Akana welcomes Ned Vaivoda, FAIA as Director of Design.

His decades of experience will help us develop our growing architecture practice.

A Career of Design Excellence

Ned’s work experience reflects an evolution, showcasing adaptability and resilience in the face of changing landscapes within the architectural profession. In 1984, Ned co-founded Thompson Vaivoda & Associates Architects as one of two Design and Planning principals; and followed in a similar role at Yost Grube Hall Architecture. In 2016, he merged his solo practice with C2K Architecture and continued setting design and planning direction for numerous projects.

Over the years, Ned has won more than 20 awards for design and construction excellence. Projects include cultural, educational corporate facilities and custom residences. The Marilyn Moyer Meditation Chapel is probably the most notable, published globally, and featured as the cover story in Architecture magazine. Most of Ned’s work is local to the Pacific Northwest, however, international work can be found in Lagos, Nigeria, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., Equatorial Guinea, Podgorica, Montenegro, and Shanghai, China.

Legacy and Mentorship

Ned has had the privilege of learning from such luminaries as Louis Kahn, Marcel Breuer, Ian McHarg and Edmund Bacon; and since has mentored future architects. He has been an Adjunct Faculty member at the Portland State University School of Architecture for 12 years, lectured nationally, and contributed his time as an AIA Design Awards juror.

Ned Vaivoda’s legacy extends beyond his design efforts. As a dedicated educator, influential juror, and mentor to younger architects, he continues to leave his mark on the profession. Ned’s commitment to innovative design and environmental stewardship inspires a new generation of architects to think boldly and act responsibly.