From Portland to Partner

Todd initially practiced architecture in Portland, Oregon for several years before venturing to Bend to join Waldron Huston Barber Architects (WHB) as a Project Architect.  Following multifaceted transitions in the 80s, WHB became Huston Barber Barrett Turner (WBBT) in 1985 with the departure of David Waldron and addition of Todd and Jim Barrett as partners.

Several years later in 1988, Neal Huston formed his own residential design practice, and the three remaining partners – Ron Barber, Jim Barrett, Todd Turner – changed the firm’s name to BBT Architects. From his beginning years and through the duration he served as Partner, Todd distinctly recalls Ron Barber’s mentorship and recognizes him as “the rock who held the firm together.”

Projects That Brought People Together

Throughout his career with BBT, Todd valued working with renowned local contractor, Kirby Nagelhout, and with important long-term clients, Mt. Bachelor and the Bend La Pine School District. Beyond Central Oregon, he managed a variety of medical, civic, municipal, and educational projects in Eastern Oregon and Eastern Washington. Several unique projects Todd was deeply involved in include Running Y Ranch Resort in Klamath Falls, the first interior remodel of the historic United States Post Office downtown Bend, and the Boys & Girls Club of Central Oregon.

In the late 1990s, local citizens banded together to save and fund the restoration of the historic 1918 Bend Amateur Athletic Club. BBT Architects’ extensive renovation transformed the dilapidated structure into a permanent location for the Boys & Girls Club in Bend. Todd passionately recalls, “just about all major contractors and subcontractors came in to do the project- it was a really great project that brought the whole construction community together!”

Serving the Community—In and Out of the Office

Todd was very active locally and regionally, serving as a Bend Chamber of Commerce board member and County Planning Commissioner for many years. He was also instrumental in BBT receiving the Bend Chamber SAGE Award (Stars of Achievement, Growth, Excellence) as Small Business of the Year in 1997.

Around the time BBT was awarded Caldera High School, the newest complete high school project in the Bend La Pine School District, Todd retired in 2017 and now enjoys life in a scenic, serene, small-town location in Northeastern Oregon.

The Power of Relationships

In recalling important lessons learned as a design professional, Todd encapsulated: “I believe the secret of any business, especially a service business like architecture, is communication and customer service and being available; return phone calls, think about people and their needs, and even with many other things on your desk, find a way to respond.”

Reflecting upon his work with the firm and years invested collaborating with others in our local community, Todd mused, “every project was unique. Every project had different challenges and different measures of success. I’m proud of all the work we did together, and all the work all the teams did together too.”

“One of the things I valued most was the long-term relationships we developed with clients, consultants, and of course the professional relationships within the firm with all different staff members and architects. I think that the relationships were the most valuable thing.”