About CANOPY
CANOPY is a biophilic architecture and interior design studio established in 2015. We're founded on a single conviction: nature is not decoration. It is the architecture.
We design spaces where natural systems, authentic materials, and human wellbeing are foundational. Every project begins with deep site research—understanding existing ecology, light patterns, views, climate, and water systems. From that foundation, we create residential homes, commercial environments, and hospitality spaces where occupants feel restored and connected to nature.
We work with clients who value craftsmanship and understand that thoughtful design is an investment in how they live. Explore our services or view our portfolio to see how biophilic principles transform architectural practice.
What we believe
Nature is not decoration.
We don't add nature to buildings—we design buildings that respond to and celebrate natural systems. Site ecology, climate, water flows, and vernacular materials guide our decisions from the very beginning. Nature is the organizing principle.
Good architecture begins with listening.
We listen to our clients, to the site, to existing conditions. Understanding how people actually live, what they value, and what the landscape offers informs every design decision. This deep listening prevents assumptions and creates spaces that feel authentic.
Material honesty is non-negotiable.
We specify authentic, unfinished materials that reveal their origin and age gracefully. A wooden floor that shows wear, stone that reveals geological time, plaster that reveals its hand-troweled surface—these communicate truth and create beauty through authenticity.
Beauty and function are the same thing.
We don't separate aesthetics from performance. The most beautiful spaces are those where natural light flows exactly where needed, materials perform flawlessly, and every element serves a purpose. Beauty emerges from rightness.
CANOPY by the numbers
45+
Projects Completed
11
Years in Practice
4
Countries Worked In
Since our founding in 2015, we've completed projects across residential, hospitality, commercial, and landscape sectors. Each project demonstrates our unwavering commitment to integrating biophilic principles, authentic materials, and deep site responsiveness. We work exclusively with clients who value craftsmanship and understand that thoughtful design is an investment in wellbeing.
The team
We're a small, collaborative team of architects, designers, and landscape specialists. Every person at CANOPY is committed to the conviction that thoughtful design directly improves how people live. We work closely with clients throughout projects, maintaining direct relationships and deep site engagement.
Alex Jordan
Founder & Principal Architect
Alex founded CANOPY after 12 years practicing architecture in Europe and North America. Specializes in residential biophilic design and landscape integration. Passionate about how authentic materials and natural light transform human experience.
Sam Liu
Design Director
Sam leads design development and material specification across all projects. Expert in landscape integration and spatial organization. Believes that biophilic design is most powerful when expressed through authentic, unfinished materials.
Jordan Chen
Project Manager
Jordan manages project coordination and construction administration. Ensures that design intent is honored throughout implementation. Brings deep experience in managing complex projects from concept through completion.
Awards and recognition
Architecture Excellence Award
Biophilic Design Category · 2023
Recognition for innovative integration of natural systems and authentic materials in residential design.
Sustainable Design Prize
The Grove House Project · 2022
Recognized for landscape integration and responsible material selection in residential architecture.
Interior Design Excellence
Citation · 2020
Recognition for biophilic interior design principles and material honesty in commercial hospitality space.
Featured Publication
Contemporary Architecture Quarterly · 2021
Profile of studio philosophy and residential architecture approach to biophilic design.
Our studio
We're based in Portland, Oregon with a small, collaborative team. We believe that thoughtful design requires direct client relationships and deep site engagement. Most of our time is spent on client projects rather than in our office—we're on site, studying conditions, exploring materials, and iterating through design challenges. This direct engagement with place is essential to how we work.
Contact & Visit
Portland, Oregon, USA
We also work with select international clients and have completed projects across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Get in touch to discuss your project →INTERESTED IN WORKING TOGETHER?
Let's create a space that restores and inspires
Whether you're designing a new home, renovating a space, creating a commercial environment, or exploring how biophilic principles might transform your vision, we'd love to discuss your project. Every conversation begins with listening.
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