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.
PIVOT Architecture is thrilled to announce that Burke Wardle, AIA, has been promoted to Associate! Eight years ago, he started at PIVOT as a designer, and now, Burke will help lead PIVOT’s transit sector, advancing public transportation in communities across Oregon, Washington, Utah, and beyond.
Burke is fueled by building better communities, whether he’s shaping the future of transit architecture, designing inspiring schools, or tackling projects’ unexpected twists and turns.
“In his eight years at PIVOT, Burke has really come into his own,” Principal John Stapleton said. “He takes everything we’ve thrown at him in stride. He’s got a rock-solid grasp of the nuances on transit design and we’re excited as he emerges in a leadership role for this important sector.”
Burke earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Woodbury University and has 15 years of experience. He became a licensed architect in 2019.
Thoughtful design thinking allows him to balance creativity with pragmatism, delivering solutions that are responsive to budget and schedule. Whether addressing straightforward building details or managing the layered demands of complex transit stations, Burke’s approach reflects a deep technical understanding paired with sound judgment.
“If I want a broad-minded, well-reasoned, and informed take on a design challenge I think of Burke,” Principal Toby Barwood said. “His high-altitude thinking is refreshing, but he can also flip his lens and get hyper-focused when detail wrangling is in order. He leads by example with the temperament and aptitude of seasoned professional.”
We’re excited to see where this next stretch of the road takes him as he helps steer PIVOT forward.
“I’m honored and humbled to step into this role as an associate,” Burke said. “The legacy that PIVOT has established through its 70 years is something I’m proud to help carry forward.”
Toby Barwood, Celebrating 30 Years of Ideas at PIVOT!
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.
Careers
The PIVOT Fellowship Application Period is Open Until April 6
Applications for the PIVOT Fellowship are now open!
One University of Oregon student will join us over the summer and work on a research project of their choosing as well as be integrated into our project teams.
The PIVOT Fellowship is a means of fostering original thought about issues outside the daily routine or obvious future trajectory of our firm’s thought process. It is a paid position and the term runs from June until September.
The PIVOT Fellowship is open to BARCH, BIARCH, MARCH, and MIARCH students for the summer preceding their final year of study at the University of Oregon. Students are selected following an application process that includes review of the candidates’ proposals for a project of their choice to be executed over the summer of the fellowship.
