Alta Planning + Design

Introduction

Alta Planning + Design is a Portland-based firm specializing in active transportation, with expertise spanning planning, landscape architecture, engineering, and education programs that prioritize people over cars. As the firm grew and evolved, their long-time Eastside office no longer supported the collaborative, flexible culture central to their work. Hyphn partnered with Alta to create a new workplace that better aligned with their mission, values, and future growth.

Objectives & Scope

Support collaboration and shared presence across teams
Create a flexible environment aligned with Alta’s evolving work culture
Reflect Alta’s commitment to active, inclusive, people-centered spaces
Enable growth within a more adaptable workplace footprint

Approach

Hyphn worked closely with Alta to translate their people-first philosophy into a physical environment. Through workplace strategy and design, the team focused on removing barriers to collaboration, increasing openness, and creating spaces that encourage connection. The resulting office was designed to “earn the commute,” giving employees meaningful reasons to choose in-person work.

Outcomes & Impact

Alta’s new workplace supports stronger collaboration, increased in-office engagement, and a shared sense of purpose. Employees are spending more time together in person, strengthening relationships and enhancing the quality of work delivered to clients.

Key Takeaways

Workplaces should actively support an organization’s mission and values
Collaboration thrives in environments designed for flexibility and connection
Thoughtful design can meaningfully improve the in-office experience

“We worked with Hyphn to design the office, following their advice to ‘earn the commute.’ So now more folks enjoy coming to the office more often, and everyone is feeling the palpable benefits of those in-person interactions, which will benefit our projects and our clients.”

Katie Mangle
Principal, Alta Planning + Design