Life

Katie Hall Says Goodbye to PIVOT

Over the past 15 years, Principal Katie Hall has supplied us with endless inspiration, laughter, collaboration, and incomparable architectural design. But as circumstances in life keep moving and evolving, her time at PIVOT is sadly coming to an end.

As empty-nesters, Katie and her partner are beginning a new chapter in life outside of the Eugene-Springfield area. Her last day at PIVOT will be March 29th.

“Katie makes everything around here better,” said Principal John Stapleton. “She’s been part of the PIVOT family for quite a while. We’re going to miss her but know she’ll continue to do great things. She’s pretty groovy.”

Katie has been active in the community serving in various roles including president of the southwestern Oregon chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the organization’s Northwest & Pacific Region section. She has been a member of several City of Eugene committees and panels and has been involved with the Eugene and Springfield area chambers of commerce including serving on the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC).

“PIVOT will be a part of me wherever I go,” Katie said. “The humble approach to design, emphasis on excellent client service, and people-centric firm helped shape me as an architect. I’m grateful for everything I gained and learned from PIVOT. Most importantly, I’m so grateful for the relationships I was able to foster by being an active part of the community.”

Katie’s humor, positive energy, and endless supply of quality chocolate are some of the things we’ll miss most. That and her inspired Halloween costumes! Thank you, Katie. PIVOT is a better place because of you and we can’t wait to see what your next chapter of life brings.

While Kari Turner’s retirement is happening around the same time as Katie’s departure, it is purely a coincidence.

Careers

2025 PIVOT Fellowship Opens

PIVOT Architecture is pleased to announce the seventh PIVOT Architecture Fellowship. The Fellowship is open to University of Oregon BARCH, BIARCH, MARCH, and MIARCH students for the summer preceding their final year of study. One student will be selected following an application process that includes review of the applicants’ proposals for projects of their choice to be executed over the summer of the Fellowship. This project will constitute one half of the fellow’s responsibility. In addition to the project, the fellow will be incorporated into one or more PIVOT project teams for the duration of the program. The fellowship includes monetary compensation comparable to typical entry level professional architectural positions. Additionally, a $1,000 stipend will be provided to the fellow upon successful completion of the project and work term.

Applications for the Fellowship are due April 7, 2025. The term of the fellowship is from mid-June to mid-September, 2024. It is expected that the fellow will work approximately 40 hours/week, with most of that time spent within the office.

Click here for more information or to apply for the position. 

News

PIVOT Welcomes Three New Designers

PIVOT is pleased to introduce our three newest designers to our team.

Designer Emil Good 

Emil believes design is everywhere, in everything. Emil earned their Bachelors of Interior Architecture from the University of Oregon. Prior to joining PIVOT, they worked as a cabinet maker. Emil is working on the design of a new gym for the Oakland School District, the agricultural center for LBCC, the Childcare Learning Center for Klamath Community College, and other projects. An artist at heart, Emil enjoys drawing, painting, sewing, woodworking, and zipping around town on their moped when not at work.

Designer Fa’afouina (Ina) Fruean

Ina joins the PIVOT team with four years of experience. He graduated from University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelors in Environmental Design. Prior to moving to Eugene, he worked for an architectural firm in Honolulu designing high-end residential and affordable housing projects. Ina is working on the agricultural center for LBCC and other projects. In his leisure time, Ina enjoys playing world/city building simulation games and spending time outdoors, having his first experience in fall and winter climates.

Designer Jordan Levis

Jordan earned Master of Architecture and a Bachelors of Science in Fine Arts with a minor in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon. He has four years of experience and designs with a focus on environmental consciousness and community responsiveness. A native of Southern California, Jordan is an Eagle Scout and former California State beach lifeguard. Jordan is working on the agricultural center for LBCC, the Childcare Learning Center for Klamath Community College, and other projects. He enjoys camping, hiking, snowboarding, surfing, and watching sunsets with his wife at the coast while their rescue dog runs.

Insight

The 2024 Fellowship

With multifaceted affordable housing solutions an ever-growing need in the region, PIVOT’s 2024 Fellow studied the roles intentional community models can play in finding solutions for the housing and loneliness crises.

Abby Brown studied intentional community models, especially for individuals transitioning out of houselessness. Intentional communities are groups of people who choose to live collaboratively and strive to create a lifestyle that reflects their shared values.

The housing shortage has created intense pressure on the housing market, particularly in cities like Eugene. Extremely low vacancy rates have resulted in an ultra-competitive housing environment, exacerbating the challenges faced by individuals trying to secure affordable housing. For many, this has led to homelessness.

Read more about Abby’s Fellowship project.