AIA Oregon Eugene

As Frank Visconti, AIA noted in his end of year message on the aiaswo.org website, last week’s turning of the calendar heralded big changes for members of AIA-Southwestern Oregon. The results of last summer’s State Chapter Initiative election indicated overwhelming support among the entire AIA Oregon membership—AIA-SWO members included—to unite the state’s four separate chapters into a single statewide body. Among other things, this means “AIA-Southwestern Oregon” formally ceases to exist, instead becoming one of five AIA Oregon chapter “sections.” Officially, those of us who were AIA-SWO chapter members are now assigned as members of AIA Oregon, with voluntary membership in either the AIA Oregon Eugene or AIA Oregon Bend local sections. 

For those who haven’t yet seen it, here is Frank’s entire message: 

2019 will mark a unique milestone of the 66-year history of this thriving and exemplary chapter. Starting January, we will all be united as AIA Oregon chapter members. AIA Oregon will be a single 501(c)(6) and allow our chapter to shed its bureaucratic structure. Without the burden of the unnecessary and redundant corporate template, we can focus more directly on our members and programs. Our membership dues will no longer include local chapter fees and we won't have to use Robert's Rules of Order! We will continue our weekly e-newsletter (T@3), monthly presentations and events, design awards, People's Choice awards, continuing education programs, Design Spring, and CoLA. 

I will continue in my leadership role for another year as a director representing the Eugene Section of the Oregon AIA. Our current board members will continue to help put together all our current programs and we will continue to meet twice a month at the Octagon. As a director, I will be a voting member of the Oregon AIA board and will represent our Eugene Section members. You will all see a choice to join a local section on your membership renewals, so just check that off! Easy! 

We have 172 members who continue to renew their membership because there is value to this association. I’d like to ask that each one of you reach out and support our emerging professionals and encourage them to get licensed and be part of the AIA. At our Holiday Party several members approached me to ask if they can help more actively with the chapter (section) and the answer is always yes! We do have openings for the CoLA committee and for our other programs. We will be putting our 2019 schedule together before the end of year and we'll let you know what's coming up. I can't reiterate enough how helpful it is to participate in our committees, so please reach out if you want to volunteer. Thank you all for your continued membership. 

The reconstituted, single AIA Oregon chapter has a board of directors comprised of eleven directors, including the following: 

• One director appointed for each voluntary section (five total), initially appointed by each disappearing corporation (chapter) 
• Four executive officers (AIA Oregon’s current respective President, Past President (or President Elect), Secretary and Treasurer)
• Two at-large directors appointed by the Board of Directors 

The Executive Committee will also include the AIA Oregon executive director, who will be a non-voting participant on the Board of Directors.

AIA Oregon has established the following internal voluntary local sections: 

• AIA Oregon Portland 
• AIA Oregon Salem 
• AIA Oregon Eugene 
• AIA Oregon Rogue Valley 
• AIA Oregon Bend 

In addition to these sections, the new AIA Oregon chapter may establish other sections with the approval of the Institute Secretary. It’s worth noting that prior to the election, AIA Oregon was itself not a chapter; instead, it was a “council” of the four previous Oregon-based chapters (AIA Portland, AIA Salem, AIA Southwestern Oregon, and AIA Southern Oregon). 

As I mentioned at the top of this post, membership in a local section is voluntary and is not assigned by the Institute or by AIA Oregon. In accordance with the chapter’s articles of incorporation, local sections may not levy dues or assessments on their own behalf. On the other hand, AIA Oregon may allocate funds for specific use by a local section for its exclusive activities. 

One of the primary motivations for the Statewide Chapter Initiative was to better serve the members of the former AIA Salem and AIA Southern Oregon chapters. Because of their small size, these two chapters often lacked the financial resources necessary to provide equivalent access to the kinds of resources and programs enjoyed by the members of AIA Portland and the Willamette Valley-based members of AIA Southwestern Oregon. Because the smaller chapters had a limited pool of volunteers to draw from and inadequate funds to hire paid staff, much volunteer time was devoted to keeping each chapter a viable business entity (which is not typically what a volunteer would prefer to spend his or her time doing). The new statewide AIA Oregon chapter will provide a more efficient governance structure and assume a majority of administrative functions on behalf of the membership so that volunteers can focus upon those issues and programs of greatest interest to them. 

