TEAM SPOTLIGHT: NINO PANES - Senior project coordinator

What’s a past project you’re still proud of when you think about it? The Freewell! A multifamily living project in Portland, with Prometheus Real Estate.

The entire process was fun from beginning to end. It struck just the right balance of problem solving and challenges, making it feel more like solving a puzzle or playing a game than working through obstacles.

If this project had a nickname, what would it be? Local Language Art Flight.

What moment in the process stood out most to you? The breadth and scope of the artwork delivered were wide ranging, from fabricated dimensional pieces and framed works to beautiful artist pieces that we coordinated. 

We took the familiar and flipped it—playful art featuring miniatures embedded in frames and embroidery glued straight onto the surface. Our fabricators leaned into craft, curiosity, and problem-solving, pushing creative boundaries at every turn.

How did collaboration with the client influence or strengthen the final outcome? It felt less like a client relationship and more being part of a team. From vendors and artists to fabricators and suppliers, everyone showed up, collaborated, and brought their best, it felt like a genuine collective effort from start to finish.

What challenge did the team solve that made this project/artwork especially satisfying? This project had its fair share of challenges, but sourcing really stole the show. Who would’ve guessed that billiard balls aren’t sold in big batches—and that their numbers and colors vary dramatically depending on the manufacturer? Even when we were inches from the finish line with ART-119 (Pool Bunyan), we were still discovering color differences. Despite all the sourcing chaos, our fabricators worked their magic, made it all come together, and carried the project across the finish line

If this project were a song, movie, or book, what would it be? Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) Eurythmics

Nino Panes has been with Local Language for three years and serves as a Senior Project Coordinator, supporting projects from A to Z. Highly detail-oriented and proactive, Nino keeps everything on track by managing vendors, expediting production and navigating internal teams with ease. Known for his problem-solving mindset, he tackles everything from big-picture logistics to last-minute details—whether that means sourcing a local solution for a small fix or finding a smart path forward when challenges arise.