Join UO’s Portland Architecture Program for a reception and public lecture event celebrating the design of the Innovation Building at our new campus in NE Portland with Mandy Butler and Pam Saftler of TVA Architects.

5:00pm PST (talk at 5:30pm)
Wednesday, May 21

UO Portland
Innovation Commons (3rd Floor)
Innovation Building
2811 NE Holman St. Portland, Oregon 97211

Zoom link
Meeting ID: 971 9590 1469

About:
Renovation holds a unique power to honor the past and embrace the future. More than a fix or an upgrade, it’s an opportunity to elevate the very essence of a building—revealing its hidden potential, respecting its original character, and reimagining it for contemporary needs. By thoughtfully reconsidering how an existing structure can support modern uses, renovation transforms constraints into catalysts for creativity—allowing designers to rethink space, introduce modern technologies, improve performance, and strengthen a building’s connection to its history, place, and purpose.

Join TVA Principals Pam Saftler and Mandy Butler as they share stories and strategies from three recent renovation projects at the University of Oregon: Huestis Hall and Friendly Hall in Eugene, and the Innovation Building in Portland. While each project presented distinct architectural and programmatic challenges, they all shared a common thread: the transformative power of renovation. This talk will highlight TVA’s pursuit of the “twofer”—a single design move that solves a problem and delivers added value. Whether through aesthetics, user experience, or sustainability, the twofer is smart, efficient, and impactful.

MANDY BUTLER, AIA
Mandy Butler is a Principal at TVA Architects, where she leads the design and planning of complex, high-performance learning environments—including science and technology research facilities, laboratories, and hands-on teaching spaces. With deep expertise in programming and planning, she creates spaces that meet the technical and functional needs of students and faculty while supporting evolving teaching methodologies. Mandy brings a strong command of technical requirements, regulatory standards, and stakeholder priorities to every project, resulting in adaptable, forward-thinking designs that are both effective and inspiring.

Her recent work for the University of Oregon includes the Huestis Hall Deferred Maintenance Project, multiple research and teaching lab renovations in Klamath Hall, and the Innovation Building Renovation on the Portland campus. She also recently led UO stakeholders through programming for the renovation of Friendly Hall.

Mandy holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon and has served on the College of Design’s Dean’s Council, offering strategic insight on development, diversity initiatives, and community engagement.

PAM SAFTLER, AIA, IIDA
Pam Saftler is a Principal at TVA Architects with nearly three decades of experience shaping projects that elevate the human experience through thoughtful design. With a foundation in architecture, environmental design, and urban planning, Pam is adept at transforming complex programmatic requirements into spaces that are both highly functional and inspiring.

She has led numerous higher education initiatives, bringing together diverse stakeholder groups to create adaptable, high-performance environments that support hands-on learning, collaboration, and innovation. Her portfolio includes major renovations, laboratory upgrades, and makerspaces that enhance the daily experience of students and faculty alike.

Pam’s recent work for the University of Oregon includes the Huestis Hall Deferred Maintenance Project, renovations to Klamath Hall, and the Innovation Building Renovation on the Portland campus. She is currently leading the renovation of Friendly Hall, the third-oldest building on the Eugene campus.