Design Leadership

Exploration is an integral part of the Opsis studio design process and key to our innovation. Our work is driven by collaborative inquiry as we seek to uncover the unique potential within each project. We immerse ourselves in an exploratory design process, using dialogue and visualization tools—from diagrams and sketches to physical models, 3D visualizations, and virtual reality flythroughs. Each project benefits from timely and ongoing internal design reviews, from initial concepts through documentation.

Zidell Yards Visualization

We dedicate staff and resources to the Opsis Research Initiative (ORI), which focuses on advancing architectural practice through innovations in materials, sustainable design strategies and building performance with post-occupancy metrics. The ORI team has collaborated with the Portland State University School of Architecture to research the integration of virtual and augmented reality as dynamic tools for occupant engagement and feedback during the design process. Our research is open-source and shared through presentations at conferences such as Greenbuild, Living Future unConference, the International Sustainability Conference, and the national Sustainable Design Leaders’ Summit.

Research through virtual reality.