lango.hansen
The lango.hansen landscape architects team brings craftsmanship and creativity to designing new and vibrant outdoor spaces and experiences.
Image:Kurt Lango,lango.hansenThe lango.hansen landscape architecture team brings craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep respect for place to designing vibrant outdoor spaces throughout Portland and beyond. This Pearl District Portfolio spotlight features the award-winning landscape architecture firm and long-time tenant whose work has helped shape some of the city’s most beloved urban environments.
Award-Winning Landscape Architects in the Pearl District
Led by principals Kurt Lango and Jane Hansen, lango.hansen is responsible for a wide range of captivating projects, including Saltwood South, Flâneur Wines, The Osprey, the Pearl Marriott, Elizabeth Caruthers Park, and the Treehouse. Since opening its doors, the firm has earned an impressive 58 design awards, reflecting its commitment to thoughtful, place-based landscape design.
As part of our Pearl District Portfolio tenant spotlight, we spoke with Kurt Lango about the firm’s history, its connection to the neighborhood, and the culture behind the work.
A Longstanding Pearl District Presence
Founded in 2000, lango.hansen established its first office at NW 13th and Everett and has remained in the Pearl District ever since.
“We have been tenants of Al Solheim since we began our office over two decades ago,” Lango shared.
Most recently, the firm relocated within the 1100 Building on NW Glisan, moving just across the hall. Staying in the building made the transition seamless—and the team is enjoying the views from their updated space.
Why the Pearl District Still Feels Like Home
After more than 20 years, lango.hansen continues to find inspiration and practicality in the Pearl District.
The neighborhood’s central location, access to amenities, proximity to projects, and bike-friendly commute options make it an ideal home base for the firm. Just as important is the creative energy of the area.
“There is a strong design and arts community within the Pearl District,” said Lango. “As designers, it’s inspiring to work in an artistic environment alongside your peers.”
A Resilient and Evolving Company Culture
Like many creative firms, lango.hansen has thoughtfully adapted its workplace model over time. The team now operates in a hybrid format, balancing in-office collaboration with flexibility for remote work.
“This hybrid approach gives us the best of both worlds,” Lango explained. “It supports work-life balance while still allowing for meaningful face-to-face collaboration.”
The result is a workplace culture that mirrors the firm’s design philosophy: adaptive, people-centered, and grounded in connection.
Designing Meaningful Outdoor Spaces Across Portland
lango.hansen’s portfolio spans public parks, rooftop terraces, campus planning, office environments, and residential landscapes throughout urban and suburban settings.
Among the projects the firm is especially proud of is the courtyard at Hotel Modera (now Hotel Zags), which featured Portland’s first living wall. In the Pearl District, The Field Office plaza stands out as a favorite—an outdoor space designed to bring nature directly into the workplace through gardens and gathering areas.
Shaping Slabtown’s Urban Landscape
In recent years, lango.hansen has played a significant role in shaping Slabtown, working on projects such as LL Hawkins, Slabtown Marketplace, The Carson, Leland James, and The Saltwood.
“We’ve designed roof terraces, courtyards, gardens, and the major pedestrian way across more than ten blocks,” Lango noted. “Each project builds on the rich history of Slabtown to create a truly vibrant place to live, work, and play.”
The firm’s work honors the area’s industrial roots while reimagining it as a walkable, green, and connected neighborhood.
Designed for People, Nature, and Place
As you walk through the Pearl District, Slabtown, and greater Portland, many of the green spaces, rooftop gardens, plazas, and pedestrian paths you encounter are intentionally designed to invite people to linger, connect, and enjoy the urban landscape.
That philosophy is at the heart of lango.hansen’s work, tying nature and city together to create livable, walkable, and enduring places.
A Hybrid Model
"The ability to work from home or remotely has a better work/life balance in some respects though the interpersonal contact within an office environment was missed. We have slowly reintroduced people into our office while still providing opportunities to work from home. This hybrid gives us the best of all worlds while allowing for face-to-face meetings within the office but also providing flex time to work at home."
Photo: Sellwood Ferns, lango.hansen.com
Meet the Office Mascot: Sadie 🐾
No creative office in the Pearl District would be complete without a mascot. At lango.hansen, that honor belongs to Sadie, the office lab.
“She keeps us in line,” Lango joked. “Sadie is always welcoming everyone at the start of the day.”
A beloved presence (and even an Instagram personality) Sadie embodies the warm, community-oriented culture of the firm.
Photo: lango.hansen.com
Learn More About lango.hansen
Website: lango.hansen.com
Address: 1100 NW Glisan St, Suite 3A, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 503.295.2437
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About the Pearl District Portfolio
The Pearl District Portfolio offers distinct creative office and retail spaces located in Portland’s original creative district. We are committed to supporting a vibrant mixed-use community rooted in art, culture, urban housing, and creativity.
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We've launched Around the Pearl to showcase the vibrant culture and exciting events that define the Pearl District! From unique art experiences to hidden gems, we're here to connect our readers with all the amazing happenings in our vibrant corner of the city. Whether you're looking to explore the dynamic art scene or connect with community, this is your go-to guide.
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