and receiving proposals from a number of
architects, we had no hesitation in choosing Paul Ries to work with.
Early on there were certain things that stood out about Paul. He was able very
quickly to come to a comprehensive understanding of our vision, the challenges
and opportunities present AND the most effective way to address them and move
forward.
He had an exceptional design sense, especially in the problem solving realm. We
had a vision and with Paul’s help, began to see that vision take shape. Some of our
biggest challenges included: a very tight budget, a myriad of design and legal/code
issues in a renovation from a residential to a commercial application that would
maximize the usage.
Paul worked with us patiently, creatively, and confidently through the many
challenges, including the complicated change of occupancy process that this
project necessitated.
Paul is amazing to work with - he is a keen listener; he skillfully and creatively
works through problems - even on the fly; he is extremely flexible and patient
throughout the design build process; and perhaps most importantly, in our very
complex project, he was absolutely masterful in working with the city though all of
the necessary stages!
I would highly recommend Paul as a strong team member on any project!
Lili Scott, Lac
the North Portland Wellness Center
4922 N Vancouver AV
Portland, OR 97217
503-493-9398 Clinic
503-730-4249 Cell

5. I have known Paul Ries for several years. I am an architect also but have never
worked with Paul directly, but I am confident in saying, Paul’s pursuit of good
design and constructibility speaks volumes of Paul’s understanding of
architecture and ability to work with clients to solve their spatial or structural
problems in a most efficient and economical manner. I work for the City of
Portland as a commercial plans examiner currently, and Paul consistently
provides detailed drawings that are both clear and concise that always addresses
the building code as well as show his desire to make spaces more interesting that
provide light, energy savings, good spatial composition and designed in such a
way that is easy to construct thus saving money for the owner.
Paul has a great sense of humor and a true love of architecture. Paul has great
communication skills and loves the challenges that architecture provides. The
more complicated the project, the more intrigued Paul is with the project. Paul is
always willing to go the extra mile for his clients.
Peter Drake
Architect
Plans Examiner
City of Portland
(503) 823-7717
Architect to Architect I have known Paul for many years. Paul's commitment to
Architecture surpasses most of my colleagues. While I have entered the public
sector working for the City of Portland, Paul has insisted on maintaining his
private practice. We have tried to recruit him, but he enjoys the creative process
and I do not think he could sustain his inner self without practicing Architecture.
As an Architect his technical expertise is superb. Whether we discuss a multistory
building or a home addition he understands how to build it. Architecture is much
more than technical. Paul builds with the technical but he creates with the
ethereal.
Raphael Goodblatt
Architect
Former Plans Examiner
City of Portland
(503) 734-8210