Designing for Oregon’s Diverse Landscapes: Mountains, Forests, City Streets
Oregon is one of the few places in the country where you can design for a gritty city street, a mossy forest, and a high-elevation snowfield—all within the same commercial shoot. That kind of range is a gift for production teams, but it also requires a thoughtful approach to art direction.
As someone who’s worked in nearly every type of terrain this state offers, here’s how I tailor production design to Oregon’s wild variety of locations:
1. Urban Grit in Portland’s Industrial Core
Whether we’re in the Central Eastside, Old Town, or out near the rail yards, Portland has an authentic urban feel that can’t be replicated in a studio. I know how to highlight textures like brick, rusted metal, and concrete, while layering in controlled set elements to balance the look.
2. Forest Builds That Feel Grounded (and Weatherproof)
When shooting in the woods, I lean into organic textures—wood, stone, moss, and fabric that blends with the environment. But it’s not just about aesthetics. I also design with moisture, terrain, and setup time in mind. Lightweight, modular builds that can go up quickly without damaging the land are key.
3. Designing for the Coast and High Desert
Oregon’s coastlines and deserts bring their own challenges: high wind, limited access, and big visual backdrops that need just the right amount of built support. My goal is always to frame the landscape—not fight it. That might mean anchoring a single sculptural piece in a wide frame, or designing elements that break up open space in a natural way.
4. Navigating Permits and Permissions
Different environments mean different rules. I’ve worked with state and local agencies across Oregon and can help navigate location-specific guidelines—especially in protected lands or sensitive ecological zones.
5. Respect the Land, Use It Well
Designing for nature means designing with humility. I always work to minimize our footprint and leave a location better than we found it. That means smart planning, responsible materials, and clear communication with crews on set.
Oregon offers production teams a stunning range of looks—and when you work with a local art director, you get a design approach that’s shaped by real experience in each terrain.
