CHARITABLE PROJECTS

SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

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I was honored when an engineer friend of mine asked if I could provide prints on a project for Unity Church of the Valley.  When I heard the story of the Church member who couldn't access the stage area, due to his wheelchair I knew I wanted to help.  Deliverables included permit and construction sets for an ADA compliant ramp to be retrofitted over existing steps and a landing. The design was minimal and had minor impacts on the existing structure.  It allowed for quick and easy install that provided needed accessibility

SUPPORTING MINORITY OWNED BUSINESSES

Provided Land Use and ADA code compliance analysis for a proposed commercial building conversion.  This project specifically focused on the change of use and how it impacted parking requirements.  Sections of the code were found that eliminated the need for additional parking spaces, lowering the cost of the project.  Solutions were recommended for additional bicycle parking in existing spaces to meet the community needs.

SUPPORTING WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES

Jan Hufford, owner of the Cedar Shack Restaurant in Sweet Home, Oregon had goals to bring an affordable and family friendly attraction/event around the Halloween season.  Funds went to supporting local charities.  Jan had reached out to me about putting together an event plan and design, so that she and her amazing army of volunteers could execute.  They did an amazing job bringing the concept designs to life, and the community really seemed to enjoy the attraction.

SUPPORTING WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES

Assisted owners by completing a code compliance analysis and as-built print set to reflect current conditions of their new investment.  The existing structure had upgrades that had not been documented by the original owners.  Providing an up to date floor plan of existing conditions and a code compliance walk through ensured safety and set a foundation for future improvements.   

With the new addition of an outdoor eating and drinking area, occupancy and egress issues were a concern.  The owners contacted me to provide a land use consultation, fire code analysis and occupancy analysis to ensure compliance. ​

Created custom interior murals for the restrooms to reflect the area and theme of the roadhouse. Three separate murals were painted in three small rooms, consisting of approximately 400 square feet of murals. 

SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to pay it forward to some really amazing people.  The Manley Family are just amazing, kind hearted, involved people.  Even with the challenges of having a disabled child with special needs, they are the kind of people you can always count on to help others.  When the Manley's reached out to me about their plans for a new addition, I felt like this was an opportunity to give good people some good karma.  Working with the Manleys I Designed a custom garage to be attached to the existing dwelling.  Deliverables included construction and permit sets, as well as Land Use design and compatibility statement with code analysis.  The design followed prescriptive path, eliminating the need for engineering, and keeping the costs lower.  The Manleys were great to work with and I thank them for the opportunity.

SUPPORTING MY COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

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Received a request to help a local community member by designing a wheelchair ramp for their front entrance.  It was a little difficult as they existing deck was a little higher than typical, calling for a longer ramp,  in order to meet ADA ramp requirements.  The longer ramp then began to protrude onto land use setbacks, and over property lines, so the design became more complex, with more landings and turns.  The ramp also could not block the existing sidewalk that was access to the garage pedestrian door, and the utility meters on the side walls.  In the end an amazing coordinator and community member pulled together a group of volunteers and donated supplies to assist this community member with an ADA access to their home.  Honored to have contributed on this one.

SUPPORTING MY COMMUNITY

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The Vaughns reached out to me with concerns about a land use notice they received.  They asked me to review the proposed partition request for compliance and any possible negative impacts to their property.  This type of work is usually very expensive and most people can't afford to pay for this type of analysis, just for a response to a notice.  I wanted to help these give the Vaughns a voice that would be heard, as well as help maintain good development practices in my community.  I researched the proposed site, and found that the land use action as proposed should be denied per the local municipal code.  Deliverables included a full analysis of the request, including CAD drafted diagrams of the existing survey, with the proposed and existing structures, property lines, and color coding for code compliance.  It also included the history of the property as well as the code sections for reference.  The Vaughns were able to submit this report with their response, and establish appeal rights for the Land Use Board of Appeals, if they decide to contest the partition when it is approved.