Our Mission

We focus our endeavors toward finding balance in social, financial and environmental achievements.

Started in 2009, Convergence Architecture specializes in planning, architecture, and interior design services for commercial, residential, healthcare, and public clients. The firm’s portfolio of work is diverse in scope and building type, but our design approach is always the same: strong team communication between architect, client, and consultants to converge on a design that integrates budget, program, and aesthetic goals.

Convergence Architecture is a woman owned, certified firm, with architects licensed in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Indiana, North Dakota and Wisconsin as well as LEED AP BD+C.

WBE/ACDBE Washington #W2F0024307
ACDBE/DBE/SBE Federal #D2F0024307
WBE/DBE Oregon #7559
California Supplier Clearinghouse #14070087

With three experienced principals – each with complementary strengths – as well as a diverse, responsive staff, we draw on each other’s expertise to ensure each phase of a project goes smoothly and successfully.

Convergence Architecture contributes to your projects with:

Innovative thinking
Opportunity-based solutions
Proactive communication
Respectful interactions
Collaborative perspectives
Experience-based solutions

Working with Convergence Architecture to transform the playground at James John Elementary was a great experience. Joseph gracefully guided our vision for the space over the course of two years, and connected us to the right specialists and solid contractors to help accomplish our goals. The project wouldn’t have been a success without them. Thanks from the Crew at Depave!

Eric Rosewall, Program Director, Depave

When we purchased our home with a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit, we had no idea the lengths we would have to go to legalize the building and make it safe for my mom to retire in. Barb Anderson and the rest of the team at Convergence provided the expertise, guidance, insights, and ideas that got us over the panic of having to rebuild nearly everything. They helped us throughout the construction as well by answering questions and providing guidance when we ran into roadblocks. The project is nearly complete now, and the structure is fully legal per the city’s code enforcement division, and we couldn’t be happier with how it all came together. The second home is beautiful.

Daniel Ribeiro

I was privileged to work with Joe Purkey of Convergence Architecture on quite a few of his projects, and I was truly impressed with his professionalism, thoughtful designs, and knowledge of construction. I would recommend him without reservation!

Don Titus , Don R Titus, Residential Designer

On the OCC staff space planning & programming project, Convergence Architecture did a very good job of understanding the multiple owner groups and our perspectives. They proposed some unique ideas. They demonstrated patience, competence and an aptitude for listening.

Oregon Convention Center Stakeholder Lessons Learned Feedback

Convergence Architecture was the architect of record on the Sellwood Kitchen building re-roofing and renovation project. The building was constructed in the Arts and Crafts style in the 1920’s. The renovation work required custom solutions and attention to the character of the building, long term maintenance, and the ADA accessibility. The Project finished under budget, and due to off season construction did not impact the public’s ability to reserve the space.

Evan Callahan, Capital Project Manager, Portland Parks & Recreation

Meet The Team

Barb Anderson, LEED AP BD+C, Architect

Managing Principal

Barb Anderson began her architectural career in 2000 with the majority of her architectural experience in the Portland area.

She has participated in the design of over twenty new and remodeled fire stations, as well as a variety of other building types, such as office buildings, optometrist clinics, and industrial buildings. She enjoys managing projects and facilitating communication among team members to ensure that the process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Barb graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from North Dakota State University and is a registered architect in Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.

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Joseph Purkey, NCARB, Architect

Principal

Joseph Purkey began working in architecture in 2003, gathering experience in all phases of design and project management.

He first went out on his own in 2006 and founded the firm as Profile Design, where he specialized in commercial, healthcare, and hospitality projects. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon.

Joseph also consults to the St. Johns Neighborhood Association, St. Johns Center for Opportunity, and Cathedral Park Neighborhood Association on land use and design issues.

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Elijah Elder, NCARB, Architect

Principal

Eli Elder began his work in the field of architecture and construction in 1999.

Before co-founding Convergence Architecture he worked for several architecture firms in Portland and in Austin, Texas and has a great deal of experience in managing the design of projects ranging from small residential remodels to large housing projects. He spent several years at a design/build firm specializing in green construction practices and has continued to utilize this experience in his ongoing work. He is very interested in design that stems from an ongoing conversation with the client resulting in joint ownership of the design.

Eli received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon and is a registered architect in the States of Oregon, California, Indiana, Idaho and Washington.

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Allen Kabanuk, Architect

Associate Principal

Allen’s architectural experience includes retail, commercial, institutional and industrial projects.

He is a thorough project manager and enjoys the challenges each project brings. He has a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Washington State University and is a Registered Architect in Oregon, Washington and North Dakota.

Allen was raised in Spokane and is an avid hiker, having hiked most of the Pacific Crest Trail through Washington.

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Adam Robins, Architect

Project Manager

Adam has over 11 years in design and over 15 years in construction, with experience in contract…

administration, project management, design, and waterproofing investigations and consulting. Adam has worked on a broad variety of projects including transportation facilities, public works, historic buildings, single and multifamily residential, civil projects, site planning and development, and educational and religious institutions, with project history spanning Oregon, California, Washington, Utah, and Ireland. He collaborates with design professionals, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders to successfully complete projects meeting client needs.

