News

Reflecting on 2020

As the tumultuous year winds down and 2021 quickly approaches, we find ourselves reflecting. Despite the remote work learning curve and other challenges, we managed to meet milestones for projects as near as Eugene and as far away as Seattle. We’ve also been fortunate enough to land important new work, small and large, to solidify our prospects heading into the new year. Here are some of our observations:

    • The strength and resilience of our community in times of crisis is awe inspiring.
    • We can still practice architecture remotely, just with friendly “you’re muted” reminders.
    • After months stuck at home, we realized how precious our light-filled, cheery office really is.
    • We can work just fine without printing as much.
    • On Zoom, people can’t see our lower half—hooray for sweatpants and slippers at work!
    • Masks are a way to help protect but can also be a creative outlet.
    • Connecting in person with our team on a camping trip and outdoor field games was made more special.
    • We’re hooked on homemade sourdough.
    • Our dogs love us being home. Cats, not so much.
    • We dearly miss our coworkers, our community, and connections we make as humans.
    • Living in an area surrounded by such natural beauty is wonderous.
    • More time at home with our families and daily lunch dates with our spouses is something to cherish.
News

Stephanie Robert, NCIDQ-certified Interior Designer

Congratulations to Stephanie Robert, IIDA, NCIDQ, PIVOT Architecture’s newest NCIDQ-certified interior designer!

NCIDQ certification is recognized as obtaining a high level of proficiency in interior design, its principles, and having a commitment to the profession. To be certified, a designer must pass exams that cover seven core competencies of interior design including code regulations, building systems, construction standards, project coordination, and other areas.

“I’m excited to earn this certification because it gives me an advanced set of tools to help our clients and shows my commitment to the industry,” Stephanie said. “I feel like this training will help me raise my ability as an interior designer to the next level.”

Certification assures that interior designers meet industry standards for aesthetics as well as regard for the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The certification is administrated by Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ).

Stephanie joins fellow PIVOT Interior Designer Theresa Maurer and architects Kelley Howell, Katie Hall, and Jenni Rogers in earning her certification.

Read her spotlight here.

News

KELLEY HOWELL, CERTIFIED SCHOOLS ASSESSOR

Congratulations to Principal Kelley Howell, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, PIVOT Architecture’s newly-certified Oregon Department of Education schools assessor.

ODE’s assessor training helps architects—with a certain level of experience working with schools—understand the unique requirements for reporting to the department’s Technical Assistance and OSCIM programs.

Kelley has worked with a number of school districts including Eugene 4J, Marcola, Wallowa, and the Corvallis School District where she is leading the renovations of Cheldelin Middle School, the Harding Center, Corvallis High School, and Crescent Valley High School. In earning this certification, Kelley joins fellow PIVOT Principal John Stapleton, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, who is also ODE certified.

“Working with school districts if very gratifying,” Kelley said “The improvements we make are helping the community in some cases for decades to come.”

She is now eligible to conduct Facilities Assessments and Long-Range Facility Plans for school districts looking to then apply for funding from the state’s OSCIM program.

News

Some New, Some Familiar Faces at PIVOT

PIVOT is pleased to welcome new and returning team members!

 

Craig Runyon has rejoined our team and leads the company’s business development and marketing strategy. His career spans the A/E/C industry, journalism, government, and graphic design highlighted by stints at the Washington Post, the Register-Guard, and Lane Transit District. He previously worked at PIVOT from 2014—2018 as the marketing coordinator. Craig has a B.A. in speech communication from George Mason University and a certificate in marketing strategy from Cornell University. He is an active member of SMPS and a 2018 graduate of Leadership Eugene-Springfield.

 

Molly Winter joins the PIVOT team after graduating from the University of Oregon this past summer. She was previously the board chair and executive director of Recode, a Portland-based sustainable water systems nonprofit. Molly gave a 2016 TedX presentation titled, “The Taboo Secret to Better Health,” which has nearly 2 million views. She has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College and a Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon. She has seven years of experience.

 

Luigi Ghersi joins the PIVOT team after graduating from the University of Oregon this past summer. He previously served as the PIVOT Fellow in the summer of 2019 focusing on how architecture can improve K-12 education. Luigi has a B.S. Architectural Studies from the University of Utah and a Master of Architecture University of Oregon.

 

 

Alisha Hinkle has rejoined the PIOVT team to bolster the interior design department. She has a Bachelor degree in Interior Architecture from the University of Oregon. Alisha previously worked at PIVOT from 2017—2019 before joining an interior architecture firm in California. She has four years of experience.