Best Architect Firm is a new category in our Best of Central Oregon readers’ poll for 2026, and based on Central Oregon’s explosive growth — and the wealth of beautiful new buildings that come with that growth — the category definitely faced some stiff competition.
You might not know Crabtree Architecture + Design by name, but chances are you’ve walked into one of its projects. Among its recent work, Crabtree designed the Flamingo Room and San Simón — both frequent winners in the Best Bar category — along with Dear Irene, the retail store Jack and Millie and the new Patio World space.
After growing up in Eugene and spending six years in the Navy, owner and architect Greg Crabtree studied architecture at California Polytechnic State University. Crabtree then started his career in the field in that area before making the move back to Oregon — this time to Bend in 2017. As he got the firm established, Crabtree began taking on more projects, which allowed him to grow the firm.
“Slowly, we kind of got busier and busier, and eventually hired one and two and three now, and four of us,” Crabtree told the Source. Now, the company occupies a bright space on Arizona Avenue, just steps from the bustling Box Factory.
Crabtree credits the win as Best Architect Firm to his team’s ability to work closely with the community.
Having designed all three of the Bend bars owned by Brian Trottier (of San Simon, Flamingo Room and Olvi), Crabtree said he continues to enjoy working with local businesses most, helping them refine their vision into something that works, and makes an impression, too.
“They might have a really — like in his case, a very interesting eye on what his vision is,” Crabtree said. “We just like to work together. I think collaborating with people, from engineers to owners to builders, and trying to have that full kind of design-build team effort is where we shine.”
And another perk? Getting to hang out in a super-cool space you helped to bring into the world.
“I like small commercial — bars and restaurants are super fun. You get to go there afterwards and enjoy it.”
Runner-Up: Neal Huston & Associates Architects
Crabtree Architecture + Design
616 NW Arizona Ave., Ste. 2, Bend
crabtreearch.com
This article appears in Best of Central Oregon 2026 and the Source August 13, 2026.
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