Our Beginnings

Derived from the Greek root for “vision-making,” Opsis represents the bringing together of elements distilled into innovative, contextual and evocative architecture. Our name embodies our aspiration to discover the inherent possibilities and unique voice within each project. We embrace an inclusive design culture envisioned to grow and evolve over time.

Opsis Founding Partners Alec Holser and Jim Kalvelage (left to right).

Founded in June 1999 by Alec Holser, Jim Kalvelage and James Meyer, Opsis was conceived as a design-first studio manifesting the creativity and open discourse we experienced in design studios at the University of Oregon Architecture School. We envisioned setting a standard regionally and nationally for design excellence rooted in placemaking and integral sustainability that would be realized through an open and participatory design process.

Today, Opsis is a thriving firm with a diverse practice led by seven partners. Our trajectory to national prominence was recognized in the 2018 Architect magazine Architect 50 program, with our listing as 24th in the country based on quality of design, integration of sustainability and business practices.