Forbes Recognizes chadbourne + doss // Plus a Brand Refresh
Forbes recently released its inaugural list of “America’s Top 200 Residential Architects,” recognizing leading studios shaping the future of residential design. We’re truly honored to share that chadbourne + doss made the list. Even more meaningful—this recognition was unsolicited and independent. We’re a small firm. We didn’t apply, we didn’t pay, we didn’t pitch. To us, this endorsement makes the honor all the more surprising and rewarding. It truly legitimizes our studio as we enter into a more mature phase of our practice.
Our Prow House, featured in Forbes’ profile, illustrates the daring projects we tend to gravitate toward. Perched on a challenging site, the house embodies the boldness of vision and careful negotiation of landscape that continues to define our work. Forbes dubbed us “masters of massing,” which we thought was an accurate observation, as we strive to design homes that are both formally striking in their composition, as well as comfortably livable.
Prow House, Oregon Coast
Our larger portfolio shares a common thread: challenging sites, steep slopes, tricky zoning restrictions, and expansive views. We approach each one with a mix of rigor and play, balancing privacy and openness, natural context and architectural presence, bold form and everyday comfort. Even when a site isn’t nestled in nature, we seek to create that sense of immersion in the landscape.
A Fresh Look for a New Chapter
Being recognized by Forbes comes at a pivotal moment for our practice. After 30 years in business, we embarked on a brand refresh with the team at Rationale, who helped us reimagine how our identity as a seasoned studio reflects who we are today. Our goal was to create a graphic presence that matched the caliber of our work and have a little fun in the process.
As a husband-and-wife duo, we collaborate daily not only as architects but as partners in life. Our relationship is part of our process: fluid, yet lighthearted, with expertise that's personal. We wanted our brand to reflect that, breaking away from the serious trappings that can define architectural studios. The result is a look that feels more like us—warm, approachable, crafted with care, and just a little playful.
Logo applications
Looking Ahead
Both the Forbes recognition and our rebrand mark the beginning of a new era for us at chadbourne + doss. As we enter this next chapter, we’re refining the elements that differentiate us:
Personalized design relationships: Projects can last years, and we want that time to feel both productive and enjoyable for our clients.
Craft at every scale: From site plans to architectural models to the way a wood wall meets steel, the idea of craft should permeate everything.
Variety and richness: No two of our homes look alike. Each is custom-tailored to its client and site, grounded in a sense of place, and composed with a clear graphic quality.
Warmth and livability: High design doesn’t mean cold. We believe in contrast—cool and warm palettes, bold and quiet moments, textured and soft materials—but always with an undercurrent of warmth, comfort, and approachability.
Over the years, our practice has become increasingly focused on creating work that endures—homes that strike a balance between vision and practicality, and beauty and function. We’re hands-on throughout every project, collaborating closely and personally to ensure our clients feel cared for from start to finish.
This first blog post marks the beginning of a new process—sharing what we do and how we think. We’re grateful to Forbes for the recognition, to our clients for their trust, and to our partners for their collaboration. And we’re excited for what comes next.