Our Mission

We focus our endeavors toward finding balance in social, financial and environmental achievements.

Started in 2006 Convergence Architecture specializes in planning, architecture, and interior design services for commercial, residential, healthcare, and public clients. The firm’s portfolio of work is diverse in scope and building type, but our design approach is always the same: strong team communication between architect, client, and consultants to converge on a design that integrates budget, program, and aesthetic goals.

Convergence Architecture is an Oregon certified Woman Owned Business (WBE), Emerging Small Business (ESB) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). #7559

We have architects licensed in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Indiana, North Dakota and Wisconsin as well as LEED AP BD+C.

With three experienced principals – each with complementary strengths – as well as a diverse, responsive staff, we draw on each other’s expertise to ensure each phase of a project goes smoothly and successfully.

Convergence Architecture contributes to your projects with:

Innovative thinking
Opportunity-based solutions
Proactive communication
Respectful interactions
Collaborative perspectives
Experience-based solutions

Working with Convergence Architecture to transform the playground at James John Elementary was a great experience. Joseph gracefully guided our vision for the space over the course of two years, and connected us to the right specialists and solid contractors to help accomplish our goals. The project wouldn’t have been a success without them. Thanks from the Crew at Depave!

Eric Rosewall, Program Director, Depave

When we purchased our home with a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit, we had no idea the lengths we would have to go to legalize the building and make it safe for my mom to retire in. Barb Anderson and the rest of the team at Convergence provided the expertise, guidance, insights, and ideas that got us over the panic of having to rebuild nearly everything. They helped us throughout the construction as well by answering questions and providing guidance when we ran into roadblocks. The project is nearly complete now, and the structure is fully legal per the city’s code enforcement division, and we couldn’t be happier with how it all came together. The second home is beautiful.

Daniel Ribeiro

I was privileged to work with Joe Purkey of Convergence Architecture on quite a few of his projects, and I was truly impressed with his professionalism, thoughtful designs, and knowledge of construction. I would recommend him without reservation!

Don Titus , Don R Titus, Residential Designer

Meet The Team

Barb Anderson

Principal

Barb Anderson began her architectural career in 2000 with the majority of her architectural experience in the Portland area.

She has participated in the design of over twenty new and remodeled fire stations, as well as a variety of other building types, such as office buildings, optometrist clinics, and industrial buildings. She enjoys managing projects and facilitating communication among team members to ensure that the process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Barb graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from North Dakota State University and is a registered architect in Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.

show less

» Email Barb
503-308-1028 x104

Joseph Purkey

Principal

Joseph Purkey began working in architecture in 2003, gathering experience in all phases of design and project mgt.

He first went out on his own in 2006 and founded the firm as Profile Design, where he specialized in commercial, healthcare, and hospitality projects. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon.

Joseph also consults to the St. Johns Neighborhood Association, St. Johns Center for Opportunity, and Cathedral Park Neighborhood Association on land use and design issues.

show less

» Email Joe
503-308-1028 x102

Elijah Elder

Principal

Eli Elder began his work in the field of architecture and construction in 1999.

Before co-founding Convergence Architecture he worked for several architecture firms in Portland and in Austin, Texas and has a great deal of experience in managing the design of projects ranging from small residential remodels to large housing projects. He spent several years at a design/build firm specializing in green construction practices and has continued to utilize this experience in his ongoing work. He is very interested in design that stems from an ongoing conversation with the client resulting in joint ownership of the design.

Eli received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon and is a registered architect in the States of Oregon, California, Indiana, Idaho and Washington.

show less

» Email Eli
503-308-1028 x103

Allen Kabanuk

Allen’s architectural experience includes retail, commercial, institutional and industrial projects.

He is a thorough project manager and enjoys the challenges each project brings. He has a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Washington State University and is a Registered Architect in Oregon, Washington and North Dakota.

Allen was raised in Spokane and is an avid hiker, having hiked most of the Pacific Crest Trail through Washington.

show less

» Email Allen
503-308-1028 x114

Adam Robins

Adam has over 11 years in design and over 15 years in construction, with experience in contract…

administration, project management, design, and waterproofing investigations and consulting. Adam has worked on a broad variety of projects including transportation facilities, public works, historic buildings, single and multifamily residential, civil projects, site planning and development, and educational and religious institutions, with project history spanning Oregon, California, Washington, Utah, and Ireland. He collaborates with design professionals, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders to successfully complete projects meeting client needs.

Adam has a B.A. in Mathematics from Reed College and a Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon.

show less

»Email Adam

503-308-1028 x109

Monica Ahlers

Monica began her architecture career in 2007. Her project experience includes fire stations,

police stations and commercial tenant improvements – seeing the projects through from programming through construction. She has coordinated LEED certification of four projects and assisted with four others – all meeting their goal or better! In her spare time, Monica does floral design for weddings and other events with Monica Ahlers Floral Design.

show less

» Email Monica
503-308-1028 x106

David Islas

David Islas joined Convergence Architecture in 2014 as a recent graduate of the School…

of Architecture at Portland State University. He is well versed in CAD, Revit, Sketchup and virtual reality software and techniques. He enjoys being involved in the community and currently volunteers for the St. Johns Center for Opportunity.

show less

» Email David

503-308-1028 x105

Christa Holden

Originally from Texas, Christa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in…

Architecture from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2003, where she was honored as the UTSA Most Outstanding Architecture Student 2003. She has worked as a freelance architectural designer and artist, including graphic design work and instructing community art classes in screen printing, mosaics, and painting. She has worked on various projects, such as Portland’s Union Station, three new multi-family residential buildings, and several single family remodels and additions. Christa has a hands on approach and has used her repertoire of abilities to sew upholstered cushions for the bench in our old conference room space as well as to stencil the Convergence Architecture signage on the front of our old Leavitt Station office!

show less

» Email Christa
503-308-1028 x110

Crystal Glanz-Kreutz

Crystal earned an AAS in Interior Design from Portland Community

College, with an emphasis on sustainability. She uses her strong drafting skills to lead production efforts on projects and provides permitting and interior design assistance. Small space solutions are a personal passion of Crystal’s, from private residences to tenant improvement projects. Crystal has strong verbal and written communication skills, abilities which strengthen design conversations with clients and the design team. She is an active member of the St. Johns community, having held a position on the St. Johns Neighborhood Association board, as well as roles with other community organizations.

show less

» Email Crystal
503-308-1028 x113

Maria Rojas

Maria brings to the team over three years in management experience.

Managing herself as a freelance landscaper, managing a movie theater, and even managing our local St. Johns Farmers Market. Maria is currently the co-chair head of the St. Johns Museum steering committee. She grew up in Vermont and moved to Portland in 2008. She completed her Bachelor degree at Portland State University. She loves hiking in the Pacific Northwest, board games, and sports.

show less

» Email Maria
503-308-1028 x111

Philipp Zbirun

Philipp is currently a Portland State University student, pursuing a degree in architecture.

Philipp initially connected with us through an internship with the 2019 Summer Works program and joined Convergence Architecture as an employee when he finished that program. He is a quick learner and is getting proficient in CAD, Revit, and Photoshop. In his spare time, Philipp volunteers for the annual Russian Conferences, Habitat for Humanity, and Friends of Trees.

show less

» Email Philipp