John Stapleton, AIA | K-12 & CTE Architect | PIVOT

John Stapleton, AIA, is a principal, architect, and leader of educational design at PIVOT Architecture in Eugene, Oregon. For more than 30 years, he has helped school districts, communities, and civic organizations transform ideas into lasting solutions. As an architect, planner, and facilitator, he works at the intersection of K-12 education, educational facilities planning, workforce development, career-connected learning, and community engagement, helping communities in the Pacific Northwest create environments where students can thrive today and succeed tomorrow.

Prior to his career as an architect, John served in the U.S. Army in the 2nd Armored Division, 3/66 Regiment. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon and is a licensed architect in Oregon, Washington, and Utah.

John's career began in K-12 educational design, and for more than 30 years he has helped school districts transform educational goals into successful facilities and programs. His experience spans bond planning, facility assessments, stakeholder engagement, design, and construction for districts across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, including Corvallis, Eugene, Monroe, and Oakridge. Guided by a deep understanding of the built environment and a commitment to community-based solutions, he helps districts create facilities that reflect local priorities, strengthen communities, and support student success.

Connecting Education and Workforce Development

John has spent many years working where education meets workforce development. He helps public school agencies create programs and spaces where students learn in real-world, community-connected, project-based environments. This work connects students to industry, helps them build job skills, and prepares them for successful careers.

Design Shaped by Listening

John believes the best design solutions come from listening to clients, understanding their values, and creating spaces together that reflect them. He emphasizes sustainable, long-lasting buildings that serve community needs. Connection to community and lasting solutions to civic issues motivate his work, and he helps groups communicate, find common ground, and move forward together.

Community-Driven Planning

John leads a team of planners and designers at PIVOT who use proven collective action models, developed with national partners, to draw out community needs and connect them with resources. The team applies a design thinking mindset rooted in formal architectural training, collaborative design, and community impact partnerships. The result is planning and built-environment work that reflects each community’s cultural narrative and strengthens its civic systems.

See some of his projects below and learn more about John on his LinkedIn page.

Contact John.