For the 2022 Fellowship, we tried something different. Rather than bringing in an architecture or interior architecture student, 2022 PIVOT Fellow Matilda Jereza was entering her last year studying product design.

Matilda’s project was born out of a desire to explore whether amenities like the transit shelters PIVOT designs could be employed to improve the pedestrian experience outside of transit systems.

“Altogether it was an extremely enriching experience to see a project through of my own design, with the support and input of my peers,” she said.

Matilda took a tried-and-true systematic approach in tackling her project by identifying a need, exploring the opportunities and challenges, as well as researching the target market, competitors, and constraints to develop her project objectives.

The result is what she calls The City Squiggle, an easy-to-install, solar-powered shelter of precast concrete arches that can be placed together in any quantity to form a “squiggle.” The resulting memorable and whimsical shelter provides protection from rain, sun, and enables users to charge devices.

Read more about The City Squiggle.

We’ve been watching in growing amazement as Jacky Grey and Alexis Thomas make short work of the complexities of our most significant projects. Each has a remarkable ability to stay pointed into the wind, focused on our clients, while project design challenges are transformed into beautiful, highly functional architecture. We have come to rely on their design and organizational skills and are looking forward to adding their energy and know how in our leadership group as our newest Associates.

Jacky has been instrumental in some of PIVOT’s recent complex projects including construction administration for the four concurrent projects with the Corvallis School District, the Douglas ESD renovation, the Yachats Fire Station, and a number of other fire districts. She has also been co-leading PIVOT’s internal Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts.

Her ability to guide clients through the initial vision of a project and then developing ideas into a cohesive, highly-functional design is something she takes pride in. Through her hands-on experience from more than 10 years as a contractor, Jacky has developed an astute sense of how to construct projects. Her insights into construction and strong communication skills allow her to build trust and rapport with contractors, consultants, and clients alike.

“I’m excited about this new role at PIVOT,” Jacky said. “What I love about PIVOT are the people and the places we help make. I am energized by the culture of learning and striving to make the world a better place around us: in our community, in our projects, and in our practice. Maya Angelou said it best: ‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better do better.’ ”

Jacky joined PIVOT in 2016 after graduating from the University of Oregon with a Master of Architecture. She also has a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Pacific University as well as Bachelor of Arts degrees in math and art from Eastern Oregon University. When not at work, Jacky spends time with her daughter and her dog paddling Oregon’s waterways and biking through our vast paths and mountain trails.

Alexis has been involved in a number of K-12 projects including the new Camas Ridge Elementary School, the Corvallis School District projects, and work with other districts. She also has a vast higher ed experience with projects at the University of Oregon and The Ohio State University.

She is a thoughtful designer who applies keen project management skills to ensure projects are successful. She is apt at facilitating meetings with a number of user groups making sure they each are heard and understood.

“I’m honored to be named as one of PIVOT’s newest associates,” Alexis said. “I have deep interest in architecture’s ability to serve our community and it’s been a joy to work alongside such thoughtful people on highly impactful projects in my time here at PIVOT. I’m looking forward to all the hard work and joy that is surely yet to come!”

By way of Columbus, OH, Alexis joined PIVOT in 2018. She has nearly 20 years of experience, a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Bowling Green State University, and a Master of Architecture from The Ohio State University. Along with her two sons, she loves exploring water channels on her paddleboard.

Jacky and Alexis join fellow PIVOT Associate Scott Clarke.

PIVOT is happy to bring several new designers into our teams designing transit facilities, municipal projects, commercial renovations, K-12 schools, and other projects.

Designer Hans Minder
A native of Switzerland, Hans joins PIVOT with 30 years of international architectural experience. He has worked with a number of different firms in Europe and the US including 15 years leading his own architecture studio in Prague. For nearly a decade, he has been teaching graduate and undergraduate architecture studios at the University of Oregon focusing on sustainability and ecological building materials. He has a degree in Architecture and Design from Bern University in Switzerland. A father of four teenagers, Hans spends his free time with his family.

Interior Designer Megan Edelblute
Megan has four years of experience as an interior designer working for a variety of employers including a design-build firm and a nationally televised home renovation company. She has a Bachelor of Interior Architecture and an Art History minor from the University of Oregon. In her spare time, Megan volunteers as a youth leader at University Fellowship Church, creates mixed-media art, and enjoys spending time with friends. She is a native of Salem, OR.

Designer Alexandria Clark
Originally from Salem, OR, Alex graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Architecture and minor in Interior Architecture. Her terminal project, a flood-conscious Vancouver Symphony Hall, was featured in the architecture magazine Dezeen. She has experience with land-use consulting as well as operating a landscaping and gardening business. Alex aspires to design for underrepresented and underserved communities having helped build homeless shelters in Eugene and Portland, as well as work on healthcare buildings in rural Tanzania. When not at work, Alex enjoys painting and rock climbing.

Designer Brandon Volpicelli
Brandon, a California native, is a recent graduate from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Architecture and minor in Interior Architecture. He is inspired by collaborative environments and passionate about building strong communities through architecture. Brandon is an Eagle Scout, a big time Ducks football fan, and avid baker.