Process

Adaptive, sensitive, research-driven

Our process is adaptive and research-driven, resulting in work that reflects context, culture, and the ecology of ideas. We deliver designs that are sensitive to their context, that honor an architectural vision and support a user’s needs. We seek inspiration from unexpected sources, using our expertise in science, art, and technology to find new solutions to complex challenges. We prioritize creative exploration and have an irrepressible willingness to attempt the unexpected, while highly valuing context and use.

Invested in relationships

Values and processes are guideposts for our practice. We invest in relationships by working together closely. We value core expertise and reach across information silos. We are approachable, reliable, and trustworthy. Our partners respect our expertise and discipline, and consider us collaborators.

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“Knot Studio's impressive resume in OBO work makes their firm our top choice for Embassy and Consulate projects.”
—Sian Roberts, FAIA, LEED AP, Partner, The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP
"I would recommend the team at Knot Studio whole-heartedly! It was a pleasure working with them. I felt that we were in good hands every step of the way!"
—Rachel Randles, Oregon Historical Society
"I recommend Knot Studio without hesitation for their professionalism and quality of service and design.”
—Michael Walsh, Arts Programs Supervisor, Multnomah Arts Center
“Knot Studio was a tremendous creative partner with our campus and scientific community in crafting and bringing to reality multiple storytelling elements reflecting aspects of biological sciences research."
—Stephen Pond, Project Executive, Stanford University

Synthesizing creative tensions

We begin determining design principles by identifying core creative tensions. The push-and-pull between ideas animates Knot Studio's work with complementary energy. It is through exploring the tension in paradoxes such as Human/System, Experimental/Practical, and Create/Sustain that innovation happens. We believe that paradoxes can and should coexist, leading to creative alternatives that engage both. Our work demonstrates that it is through the push-and-pull of paradoxical logic and integrative thinking that synthesis is possible.

Design Principle
Entanglement
Co-mingle ideas across disciplines. Act as members of a diverse, interdependent ecosystem of ideas and organisms.
Ecologies
Explore and contribute to the complex relationships of natural, designed, and/or informational spaces—sites of entanglement.
Exploration
Attempt the unexpected, while still valuing context and use. Make the world more interesting with visionary new ideas and approaches.
Collaboration
Use values and process as guideposts; respect specialized expertise while working together closely and without information silos.
Stewardship
Design with compassion and consideration. Honor legacy, resist fads. Be a part of long-term solutions.
Expertise Entanglement Anti-disciplinary