FEATURE - RISA BOYER ARCHITECTURE

Risa Boyer Leritz, AIA

Principal Architect Founder of Risa Boyer Architecture

Risa Boyer is the founding principal of Risa Boyer Architecture, a Portland-based architecture studio recognized for its thoughtful, modern residential design. With more than two decades of experience, Risa approaches architecture with a deep sensitivity to place, materials, and the rhythms of everyday life. Her work blends sustainability with simplicity—balancing warmth, restraint, and functionality to create spaces designed for living, not just for looking at.

Originally from Calistoga, Risa studied architecture at California College of the Arts. She began her career in 1998 and founded her own practice in 2006 in Los Angeles before later relocating to Portland.

Risa’s interest in architecture began early, inspired by childhood afternoons spent designing Barbie dream houses—an early introduction to creative problem-solving and spatial thinking. Today, that same curiosity continues to shape her design process, with each project thoughtfully crafted to reflect the people who live there and the environment that surrounds it.

Influenced by her passion for mid-century architecture and design, Risa’s work ranges from carefully considered renovations to new modern homes. Across all of her projects, Risa is guided by a clear philosophy: timeless design rooted in sustainability, clarity, and a strong connection to place.

Designing for Light, Life, and Longevity: Inside Risa Boyer Architecture

Risa Boyer Architecture (RBA) has built a reputation as a boutique, full-service, award-winning architecture and interior design firm dedicated to creating modern, timeless spaces. From refined residential retreats to imaginative commercial environments, RBA’s work is defined by openness, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoors and out.

At the heart of every RBA project is a commitment to thoughtful design that enhances everyday life. The firm believes that architecture should not only serve its inhabitants—it

should elevate their experience. Whether working within a modest budget or developing a complex custom residence, RBA approaches every project with the conviction that small details matter just as much as the big picture.

High Design Meets High Performance

RBA distinguishes itself by skillfully melding high design with high-performance building practices. Sustainability is not an afterthought—it is woven into the very foundation of each project. By fusing economic responsibility with sustainable design strategies, the firm ensures that every structure reflects a deeper unity between present needs and future impact.

Open floor plans, abundant daylight, and intentional material selections create environments that feel both grounded and expansive. Each project balances aesthetic clarity with performance-driven solutions, resulting in spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.

A Collaborative Design Process

Engagement and collaboration are central to RBA’s philosophy. Clients are treated as creative partners, with in-depth communication maintained from concept to completion. By taking an active role in every aspect of design and construction, the firm ensures that creativity continues to evolve throughout each stage of the process.

This hands-on involvement, combined with comprehensive construction knowledge and meticulous attention to detail, allows design concepts to transition fluidly into built reality. The result is architecture that feels cohesive, intentional, and enduring.

Recognized Excellence

RBA’s work has earned recognition across respected publications including Dwell, Atomic Ranch, Residential Design, Portland Monthly, The Oregonian, and Gray Magazine, among others.

Recent award-winning projects such as the Council Crest Residence, Fernhill Residence and the Glen Road Project further demonstrate the firm’s ability to craft spaces that are innovative yet timeless—homes that feel deeply connected to their surroundings while offering modern comfort and efficiency.

Small by Design, Powerful in Impact

Led by a team of women architects and designers, Risa Boyer Architecture is intentionally small—allowing for meaningful collaboration, deep project involvement, and a personal touch throughout every phase. The team shares a love of beautiful materials, thoughtful detailing, and architecture’s power to transform daily life.

Though its members come from diverse backgrounds, they have found a shared creative home in Oregon, where natural beauty and bold ideas intersect. This sense of place continues to inform their work, grounding each project in authenticity and inspiration.

Council Crest Residence: A Home Designed for Connection and Resilience

When the pandemic reshaped how many people think about home, one Portland family saw it as an opportunity to start fresh. Their goal was to create a place that felt more connected—to nature, to one another, and to a slower rhythm of everyday life. The result is the Council Crest Residence, completed in May 2024 and designed by Risa Boyer Architecture.

Set into the hillside in Portland’s Council Crest neighborhood, the home was designed as a quiet sanctuary. The family had previously lived in a narrow, vertical house with limited access to the outdoors, and they wanted something very different: a home that felt open to the landscape while still offering warmth, privacy, and flexibility for daily life.

The architecture reflects that vision. Natural materials—brick, stained cedar, and steel—create a palette that feels both durable and welcoming. Deep roof overhangs frame large glass openings, allowing light to pour inside while connecting the interiors to the surrounding trees and hillside views.

Inside, the home favors intimate, carefully scaled spaces rather than expansive open-plan rooms. The design focuses on comfort and daily rituals—places to gather, cook, read, and relax. Materials like hand-troweled plaster and oiled white oak add warmth and texture, while thoughtful architectural details—including a curved staircase, a built-in planter, and a central hearth—bring a sense of craftsmanship and personality to the interiors.

Behind the calm, natural aesthetic is a highly efficient building system designed for long-term sustainability. The home features a super-insulated and airtight envelope with high-performance windows, helping it maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while reducing energy use. A geothermal heat pump provides heating and cooling, while radiant floors add quiet, consistent warmth throughout the house.

Additional systems—including heat recovery ventilation, rooftop solar panels, battery storage, and rainwater harvesting—work together to significantly reduce the home’s environmental impact. These technologies allow the residence to move toward near zero-carbon living while remaining comfortable and practical for everyday family life.

Ultimately, the Council Crest Residence reflects a growing shift in residential design. It shows how thoughtful architecture can balance beauty with responsibility—creating homes that not only look timeless but also support a more sustainable future.

Recipient of AIA Oregon 2025 Architecture Award

High-Level Sustainability + Design Features

By uniting design excellence with performance, Council Crest demonstrates that homes can be both technically aspirational and deeply personal—offering a model of sustainable living that is enduring, healthy, and inspiring for the future of residential architecture. The home features: