The Impossible Lot

Brandon and his girlfriend, Keri Rogers, currently live in a cramped studio apartment in the trendy Pearl District in Portland, Oregon. Neighbor and architect Mark Engberg works with Brandon and his father, Tim Brown, to find and secure a site.

Brandon works with Engberg to design a modern three-level wood frame home wrapped by a steel walkway and balcony, resting on a concrete foundation. The home's design was influenced by the steep triangular lot and the surrounding neighborhood. The first contractor interviews begin and bids are too high.

The initial contractor bids send junior architect Gabriela Quinones back to the drawing board to cut big ticket design items. Structural engineer Gary Lewis explains the need for the massive concrete foundation and the design is finalized.

The bureaucracy of the City of Portland has the upper hand in the battle for the permits. Brandon checks on the permits' status, but they seem to be lost in the shuffle.