Structures for Inclusion Conference 2026
About this Event
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
The Structures for Inclusion (SFI) Conference will be held at Portland State University on October 8, 9, & 10th 2026, co-organized by Design Corps and The Center for Public Interest Design along with the SEED Network, and ITECK. The theme for the conference is "Indigenous Public Interest Design: Cultural Knowledge and Practices," and presentations will highlight projects, architects, designers, engineers, and planners that exemplify Indigenous Public Interest Design. This three-day, in-person event will feature speakers and practitioners sharing Indigenous cultural knowledge and practices and their value in the built and natural environments.
For more information, visit our Structures for Inclusion Website
ORGANIZERS
Design Corps & the SEED Network
First held in 2000 by Design Corps, the purpose of the SFI conferences has been to share the best ideas and practices that are reaching those currently underserved by architecture. So for twenty-six years, Design Corps has hosted SFI conferences with various design organizations showcasing the most impactful ideas and projects addressing Social, Economic and Environmental Design (SEED) utilizing the SEED Evaluator methodology of Design Corps’ SEED Network. This conference will provide a community of shared interests to learn, network, and share.
The Center for Public Interest Design (CPID)
The Center for Public Interest Design (CPID) is a research and action center at Portland State University's School of Architecture dedicated to inclusive design practices that address the growing needs of underserved communities worldwide. Through research, fieldwork, and community engagement, they promote a mode of practice that is socially conscious, environmentally sustainable, and economically accessible to all. The CPID fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals, faculty, students, and community partners to advance the emerging field of public interest design.
The Indigenous Traditional Ecological & Cultural Knowledge
Indigenous Traditional Ecological & Cultural Knowledge (ITECK) - The Indigenous Traditional Ecological & Cultural Knowledge (ITECK) Program tends to the land in and around what is now called Portland, Oregon, while cultivating community amongst Indigenous peoples, cohorts, and our plant and animal relatives. This transdisciplinary, multifunctional program interweaves ITECK within Western academic structures to uplift Indigenous voices and reclaim the urban landscape for food, medicine, and ceremony. The ITECK Program engages with local Tribes and the urban Native community and provides educational opportunities for K-12 and PSU students. We strive to advance Indigenous science and ways of knowing through collaborative projects and advising with agency partners, local non-profits, and programs within Portland State University and the region.
DETAILS
Accommodations
A limited number of rooms have been reserved for conference attendees at both The Hotel Zags and The University Place Hotel at a discounted group rate. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and we encourage guests to book early.
For questions about the Hotel Zags reservation block, please contact Will Franklin at [email protected].
Reserve your room with by calling 503-221-0140 and asking for the "CPID DC Structure for Inclusion" block.
We look forward to gathering in October to honor Indigenous knowledge, celebrate community, and shape more inclusive futures together. Join us!
Thursday Oct 8th
🕑: 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Registration
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
Salmon Bake + Welcome Gathering
Info: Enjoy salmon bites & conference kickoff!
🕑: 05:45 PM - 06:00 PM
Opening Address
🕑: 06:10 PM - 07:10 PM
Keynote: Joseph Kunkel
🕑: 08:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Indigenous Movie Screening
Info: Free + Optional at the 5th Ave Theater
Friday Oct 9th
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration + Coffee
🕑: 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Sharing Knowledge Sessions
Info: 1) PLACE Workshop, 2) Land, Ecology, & Sacred Connection, 3) Urban Indigenous Experience + Spatial Justice, 4) Indigenous Design Methods: Pedagogy + Framework
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Sharing Knowledge Sessions
Info: 1) Honoring Forest Management Workshop, 2) Indigenous Design Pedagogy + Curriculum, 3) Storytelling as Collaborative Past + Futures, 4) Indigenous Design Methods: Professional Practice
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:15 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Sharing Knowledge Sessions
Info: 1) Oak Savanna Workshop, 2) Inclusive Proposals, 3) Sovereignty + Indigenous Public Interest Design, 4) Place-based Agency + Resilience
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Panel Discussion
Info: Led by moderators from Sharing Knowledge Sessions
🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:15 PM
Keynote: ZGF, Grand Ronde, & Yakima
🕑: 05:15 PM - 05:30 PM
Closing Remarks
🕑: 06:00 PM
Evening Mixer
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Indigenous Movie Screening
Info: Free + Optional at the 5th Ave Theater
Saturday Oct 10th
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Check in + Coffee
🕑: 08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
I-SEED Awards Presentation
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:40 AM
I-SEED Award Jury Discussion
🕑: 10:55 AM - 11:40 AM
Keynote: Sergio Palleroni
🕑: 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
The Conversation Continues
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch
Info: Self Provided
🕑: 01:00 PM
Tours Depart
Info: 1) PDX Airport with ZGF, 2) ITECK + Oak Savanna, 3) PLACE Studio
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Indigenous Movie Screening
Info: Free + Optional at the 5th Ave Theater
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 250.00
