The Architecture and Design class at Sabin Schellenberg is an extremely immersive course that can be taken for all 4 years. Each being block classes (meaning 2 periods back to back), creating a longer time to dig deeper and be more focused each day. Unlike some classes at Schellenberg, this one is year-long versus semester-long. The first year introduces students to software like Revit, AutoCAD, etc., and gives students the opportunity to use 3D printers and laser cutters. In the years after, students can develop into using CNC ́s and be more strategic, and detail-oriented. What makes the class even more inviting, is the teacher, Robert Parker. 

Mr.Parker is an actual architect, making the material very realistic, perhaps exact, to how working in architecture would be. He co-founded an architect firm called Bios Architecture llc., back in 2011, with a man named Daniel Bradbury. And has helped out with projects such as one of Oregon’s college parking garages. He’s worked at Schellenberg since August of 2016. Parker even has his own architecture stamp that he uses in the classroom. In the world of architecture, stamps, and signatures are required by the architect or engineer for every drawing. He makes the class very fun with his energetic, funny attitude. 

Among the many projects of the class, The Joinery project is the biggest. It often starts towards the beginning of the second semester and students are supposed to come up with designs, then 3D model, use laser cutters with the scrap wood, and then auction the products as a fundraiser for the class. All the wood used in the creations comes from The Joinery, a wood shop located in downtown Portland. They create handcrafted furniture that is meant to last for life, and each piece contains its own uniqueness. Each piece is designed by one person, and implemented with dovetail, butterfly, and finger joints, to amplify the beauty and durability. 

Parker had a puzzle cube project, the idea being to make something from leftover wood scraps. ¨I then found an actual company with leftover scraps and started using them for puzzle cubes ̈, then, ¨I picked The Joinery because I knew them from shopping with clients during designs for their houses¨, Parker said. He’s been with The Joinery, for about 10 years now. When asked what he likes most about the project, Parker said, ¨I like that we make real-world products made from exceptional materials, but it’s a school project that anyone can complete and make something amazing. It has a low bar for success but limitless potential for how cool the product can be¨.
If you’re interested, feel free to check out some of the students’ projects right here; https://sabinarch.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse. Projects will be put up for auction for 2 weeks.