Some people aren’t meant for corporate architecture practice. The launch of Chandra Robinson's new firm chromatográfica is a call to action for all of those who want to make change in the world. In this event you will hear from Chandra about her path in architecture and the amazing projects she has been a part of in the last seven years. Chandra will be joined on stage by three friends and colleagues in the Portland design world who have very different perspectives and all of whom know there is a better way to impact the world through design.

Panelists Audrey Alverson, Jimmy Gantz, and Jonathan Heppner will share their journeys of leaving traditional architecture firms to pursue alternative paths, and how they’re exploring what it means to go solo by building their own intentional practices. Expect a lively, no holds barred conversation with interactive Q&A – exploring themes of lifestyle choices, labor/life balance, doing work you actually care about, and finding the source of creative freedom. Don’t miss this opportunity to rethink the future of architecture! 

Hosted by the UO Portland Architecture Program in the School of Architecture & Environment. 

Chandra Robinson is a licensed architect in Oregon with 20 years of practice dedicated to creating beautiful, welcoming spaces that are accessible to everyone. Her design philosophy is rooted in a deep commitment to community engagement and the authentic expression of culture in the built environment, working closely with clients to translate their unique vision and values into tangible design elements.

A recognized expert in her field, Chandra is a trusted voice in mass timber building technology and the integration of cultural narratives into design. Her ability to challenge the status quo and advocate for communities has led to significant professional recognition, including being honored by Architectural Record as one of the 2025 Top Women in Architecture for her significant contributions to design innovation. Chandra’s portfolio showcases her commitment to innovative and culturally resonant design. She led her team to win an international competition for a museum, an innovative mass timber art school, and two vital library projects within Portland, Oregon’s Black Community.

Beyond her practice, Chandra is a dedicated civic leader, serving on the Portland Design Commission since 2019 and as the 2026 Vice President of the Oregon Black Pioneers. Her intellectual foundation is informed by her focus on Soft Space—the experiential, temporal, and imagined qualities of environment that define spaces. Qualities like temperature, color, energy, and sightlines continue to be central elements of experimentation and exploration in her work today.