Throughout his life, Brian Elliott has been interested in how architecture, in all its forms, shapes our experiences. He knew as a teenager that he wanted to study architecture. Spending summers working in an Alaskan fish cannery, he funded his enrollment and graduation from the University of Oregon with a BA in architecture (and developed a strong aversion to salmon).  

Brian’s initial work in architecture focused on designing buildings for elementary and secondary school education. He prioritized meeting with the teachers and administrative staff who were slated to use the buildings, while also fulfilling the requirements of the school district. Growing more interested in housing and community design, he was inspired to enter the International Sapporo Design Competition. Brian received second place for his solo proposal of a full block development that included multi-generational housing and community space, and went on to design remodels of private residences and standalone ADUs.

In his many years at Leeb Architects, Brian continues to explore how we experience buildings and spaces through his work on multi-family residential, mixed-use, and community spaces. He approaches each project with the belief that thoughtfully designed living and working spaces can nurture the health and vitality of inhabitants and community.

With his lifelong passion for architecture a powerful part of his personality, Brian also finds himself raising children who have been surprised to learn that “visiting buildings” is not a part of every family’s road trip. (Whether or not he has passed onto them an aversion to salmon might be another story.)