The establishment of the new AIA Oregon Bend Section should likewise benefit the burgeoning number of members located east of the Cascades. 

The articles of incorporation for AIA Oregon govern the local sections. Each section is free to adopt supplemental and supporting policies and procedures that define leadership roles, terms of office, section procedures, and operational guidelines provided such items are in accordance with the Articles and Bylaws and are approved by the AIA Oregon Board of Directors. Formal leaders of each local section will include, as a minimum, a section director who is a member of the AIA Oregon Board of Directors. A section may create other formal leadership roles consistent with their procedures and operational guidelines. 

I’m looking forward to seeing how this momentous transition plays out during the coming years. I’m sure there will be a few bumps along the road but I’m confident moving to a single statewide chapter will ultimately prove to be the right move, with enhanced benefits for all AIA Oregon members.

A final aside: I originally named my blog SW Oregon Architect because it was my position as president-elect for AIA Southwestern Oregon way back in 2008 that prompted its debut. Since then, the blog title and my subsequent Twitter handle (@sworegonarch) have assumed lives of their own, very much independent from their AIA-SWO roots. Despite the dissolution of AIA Southwestern Oregon, I plan to stay with the SW Oregon Architect title and my Twitter identity as they are, and continue to report on AIA news of importance to the former members of AIA Southwestern Oregon.

CoLA: Review-Overview-Preview

The upcoming November meeting of the AIA-Southwestern Oregon Chapter, which will occur this coming Wednesday, November 28, will feature a presentation by the members of the AIA-SWO Eugene-Springfield Committee on Local Affairs (CoLA), along with special guest Will Dowdy, Urban Development Manager for the City of Eugene. 

The presentation’s objectives will include the following: 

• Building awareness of AIA advocacy at the national, state, and local levels, the mechanisms for each, and the strength of professional associations in advocating for positive outcomes on issues that benefit from the expertise of design professionals.
• Reviewing the adopted AIA federal policy agenda, released earlier this month. The policy agenda includes affordable housing and expanded tax credits, sustainability and tax incentives for retrofits, school safety design, student loan debt forgiveness for architectural graduates, resilience design and disaster response, and tax repeal on foreign entities.
• Reviewing the history and mission of CoLA. The committee’s areas of emphasis have included various issues of local importance to AIA-SWO, and advocacy for positions of common professional interest. 
• Introducing the current members of CoLA, who will be on hand to answer questions and lead the evening’s presentation. 
• Calling for those who may be interested in being a member of CoLA during the coming year. 
• Conducting an overview of selected CoLA issues during 2018. These have included the affordable housing crisis, the work of Better Housing Together (BHT) in moving toward solutions to that crisis, and support for and participation in the community forum BHT hosted; monitoring the River Road corridor planning work and City of Eugene efforts to increase density along that major transit corridor; and support for careful planning in the redesign of the Park Blocks as part of a newly imagined Town Square (including publishing an op-ed piece in The Register-Guard and another here on my blog). 
• Previewing what CoLA plans to focus upon during 2019. 

The meeting will also feature a presentation by Will Dowdy on the subject of the City of Eugene’s proposed Town Square project (Park Blocks, year-round Farmers’ Market, and new City Hall) and how AIA-SWO members may contribute to its design. He’ll report on the status of the current RFQ/RFP selection process, the timeline for key decisions by City Council, and the goals for a proposed peer design review process. 

There will be plenty of time during the chapter meeting for questions and discussion. As one of the current CoLA members, I encourage you to attend and let me and my fellow committee members know your thoughts. We’ve tried to be proactive and visible during 2018. Our hope is to carry our momentum into 2019, bring aboard new blood and energy, and continue to be relevant advocates for design excellence in the service of ensuring the Eugene-Springfield community enjoys a healthy, inclusive, and livable future. 

What:               AIA-Southwestern Oregon November Chapter Meeting 

When:              Wednesday, November 28, 2018; 5:30 – 7:30 PM 

Where:             The Loft at Turtles, 2690 Willamette St, Eugene (enter off 27th Ave) 

Cost:                No meeting charge. Food/beverages at cost from Turtles menu. 

CEU:                (1.00) AIA LU

2018 State Chapter Initiative

An enormously important election with huge implications for the future is rapidly approaching. No, I’m not talking about that election, as consequential as it may be for the country. I’m referring instead to a crucial vote that will affect every member of the American Institute of Architects in the State of Oregon for years to come. 

As I reported last fall, delegates from AIA chapters within the state and the staff of AIA Oregon have worked since 2013 on a proposal to unite the state’s four separate chapters into a single statewide body. The principal rationale favoring a single statewide chapter is that it would provide a better return for every membership dollar while strengthening the Oregon architectural community and the voice of our profession. 

Last month, AIA Oregon delegates approved a resolution to proceed with the merger plan, which means a statewide election involving all AIA members in the state. 

It behooves all of us (AIA members and associate members in Oregon) to be as informed as possible before helping render a crucial decision that will set the course of our professional association for many years. Simply put, the State Chapter Initiative election matters a lot. Here’s why:

1. A “yes” vote means the AIA in Oregon will transform as mentioned above from four separate chapters into a single AIA for all Oregon architects. If all chapters vote yes, the legal process to form the new AIA Oregon will proceed. 
2. If one or more chapters vote “no,” the current structure of four individual chapters will remain unchanged. There is a downside to a “no” vote, which is that at the national level, AIA has instituted new requirements requiring greater operational efficiency in all chapters. The risk is smaller chapters (namely Salem and Southern Oregon) may no longer be able to provide adequate services, and volunteer time and administrative costs will remain high. Ultimately, these smaller chapters may be forced to dissolve.
3. A “yes” vote means everyone would be a member of and pay dues to AIA Oregon and AIA National. In the place of local chapters, the plan is to organize AIA Oregon chapter “sections” in Portland, Salem, Eugene, Rogue Valley, and Bend. AIA Oregon members will have the option to select a section to join, but there will not be separate dues for section affiliation. The sections will do a lot of the same things the chapters do now, including planning and hosting events, hosting awards ceremonies and conferences, and cultivating and supporting a local community of architects. Like today’s chapters, tomorrow’s sections will be able to create committees, groups and task forces to address issues of interest to members. And they’ll each elect an AIA Oregon Director to represent them on the statewide board of directors. Unlike today’s chapters, sections will not be responsible for administration or managing the organization’s budget. They’ll receive support on communications, resource sharing, and other similar functions.
4. A “yes” vote means there will be a new dues structure that will help ensure all members have access to meaningful programs and services while meeting AIA National standards for core member services, including continuing education, professional development and advocacy. Architect members currently pay between $217 and $370 annually for their dues, including $120 for the Oregon State Council and between $97 and $250 additionally for local chapter dues. Under the new structure, dues for members statewide beginning in 2019 will be $349. For members in Southern Oregon and Salem, AIA Oregon shared reserves will be used to incrementally offset the increase in dues. Firm dues will be based on local market conditions and the real cost of chapter benefits.

My understanding is votes from each of the four current chapters will be tallied separately. If any one chapter fails to achieve a plurality in favor of the merger, the initiative will not pass and the status quo will be maintained. It’s an all or nothing proposition. If all the chapters support the merger, the transition would occur sometime in 2019. 

If the merger moves forward, the transition process will take 8 to 12 months to complete. During this period, the existing AIA Oregon board and chapters will remain as they are. Once the process is complete, everyone will become a member of the new AIA Oregon and have the option to select a local section to join. 

You can find plenty of additional information regarding the initiative on the AIA Oregon website. 

AIA-Southwestern Oregon is preparing ballots for distribution via snail mail to its members sometime this week. The ballots will include a draft of the new bylaws and articles of incorporation. The statewide goal is to complete the voting before the end of this month using mail-in ballots. AIA-SWO members please note: If your mailing info has changed, and not been updated with the AIA’s national office, AIA-SWO won't be able to mail your ballot to the correct address. If your mailing address is different from that listed in the national database, be sure to let AIA-SWO know right away at aiaswo@gmail.com. 

Want to make a recommendation or ask a question? Share your ideas, questions, or concerns via email at info@aia-oregon.org and someone from the AIA Oregon Board of Directors will get back to you as soon as possible. No matter what be sure to exercise your franchise by voting on this state chapter initiative.

2018 AIA-Southwestern Oregon Design Awards

The 2018 AIA-SWO Design Awards ceremony was held at the Ford Alumni Center on the University of Oregon campus. The pre-event, well-stocked cash-bar was very popular! (Photo by AIA-SWO)

The purpose of the AIA Southwestern Oregon Chapter Design Awards is to celebrate achievements in design excellence by member firms, generate greater public interest in architecture, and honor the architects, clients, and consultants who work together to enhance our built environment. Because the awards program only occurs every four years or so, each one is truly special. The 2018 edition was no exception. The breadth and quality of the entrants reflected the continued improvement in the fortunes of the architecture and construction marketplace since the last program, and certainly met expectations bred by long years of anticipation since the last AIA-SWO design awards program in 2014. 

Big thanks to the Design Awards Committee—led by Jenna Fribley, AIA—which assembled an outstanding group of jurors to evaluate the design submissions for this year’s awards program: 

Gary Aquilina, AIA – Principal, CAS Architects 
Ruth Baleiko, AIA – Partner, Miller Hull 
Robert Hastings, FAIA (jury chair) – Agency Architect, TriMet 
Cassandra Keller – Principal, Clark Keller 
Carrie Strickland, FAIA – Principal, Works Progress Architecture 

2018 AIASWO DA Juror Intros from frank visconti on Vimeo.

The jury selected a total of 11 projects to receive awards. Of these, two are student projects, four are Citation Award winners, two received Merit Awards, and three are Honor Award recipients (the AIA’s highest commendation). 

Speranza Architecture + Urban Design was the evening’s big winner. The jury bestowed three of the Citation Awards and one Honor Award on the young firm. Principal and founder Phil Speranza, AIA—also an assistant professor at the UO College of Design, and a relatively recent transplant from the east coast—is someone to keep an eye on as his firm leaves its mark on the local architectural scene in the years to come. 

Past AIA-SWO president (2016) Stan Honn, AIA emceed the event. Current president Frank Visconti, AIA presented the awards to the recipients, while jury chair Bob Hastings, FAIA shared some of the jury’s comments for all the winning entries. 

Here is the list of the 2018 AIA-SWO Design Awards Program recipients: 

Honor Awards:

UO Student Recreation Center

Robertson | Sherwood | Architects pc 

RDG Planning | Design

Poticha Architects 

Owner/Client: University of Oregon 

Location: Eugene, OR 

Jury Comments: 
“A wonderful achievement in unifying a series of existing buildings. The design utilized creative strategies to connect a disparate set of buildings who were built at different times, and with different program, materials, and construction. In particular the ceiling treatments created both a sense of continuity, while also providing for individual program activities. Strong visual connections between spaces and activities improved the sense of the community. The jury was impressed how active and contemplative spaces could be accommodated without compromise. 

“Environmental performance of the buildings’ systems actually enhanced the interior activities, while providing access and exposure of the external environment. The building’s external elevations, materials, and lighting create strong connections to the University urban design and enhance its qualities.” 

Arts and Technology Academy 

Rowell Brokaw Architects 

Opsis Architecture 

Owner/Client:  4J Eugene School District 

Location: Eugene, OR 

Jury Comments: 
“A fantastic renovation of an existing school that interprets a new pedagogy for STEM curriculum with a new organization for this middle school. The result feels like a completely new institution that embraces open and transparent spaces for learning. New relationships are skillfully organized both in plan and section by providing places of learning for classes and well as small groups and individual spaces. 

“The result is a unifying whole of existing spaces, materials, and structure with the new additions that create a complete translation for the school. Particular skill was demonstrated in the architectural treatments that unify existing structure, materials, and spaces with the new construction. The end result is both robust and delicate…elegant and durable.” 

Push Pull House 

Speranza Architecture + Urban Design 

Owner/Client: Jeff & Victoria Wilson-Charles 

Location: Veneta, OR 

Jury Comments: 
“While simple and elegant in plan the house’s sections create a vibrant juxtaposition. Careful attention to the use of volumes for lighting, heating, and cooling results in poetic special contrasts.  The use of common materials…wood, plaster, concrete, and glass…have been masterfully orchestrated to create un-common spaces. 

“The jury commends the building’s craftsmanship, especially considering the modest construction cost, and how it accentuates the power of well design spaces. The overall effect creates a beautiful relationship between inner space and the surrounding forest environment.” 

Merit Awards:

Roosevelt Middle School 

Mahlum Architects 

Robertson | Sherwood | Architects pc 

Owner/Client: Eugene School District 4J 

Location: Eugene, OR 

Jury Comments: 
“The plan of the school strongly reflects its mission to provide places of learning, social interaction, and teacher – student engagement. Transparency between small group, corridors, and vertical transition directly correlate with the school’s educational purpose. Throughout the interior, glazing and openings are arranged to promote both the sense of connectedness, and how people come together. 

“The jury commends how this school helps students transition from child to young adult, by encouraging exploration and discovery in a wonderful learning environment. In particular, the jury was impressed by the thoughtful use of glazing, color, lighting, and wall materials to create a sense of permanence and transition.” 

1203 Willamette 

Rowell Brokaw Architects 

Owner/Client: 1203 Willamette, LLC 

Location: Eugene, OR 

Jury Comments: 
“The adaptive reuse of a 1940’s era furniture store with limited relationship to the life of downtown Eugene, is a terrific case study of urban revitalization. The design decision to use removal rather than insertion proved to be an excellent strategy. By engaging both levels of the original building, it completely transforms the streetscape and greatly contributes to the City’s livability. 

“The jury commends the use of the building’s elements of wood structure, open fenestrations, and authentic materials to create lively interior and exterior spaces. In particular, the jury recognizes the careful proportions, scale of spaces, use of elemental materials, interior and exterior lighting, vertical circulation and layering of movement.” 

Citation Awards: 

Roseburg Forest Products 

Rowell Brokaw Architects 

Owner/Client: Roseburg Forest Projects 

Location: Springfield, OR 

Jury Comments: 
“What could have been another example of treating large box buildings as part of our disposable society instead became a wonderful revitalization. The plan to organize the perimeter of the triangulated building into open offices, while enlivening the center with gathering and meeting spaces, resulted in a compete transformation. The clear use of materials, color, natural and artificial lighting, and furnishings is exemplary. What is especially powerful is the creation of a central space that promotes and engenders equity.” 

Eugene Public Food Market 

Speranza Architecture + Urban Design 

Owner/Client: Three Muses 

Location: Eugene, OR 

Jury Comments: 
“This proposed adaptive reuse of the former EWEB building could be a significant part of the City’s downtown transformation. This project proposal includes the leveraging of the existing building’s significant elements (most notably the bow-string trusses), but equally important is the programmatic role of a year-round, and night & day, public food market. 

“The jury’s challenge is to incorporate the proposed new tower, complete with LED lighting, as an urban marker for the Market.  It should contribute greatly to the Market’s character, the downtown’s ‘Great Loop’ initiative, and linking to the City’s neighborhoods.” 

Birch Fircrest House 

Speranza Architecture + Urban Design 

Owner/Client: Philip Speranza 

Location: Eugene, OR 

Jury Comments: 
“While bold in form, the strength of this house design derives from careful analysis of its site and environmental factors. In plan, section, and elevation the house’s design is consistent in its formal response. 

“The jury is still out on the proposed exterior siding material, window size and placements, and site material treatments. These need careful consideration to achieve a holistic expression of distant and internal relationships.” 

Hult Center for the Performing Arts Plaza Renovation Study 

Speranza Architecture + Urban Design 

Owner/Client: City of Eugene Cultural Services 

Location: Eugene, OR 

Jury Comments: 
“This proposal seeks to enliven the Center’s exterior public space by transforming it into a dynamic series of outdoor spaces, emulating the nature of the Center’s performance hall. However, in this instance the audience becomes the performers. Through careful analysis and gathering of real time data the Plaza would express the qualities of its users. 

“The Jury commends the passion and desire to transform this urban space into something truly ‘world class’, and for supporting and contributing to the City’s ‘Great Loop’ initiative.” 

Student Awards:

The Arch at Hayward Field 

Nicole Giustino, August Lehnert, & Max Moore 

Client: University of Oregon 

Location: Eugene, OR 

Jury Comments: 

• Innovative use of material(wood) to develop an elegant solution to a functional problem. 
• Very compelling idea which combines traditional with new state-of-the-art technology. 

Sitka Sedge 

Benjamin Fuglevand 

Client: State of Oregon Visitors Center 

Location: Tillamook County, Oregon Coast 

Jury Comments: 

• A modern, approach to farming, and teaching. Simple structure, formal response to climate, very believable in its execution and research. Energy modeling provides the designer with validation of design process and goals set for this work. 
• A wonderfully developed scheme; well thought out and with a compelling brief. Excellent backup data and analysis too. 

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Design awards programs help us to celebrate what we do as architects. They are evidence our profession aspires to be the best it can be. They elevate the quality of our work by setting the bar high. I know I am not alone in looking forward to the next edition and once again recognizing and celebrating the best work of AIA-Southwestern Oregon member firms.

Darrell Smith, FAIA (1935-2018)

Darrell L. Smith, FAIA (1935-2018)

The Eugene-Springfield architectural community mourns the loss of another of its stalwart members: Darrell Smith, FAIA passed away earlier this month. As his obituary below states, he went peacefully, which no doubt comes as a comfort to his family and friends.

Darrell and I crossed paths frequently because his practice, TBG Architects and Planners, and my firm Robertson/Sherwood/Architects both have offices in the Miner Building in downtown Eugene. It was always a pleasure to chat with Darrell. I don’t know if I can remember him ever being anything but cheerful and supportive. He was definitely one of the old guard among local architects who made me feel very much welcome when I returned to live and work in Eugene in 1988. Darrell will be missed by all who knew him, especially those at TBG who had the privilege to work side-by-side with Darrell on a daily basis.

 *    *    *    *    *    *

Darrell Lyle Smith, born April 5, 1935 in Wallowa, OR to Charles and Effie Boswell Smith, passed peacefully on March 1, 2018 in Eugene, OR. 

Darrell initially grew up in NE Oregon and around Oregon and Washington as his family moved to seek employment in the timber industry. After four high schools in four towns he began college at Oregon State University majoring in Forestry. Before completing his degree, he transferred to the University of Oregon’s School of Architecture, where he graduated in 1961. 

In 1956 he married Lois Patterson and they built a life together that spanned 61 years, living, working and raising their family in Eugene. 

In 1961 Darrell began work as a draftsman at the firm that would become TBG Architects and Planners. He was made a partner in the firm in 1967 and he retired in 2003 then "shared his wisdom" at the office until 2013. The other partners and members of the firm were more than just colleagues. Darrell also enjoyed many great friendships developed through his association with the Eugene Executive Association. 

Appointed by Governor Vic Atiyeh in 1982 to the Oregon State Board of Architect Examiners, Darrell eventually took national offices including President of National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) in 1996-1997. While volunteering in these positions he was instrumental in the conversion of then national architect's registration exam to a computer administered process. This position required many hours of time yet also facilitated travel to many interesting parts of the world working with architects around the country and around the globe. In 1997 Darrell was inducted into the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows. 

The highlight of Darrell and Lois's travels was a three-month trip around the world in 1999 visiting twelve countries on that excursion. Family trips included Mexico, Hawaii and many days at Mercer Lake. 

A lifelong Duck fan who attended hundreds of Oregon football and basketball games over the years, Darrell was usually wearing a "duck shirt" in retirement. Traveling to bowl games with friends and watching the Ducks on TV was a favorite pastime. 

Darrell is survived by his wife Lois, his sister Lois Dehne (Axel), daughter Michelle Pellitier (John), son Garth (Polly), four beloved grandchildren; Serena Pellitier Klimek (Jason), Ashley Wells Hubbard (Beaux), Peter Pellitier and Natalie Pellitier and two delightful great granddaughters; Sloane Klimek and Bess Hubbard. 

Friends are invited to raise a glass to Darrell on Sunday, March 18th from 4-6 pm. in the Cascade Manor Solarium. 

It was a "good run!"

Richard Bryant, AIA (1947–2017)

PIVOT Architecture reports some sad news as 2017 draws near its end:

Richard “Dick” Bryant, AIA, a longtime partner of the firm who piloted a number of projects with school districts and was instrumental to PIVOT’s early success, died December 12. He was 70 years old. He retired from the firm in 2003.