Adam has a B.A. in Mathematics from Reed College and a Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon.

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Kristie Van Boxtel, NCIDQ, Interior Designer

Project Manager

Kristie began her career in 2006 after graduating from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design.

Along with general project work in office/tenant improvement, senior housing, multi-family housing and civic sectors, past projects also include a summer camp and a waterpark.

One of her favorite project types is housing. “I remember going to the “site” of one of my projects in NW that was already operating with construction almost wrapped up to check on furniture deliveries and talk about touch-ups with the Contractor. I saw a new resident lounging on a couch in the community room watching TV. It really hit me that what was “work” for me was literally someone else’s “home” and that felt really meaningful.”

When she’s not working, she enjoys baking, photography, writing letters, cheering on the Portland Trail Blazers and spending time with her family and friends.

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Monica Ahlers

Project Manager

Monica began her architecture career in 2007. Her project experience includes fire stations,

police stations and commercial tenant improvements – seeing the projects through from programming through construction. She has coordinated LEED certification of four projects and assisted with four others – all meeting their goal or better! In her spare time, Monica does floral design for weddings and other events with Monica Ahlers Floral Design.

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Amy Peterson, LFA

Project Manager

Amy has a bachelor’s degree in History from Lewis and Clark College and a master’s degree in Architecture from Portland State University.

She has experience in education, single family and multi family residential, wine, and beverage projects and recently acquired her Living Future Accreditation.

Amy focuses on how architecture can accommodate various users to address local needs, promote social equality within a building’s context, and extend economic and environmental impact. While completing her master’s program, she volunteered on a temporary housing project for houseless veterans and post-earthquake redevelopment in Ecuador. She also volunteers with the Rebuilding Center. Outside of work, she plays in the woods with her partner and a white german shepherd named Baloo.

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Kristin Hook

Project Manager

Kristin received her Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, and went on to earn two Associate degrees in Woodworking and Welding as well.

Starting in 2009, Kristin has experience in the architectural design, fabrication, and construction industries. Kristin has been a part of retail, commercial, hospitality, and single/multi-family residential work. Her passion is in single and multi-family housing, and she’s interested in affordable and sustainable solutions for Portland, while also preserving the city’s original character and identity.

In her free time, Kristin enjoys working on landscaping and renovation plans to her first home, as well as occasional trips to the coast for agate hunting and beach combing.

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Melinda Robinson

Project Manager

Melinda earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Portland State University and has been involved in diverse projects since 2015,

spanning commercial renovations, public small-works projects, industrial buildings, and educational projects. Her expertise lies in her meticulous attention to detail, adaptability to evolving projects, and providing unique solutions to complex design challenges. Melinda is particularly drawn to school projects. At the beginning of her career, she was part of a team of four who designed a new middle school, she really enjoyed getting hands-on experience from developing plans and elevations to attending weekly construction meetings and seeing her first project come to fruition.

When Melinda’s not working, you will likely find her digging in the dirt in her backyard, indulging in the local food scene, and finding new places to camp.

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Natalie Salgado Gil

Project Manager

Natalie Salgado Gil began her architectural career in 2010 after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Architecture as well

as minors in Interior Design, Art, and Art History from Washington State University. She continued and earned her Master of Architecture from Washington State University in 2012.

She has worked on and managed a diverse range of projects, including government facilities, commercial, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and housing. She enjoys ensuring quality, value, and innovative thinking in a project from start to finish.

In her free time, Natalie likes to nerd out on vintage automobiles, indulge in random research, make home improvements, and laugh at all the humorous things life has to offer.

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Aaron Webster, AIA, NCARB, Architect

Project Manager

Aaron spent time after high school in the Army, earned an AA from Tacoma Community College,

a Bachelor’s degree in architecture and a Master’s degree in architecture from Portland State University. After college, he spent the better part of the next decade working in commercial architecture, and recently completed licensure. Project experience is wide ranging in both size and complexity, and includes small scale coffee kiosks, pad buildings, larger demised commercial buildings, big box retail, retail subdivisions and renovations, historic remodels, multifamily, large scale retail centers, office building TI and remodels, and credit unions.

In his off time, he likes to spend time with his children, read, play guitar, garden, and pursue various art projects.

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Philipp Zbirun

Designer

Philipp is a recent graduate of Portland State University, having earned a bachelor’s degree in Architecture.

Philipp initially connected with us through an internship with the 2019 Summer Works program and joined Convergence Architecture as an employee when he finished that program. He is a quick learner and is getting proficient in CAD, Revit, and Photoshop.

In his spare time, Philipp volunteers for the annual Russian Conferences, Habitat for Humanity, and Friends of Trees.

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Maria Bubriski

Office Manager

Maria brings to the team over three years in management experience.

Managing herself as a freelance landscaper, managing a movie theater, and even managing our local St. Johns Farmers Market. Maria is currently the co-chair head of the St. Johns Museum steering committee and is on the board for the St. Johns Boosters Association. She grew up in Vermont and moved to Portland in 2008. She completed her Bachelor degree at Portland State University. She loves fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest, board games, and sports.

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