How To | Using Post-Occupancy Evaluation for Positive Change (PDX)

How do we know if a building is truly performing as intended? Design assumptions are tested the moment the doors open, but the real story of a project unfolds during its occupancy. Join and CoDesign Collaborative on Wednesday, May 13, for an interactive "how-to" workshop focused on the power of Post-Occupancy Evaluations (POEs).

A Post-Occupancy Evaluation is a systematic process used to assess a building after it has been occupied. By analyzing the bridge between design intent and actual use, we can identify critical opportunities to improve occupant satisfaction, building performance, and overall functionality. This workshop goes beyond the surface to explore how POEs serve as a catalyst for positive change. We will discuss how these evaluations provide:

• Quantitative Data: Tracking sustainability successes and energy goals based on actual performance rather than projections.
• Qualitative Feedback: Analyzing how inclusive and equitable a building is for the people who use it every day.
• Continuous Improvement: Validating design assumptions to help our clients, our communities, and our future projects.

Formatted as a hands-on working session, this program guides attendees through the framework of POE development. Participants will:

• Learn from Case Studies: SEA team members will share real-world examples of POE findings and how they informed subsequent design solutions.
• Plan a POE: In small breakout groups, attendees will apply lessons learned to a hypothetical project, determining the necessary background info (as-built drawings, utility bills), defining metrics, and drafting user survey questions.
• Engage in Critical Dialogue: We will tackle the "tough questions" of the industry, such as financing strategies for evaluations, navigating the risks of sharing negative results, and leveraging data to grow collectively as an industry.

Sharing and collaborating through these evaluations is vital to our growth as an industry. By taking the time to understand the actual performance and functionality of our work, we can ensure our designs have a far-reaching and positive impact.

About Juliette Grummon-Beale
Juliette Grummon-Beale joined Scott Edwards Architecture in 2022 as the firm’s Sustainability Lead. She has over 15 years of experience in architecture and has worked on a wide range of project types, including municipal buildings, libraries, community centers, and higher education facilities. Juliette was drawn to architecture for its balance of art, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship, and she most enjoys projects that positively impact communities. Now as Sustainability Director, she provides sustainability-focused leadership and technical assistance to design teams, helping to identify objectives and develop solutions that align with project goals. Juliette’s passion for learning, holistic thinking, and detail-orientated nature lend themselves well to this type of work, as does her drive to strengthen the connection between people and place.

About Scott Edwards Architecture
Scott Edwards Architecture is a Portland architecture firm. We work collaboratively with our clients to create innovative and tailored design solutions.

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