FFA Welcomes Two New Partners, Expanding Leadership

Looking Forward

These partner elevations reflect FFA’s commitment to recognizing excellence from within and fostering leadership that drives innovative, sustainable design solutions. Both Christine and Edward embody our firm’s values and vision for the future of architecture in Portland and beyond.

“Christine and Edward exemplify FFA’s values of design excellence, sustainability, and mentorship. Their elevation to Partner positions us to better serve our clients while strengthening our firm’s future.”

For more information about FFA’s sustainable design and mass timber construction work, visit our project portfolio.

FFA is proud to announce Christine Rumi and Edward Running’s elevation to our partnership group, marking a significant milestone in our firm’s evolution. Their advancement to Partners reflects their exceptional contributions to FFA and their lasting impact on sustainable architecture in the Pacific Northwest.

Deepening Our Connection to Excellence

Christine Rumi’s promotion to Partner builds upon her years of leadership at FFA, where she has consistently demonstrated her expertise across commercial and public sector projects. As President of the Board and leader of FFA’s quality assurance program, Christine plays a pivotal role in shaping both project excellence and firm direction. Most recently, she led the completion of the Sunrise Water Authority’s new campus, achieving remarkable sustainability metrics with an 81% energy reduction. This project exemplifies her commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative design solutions.

Beyond project work, Christine’s influence extends throughout the firm through her dedication to maintaining exceptional standards while fostering the next generation of architects through our staff mentorship program, strengthening FFA’s foundation for future growth.

“Throughout my tenure at FFA, I’ve focused on building both exceptional projects and exceptional teams. This new role allows me to further advance our commitment to design excellence while mentoring the next generation of architects.”

A Vision for Community-Driven Design

Edward Running’s elevation to Partner acknowledges his holistic approach to architecture, where relationships with clients, community needs, and ecological considerations drive innovative design solutions. While recognized for his work in mass timber design, Edward’s expertise spans across market sectors, drawing inspiration from how culture and community shape our built environment.

His understanding of these intersections is exemplified in the Chemeketa Community College Agricultural Complex, a groundbreaking net-zero energy project showcasing mass timber construction possibilities. This innovative project will be featured at the International Mass Timber Conference in 2025, highlighting FFA’s position at the forefront of sustainable building practices.

As the leader of FFA’s higher education market and a champion of firm culture, Edward continues to push boundaries in campus design while fostering a collaborative, engaging workplace environment. His commitment to organizing firm events and initiatives strengthens FFA’s internal community and enriches our collective creative process.

“Architecture is fundamentally about relationships – with our clients, communities, and environment. I’m excited to continue fostering these connections at FFA, whether through innovative mass timber solutions, creating vibrant educational spaces, or strengthening our firm’s collaborative culture. Each project is an opportunity to unite people and create spaces that truly serve their communities.”