In one of the most important laws that applies to architecture, the Americans With Disabilities Act was signed into law 30 years ago. It has been instrumental in making facilities more accessible and is a benchmark to create projects that are welcoming and usable. But it is not just a benefit those of us with disabilities. The ADA creates better design for everyone.

The codes that are a result of the ADA provide a rigorous template that helps create places that are technically accessible. However, at PIVOT Architecture we know that compliance with the code does not guaranty that a space is experienced equitably by all users. Accessibility occurs when it is a core value of those designing the environment. Our designers imagine projects from the perspective of those with disabilities to create places that are inclusive and ensure the experiences of people with differing abilities are as equitable as possible.

The ADA has reshaped the way designers have come to think about architecture and we’ve come a long way as a profession. But at PIVOT we actively pursue and won’t stop looking for new and better ways to improve at making environments that are accessible.

Due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic affecting all of us, PIVOT Architecture unfortunately will not be able to facilitate our annual fellowship this summer. A number very of capable candidates from the University of Oregon’s School of Architecture & Environment submitted applications and have been notified of our decision.

For the past three years, PIVOT has successfully hosted summer fellows which has resulted in engaging and thought-provoking examinations into some critical issues facing architecture and design. The projects have included “missing middle” housing, the intersection of architecture, psychology, and sociology, as well as the notion of equity as a design factor in schools.

While we have decided to cancel this year’s fellowship, PIVOT has been able to maintain full employment for our 29 architects, designers, and administrative professionals, all of whom remain working from home for the near future. Our ongoing work for school districts, transit projects, and other public and private clients continue to progress during statewide stay-at-home orders. It is not clear when the PIVOT office will reopen.

Each summer, one student is selected to work on a project of their choosing which constitutes one half of the fellow’s responsibility. In addition to the project, the fellow will be incorporated into a PIVOT project team and gain real-world experience working alongside our architects and designers. PIVOT intends to resume the fellowship in subsequent summers.

More information on the PIVOT Fellowship.