Happenings - PIVOT Architecture

News 03/27

It’s Been a Great 28 – Kari G. Turner Retiring from PIVOT Architecture

Kari G. Turner, who has infused PIVOT Architecture with true collaboration, creative design, caring mentorship, and deep thoughtfulness for 28 years, will “sparkle” in retirement.

Nicknamed “Sparkles” for her enthusiasm, sense of humor, and ability to connect with others, Kari has inspired her PIVOT colleagues and clients for nearly 30 years. Now she’s ready to find a new spark.

“Over the last three decades of working with Kari I have learned that she loves working with people almost as much as she loves 80’s pop music,” said Principal Toby Barwood. “Her ability to connect with people has allowed her to build strong teams that function well. Her work has earned the trust of one agency after another, leading to an expansion of PIVOT’s involvement in communities across the West.

“She taught me the value of focusing on the people in every project… and to sing along with Madonna,” Toby said.

Kari has spent her entire 28-year career at PIVOT Architecture. She began as an administrative assistant in 1995 while attending architecture school at the University of Oregon and was hired as a full-time designer in 1997. She received her license to practice architecture in Oregon in 2002 and became an associate at PIVOT in 2007. In 2015, Kari became a principal, leading many of PIVOT’s projects with transit agencies.

A succession plan has been developed over the last six months and Kari’s tasks have been transitioned to the other principals and PIVOT’s robust staff, ensuring that all our clients’ needs are being met. Her last day at PIVOT is April 12.

“Just like no piece of glitter is the same, Kari is a one-of-a-kind,” said Principal John Stapleton. “From her architectural chops to her sense of humor, she has mentored so many people in our firm and taught us all well – we’ll be able to ‘carry’ on,” he said.

“OK, maybe I could use a few more lessons on humor,” he said laughing. “But she’s done a great job of bringing up our staff to fill her role.”

Kari’s projects have been endowed with a sense of purpose and fun and reflect her thoughtfulness, compassion, and competence. Some of the most notable projects that she’s been involved with are Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and transit center projects throughout the west including multiple projects in Utah and Washington, TriMet’s FX—the first BRT in Portland, Keizer Transit Center, Springfield Station, and the iconic EmX—one of the nation’s first BRT systems. Additional community projects include The Eugene Family YMCA, Roseburg Public Safety Center, and multiple facilities for the City of Eugene.

“When I started my career, I had no idea how big of a role transit would play in my life and career,” Kari said. “I love the connections that transit provides for communities. I love the collaboration with other talented designers, and I love the passion of the people who work every day to make our communities welcoming places for everyone.”

Transportation has always been something close to Kari’s heart. She is a frequent bus ride, a former board member for Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation, and a regular attendee and occasional presenter at MPact Transit + Community Conference (formerly Rail~Volution).

Kari believes establishing connections with people is critical in making projects a success. She’s been an advocate for universal design, the practice of creating facilities that are accessible to all users no matter their ability.

“Kari has been a strident advocate for public transportation and accessible design and she used that passion to make gorgeous architecture that worked for everyone,” Toby said. “She’s been a joyful mentor of young designers, always willing to pass on the lessons her career has taught her.”

Kari’s not quite sure what her next steps will be, but it’s a safe bet that they’ll lead to a fair amount of backpacking trips in the wilds of Oregon with her husband Garrett. Happy hiking, Kari!

Project 03/20

The New Eugene Family YMCA

Thousands of people rely on the Eugene Family YMCA each day. Whether it’s for fitness, healthy living, child care, youth development, or a social meeting place, the Y really is a center of the community. Inside and out, the contemporary, 75,000-SF multi-purpose facility enables the nonprofit to grow and diversify how it serves the community in creating a brighter future.

OGX BRT Makes Its Debut

The 22 platforms at 14 stations are inspired by the community’s strong historic architecture, Weber State’s cohesive campus, and the area’s unique geology. PIVOT engaged with stakeholder groups to develop three shelter concepts in a series of workshops. The “Strata” concept was selected and includes precast concrete columns that reflect the area’s stratified geology and its upheaval resulting from collision of the Great Basin and the dramatic mountains to the east.

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.