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.
Thirty years ago, the first flip phones went on sale, the Spice Girls released their debut album, and Bill Clinton was re-elected president.
It also was when Toby Barwood, who touted his fluency with Microsoft Excel 4.0, joined PIVOT (then WBGS). He cited career goals of improving the nature of Northwest cities through architecture and to, “Generally, solve more problems than I create.”
Thirty years on, Toby has led us on an adventure of endless creativity. He’s designed buildings that stand tall with purpose, spaces that feel like a hug, timeless transit stations, and conference rooms that seem to generate great ideas out of thin air.
“The ideas behind architecture are what intrigue me,” Toby said. “Architecture based on ideas tends to be more successful. When we’re able to weave together multiple ideas into a physical, functional form that resonates with clients and allows them to see their values in their project.”
One thing that makes his 30-year (and counting!) journey remarkable isn’t just the spaces he’s brought to life, it’s the spirit he brings to our team. His love for architecture is contagious, his curiosity is endless, and his ability to grasp the big picture and the smallest design detail simultaneously is inspiring.
“You’ve led us with a steady hand, a guiding presence, and an unmatched level of creativity,” Principal Kelley Howell said. “When your whimsical sense of humor shines through it brightens the room.”
“Toby, you’re one of a kind,” said Principal John Stapleton.
He joined the firm when drafting tables were de rigueur and “cut and paste” involved actual scissors. Through changing trends starting with hand-drawn drafts, the charge of CAD, and the rise of Revit, Toby has applied his intellect overseeing PIVOT’s technology efforts. When a login fails, the WiFi crashes, or a password is needed, Toby is our first call. To commemorate his milestone, we rewarded him with a wireless set of a golden mouse and keyboard.
“I’ve been honored to work side-by-side with Toby since I was hired more than 25 years ago,” said Associate Scott Clarke. “And what has amazed me is the kindness and patience that he has always displayed.”
Here’s to thirty years of drafting, dreaming, and daring to design differently. We’re celebrating the steady hand and imaginative heart that has helped shape PIVOT’s portfolio and culture and are looking forward to Toby’s continued ideas, kind mentorship, and laughter in the years to come.
Insight
The 2025 PIVOT Fellowship
With Oregon facing a housing crisis and natural disasters destroying available housing stock, defensive architecture can make a difference in alleviating these crises. Elizabeth Folpe, the 2025 PIVOT Fellow, explored the successful material and social characteristics of fire-resilient buildings and communities. She also developed concepts of modular mass timber structures that could potentially be used in disaster relief.
Liz’s research project studied fire-resistant architecture and disaster relief. She considered mass timber’s potential role in establishing resilient, humane, and sustainable homes. Given mass timber’s benefits of carbon sequestration, fire, and seismic-resistant qualities, Liz explored the possibility for modular homes designed with this technology to enable rapid construction of high-quality shelters capable of serving Oregon communities recovering from the growing threat of wildfires.
With its new Childcare Learning Center, which is out for construction bids, KCC aspires to be open for year-round, all-day care. The program will also provide real-world educational opportunities for Early Childhood Education students and support the early childhood development ecosystem in the Klamath Falls Community.
The project is a new 28,000-SF Childcare Learning Center with construction from the ground up and site improvements. A mandatory pre-bid conference and walk-through will be held Tuesday, August 19 at 3 p.m. at Building 7, 7390 South 6th Street Klamath Falls, OR 97603. Bid documents can be found here: https://www.klamathcc.edu/en-US/about/request-for-proposals/index.html
