Competition

This is a two-stage open competition that seeks exceptional talent. It comprises an initial call for Request for Qualification (RFQ) submissions – including team composition, relevant experience, company details, and an initial reaction to the project aims and objectives – followed by a design stage (Request for Proposals) for a shortlist of three teams.

Teams

The competition warmly welcomes local, Oregon-based, US, international, emerging and established studios.

Stage One – Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Portland Parks & Recreation is seeking an integrated multidisciplinary design team (led by an architect or landscape architect) capable of providing the full range of professional input and services for the project, and including:

• Lead Designer (Architect or Landscape Architect)
• Delivery / Contractual Lead (licensed to practice in State of Oregon)
• Landscape Architect / Architect (depending on Lead Designer)
• Engineering disciplines, including structural, civil, electrical, and sustainability

Teams may include additional consultants deemed necessary to the design approach if required.

Delivery/​Contractual Lead must include a practitioner licensed in either Architecture or Landscape Architecture in the State of Oregon.

Stage Two – Request for Proposals (RFP)

At stage two (RFP stage), teams may propose additional consultants to enhance their design concept including:

• Cost Consultant
• Lighting Design
• Arborist, Horticulture and Riparian Ecology
• Planning Consultants
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Outdoor Venue/​Stage Design
• Indigenous Community Engagement
• Accessibility, Wayfinding

Process 

Stage One – Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

The competition’s first stage is an open call for submissions – a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) – including the proposed team composition, relevant experience, company details, and an initial reaction to the project aims and objectives. No design work is required at stage one. 

City of Portland will post a Notice of Intent to Shortlist at the conclusion of stage one (RFQ) via the City’s Ariba Procurement Portal. All submissions will be reviewed by the Jury/​Evaluation Panel. No feedback will be provided to unsuccessful submissions. 

Stage Two – Request for Proposals (RFP)

A shortlist of three teams will be selected to compete at stage two – the Request for Proposals (RFP) – and prepare a concept design for Waterfront Park and a focus area with detailed concept design proposal for the Bowl area. Shortlisted teams will receive the competition brief and will be invited to attend a site visit and briefing workshop. 

The stage two (RFP) submission requirements are anticipated to include presentation boards, a design portfolio, a technical design booklet (including an area schedule and scaled drawings), a narrative video presentation, and a fee proposal. 

An exhibition of concept designs will be held in Portland in early 2027 and the schemes will also be available to view online, giving the community an opportunity to view the submissions and give their feedback. Public feedback will not contribute to the scoring of RFP submissions. 

The three shortlisted teams will present to the Jury, who will evaluate and score each team’s presentation. The highest scoring proposer will be awarded a contract. The Jury composition will be announced in early Fall, with the announcement of the shortlisted team at the stage two launch. 

Anticipated Timeline