Travel Portland

Brand Activation | Concept Refinement | Planning & Sourcing | Design & Execution

Travel Portland and Amtrak Cascades partnered to unveil the city’s Portland Express train car, the first-ever design takeover of a passenger rail car for the Pacific Northwest’s route from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Eugene, Oregon.

Travel Portland tapped advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy for the project, and they brought me on to help bring the idea to life. I coordinated contractors, supplies, installations, and vendors — and styled the train car in time for the interactive public event.

After more than a decade of renting props and decor in the local market for commercials and films, I cultivated close relationships with local makers, business leaders, and brands. I partnered with Pendleton Woolen Mills to outfit the train car with custom upholstered seats, Tanner Goods to fabricate leather coasters, Rejuvenation to provide light fixtures, and sourced various other decor, oil paintings, taxidermy, and design accents from a variety of beloved Portland vendors.

Seattleites were invited to ride the “Portland Express” train car with iconic Northwest design elements. The activation featured live music and various interactive nooks that engaged the senses — for visitors to explore, eat, read, listen, and shop. The event was a hit and earned fantastic PNW press coverage.