Waterleaf is skilled at helping owners and users envision new possibilities while respecting the historic fabric of a building in order to take advantage of the character defining components that make spaces authentic. Each renovation project is seen by the design team as an opportunity to advance universal design principles, highlight shared project goals, and work together to provide buildings and spaces that improve the building's use. 

Since its founding in 1952, Waterleaf has provided services for the renovation, adaptive reuse, restoration and preservation of over 50 projects listed either locally or on the National Register of Historic Places. Recent or current historic projects include the 1916 620 SW 5th Avenue Building (The Failing Building), the 1906 Trinity Episcopal Cathedral,  the1939 OHSU Auditorium (Old Library) and the 1907 Mark Spencer Hotel.