Portland Society For Architecture (Portland, ME)

PSA was founded as the Portland Society for Architects, a membership organization, in 2006. The impetus of the organizers was two-fold: it could serve as a platform where Portland architects could socialize and share experiences; and that a collective voice would be more powerful than the individual in influencing City policy on design and planning issues. After eight years, PSA was renamed the Portland Society for Architecture to reflect a multi disciplinary commitment to community issues that shape Portland’s future. Those engaged with PSA are architects, engineers, landscape architects, design professionals, and individuals committed to the protection and enhancement of all aspects of urban design which contribute greatly to Portland’s economic activity and cultural identity. Over the years PSA has produced programs such as the 10-minute architect, Drink-n-Crit, and Community Conversations; the three-part series on climate change and sea-level rise: Sustainable Portland by 2030, Rising Tides and Waterfront Visions; a long-term visioning charette for the City of Portland with the University of Southern Maine + the Muskie School for Public Service, The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce and Creative Portland, ‘Growing Portland: Not Whether, but How?”; a collaborative UNE Lecture Series with Alex Kreiger, Susan Silberberg, Dr. Bon Ku, Tim Wallace and Rosanne Haggerty; produced design competitions and exhibitions; and partnered and collaborated with a diverse set of organizations to advocate, educate and promote quality and value of good urban design and architecture in Portland.