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The impetus behind the launch of the Portland, Oregon–based Skylab Design Group is simple: “I truly felt I could go out on my own and have the opportunity of seeing my own projects built,” explains founding architect Jeff Kovel. “I didn’t want to wait around for 30 years to get my start.” Originally from Rye, New York, just outside of New York City, Kovel received his architecture degree from Cornell University and headed west to fulfill a passion for architecture as well as nature. After a stint at a firm in Colorado, followed by a role at Portland’s Architropolis, the then-26-year-old architect set out on his own.

www.skylabdesign.com previous image | next image 1680 House Portland, Oregon, 2001 For Skylab’s first project, a concrete house on a steep slope, the firm took on the roles of designer, contractor, and landscape architect. Its success led to more work designing spec houses in the area.. Alder Street Project Portland, Oregon, 2005 The large area of glazing added to the side of the building now permits a dramatic view of the 160-foot spire of the church located across the street. As owner of the building, Kovel collects rent from two additional tenants.. Doug Fir Portland, Oregon, 2004 Kovel describes the whimsical design of this popular nightspot as an outsider’s improvisation on Northwest-influenced architecture. The venue hosts a restaurant, bar, outdoor patio, and a lounge with live music on the lower level. east Portland, Oregon 2002 This sleek bar and lounge with its dark interior and a secluded lounge is a welcome addition to the nightlife in the Chinatown section of Portland. Nike Retail Store New York City, 2004 Kovel enjoys the opportunities to work with his corporate clients. These corporate-concept projects allow the young firm to flex its design muscles with its out-of-the-box solutions. Jordan XXperience Denver, 2005 Skylab designed a temporary space to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nike’s Air Jordan brand. The converted 6,000 square-foot warehouse included product showrooms, interactive exhibits, and a VIP lounge. Tradeshow booth design for Mattel “Dream House” 2003 Kovel designed what would be a full-scale, modern version of the Barbie Dream House for trade show exhibition floors. Stilt House Portland, Oregon 2005 The remodel for this home will feature a four-story waterfall that runs through the interior that feeds the home’s lap pool. Metcalf Residence Portland, Oregon 2005 Kovel designed what would be a full-scale, modern version of the Barbie Dream House for trade show exhibition floors. All images courtesy Skylab Design Studio unless otherwise noted.

At the time, Kovel did not have any prospective clients. But he most certainly had a plan. He established a real estate development company to create revenue that would, in turn, fund his own architecture firm.

The first parcel of land the architect purchased had been considered unbuildable due to its steep slope. However, Kovel designed and built a spec house on the property in less than 14 months. “I had a lot of experience with hands-on construction,” explains Kovel. “Many of my summer jobs were spent working for a contractor.” Since the completion of the residence in 2001, it has changed hands several times, and each new owner has sought out Kovel to design yet another addition.

Kovel’s next purchase was a 110-year-old building on Alder Street, not far from the Pearl District, a revitalized warehouse area in Portland that attracts crowds with restaurants, art galleries, and loft apartments. The Alder Street project includes two live/work spaces—one for Kovel and his wife, in which he dramatically removed the roof and created a lofted living space; the other for a jewelry designer. Also, at ground-level there is a storefront for a distributor of Vitra designs. While it has taken two years to complete the overhaul of the building, the end result exemplifies Kovel’s design sensibility and entrepreneurial spirit. He notes, “Surrounding buildings are now also being renovated. It’s an exciting time to be in this area.”

Currently, Skylab’s team of seven full-time employees and four interns is involved in a number of residential and commercial projects. On the boards are four custom residences, including the Stilt House—a four-story home overlooking Portland that features prime views of the city and a waterfall running through an atrium in the interior. Commercial projects across the country run the gamut from stylish restaurants and lounges, like Doug Fir, in Portland, to innovative retail and exhibition spaces for corporations including Nike, Mattel, Converse, and ESPN.

Kovel credits his firm’s success to the strong identity each of his projects displays. “Our focus is not on what kind of projects we take on, but how we take them on,” the architect explains. “With each project, we find a meaningful narrative and we develop a vocabulary of images.” Though the projects differ in size and scope, Kovel’s quest for a design that can create a unique place speaks a stylistic language that’s easy to recognize in all his work.

By Randi Greenberg