In 1974, Dick began his long architectural career in Eugene with William W. Wilson and Associates later growing the company to Wilson, Bryant, Gunderson and Seider Architecture and Planning. Thanks in part to Dick’s leadership, the firm evolved to WBGS Architecture and Planning and became one of the largest architecture firms in the Willamette Valley. The firm changed its name to PIVOT Architecture in 2006.

“Without Dick’s five-year plan for more responsibility and firm ownership, as well as instilling in us the confidence that Dick, Eric Gunderson, and I could be the next generation of firm leaders,” said Bill Seider, FAIA, “our careers would have certainly followed a very different path, and PIVOT Architecture would likely not be the family we are today.”

Among the many projects during his 29-year tenure with the firm, Dick designed Bohemia Elementary School in Cottage Grove and other school buildings in Brookings, Corvallis, Florence, Junction City, and Philomath. He also designed the building for the Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis.

Dick was born and grew up in Portland before moving to Bellevue, WA. He attended the University of Washington and received his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1970.

Dick was an Oregon-registered architect and gave much to the profession throughout his career. He served as president of the American Institute of Architects Southwestern Oregon chapter on two separate terms, was the president of AIA Oregon, and served for many years on the AIA-OR’s Legislative Committee. After retiring from WBGS in 2003, Dick opened his own small architectural firm in Corvallis, Alta Vista Design.

Dick is survived by his wife Nancy, son Eric, granddaughter Mariah, brother Joe, and sister Kathleen. He will be greatly missed.

*    *    *    *    *    *

I first enjoyed getting to know Dick when both of us attended the 1990 AIA national convention in Houston, TX. While there he always wore a tie, even to attend the more casual events. He had the remarkable and amusing misfortune to successively ruin several of them during a series of meals at the conference. Since then, he (with or sans tie) and I shared many conversations, typically on the state of local architecture. He regularly read SW Oregon Architect, and would sometimes comment on a post that piqued his interest. I’ll miss his commentary and encouragement.

I happened to meet this past week with former PIVOT principal Eric Gunderson and current PIVOT associate Scott Clarke. According to Eric and Scott, Dick suffered a massive heart attack, ultimately succumbing to its after-effects. The passing of someone you know is always distressing but it’s particularly so when its occurrence is totally unexpected and the person is relatively young.

Rest in peace Dick.

2017 People’s Choice Award Winners

Each year, the American Institute of Architects, Southwestern Oregon Chapter (AIA-SWO), in collaboration with the Willamette Valley Section of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), sponsors the People’s Choice Awards for Architecture. These awards aim to educate and inspire our fellow citizens by showcasing architecture, interiors, and landscape architecture projects created within the Southwestern Oregon Chapter area by AIA or ASLA members. The program demonstrates to the public the role of the architectural profession in enhancing the built environment by showcasing the talents of AIA-SWO and ASLA members.

This year’s edition marked the 28th year of the AIA-SWO People's Choice Awards, drawing 53 entries across 11 categories. Presentation boards for the projects were displayed throughout the month of October in the Broadway Commerce Center lobby in downtown Eugene, debuting during October’s First Friday Art Walk. Balloting occurred both in person and online via AIA-SWO’s website.

Here is the list of the 2017 People’s Choice Award winners, which was also featured in the Design Annual insert in the Thursday, November 30 edition of the Eugene Register-Guard:

Commercial: Timbers Inn Lounge - Nir Pearlson Architect

Interiors: Hot Mama's Kitchen and Bar - Rowell Brokaw Architects

General Landscape: From Forgotten to Fantastic - Stangeland & Associates

Multi-Family Landscape: Bascom Village - Dougherty Landscape Architects

http://dladesign.com/

Multi-Family Housing: The Oaks at 14th - Bergsund Delaney Architecture & Planning

Master Planning: Plan Clayton - The Urban Collaborative

Parklet Design: IM.A.BENCH - PIVOT Architecture

Public/Institutional: Valley Football Center - HNTB Architecture

Single-Family Residential: Christianson Passive House - Studio-E Architecture

Student/Emerging Professional: Taylor Street Food Hall - Nicholas Paino

Unbuilt: Eugene Civic Park - Robertson Sherwood Architects

 
Congratulations to this year's winners and big thanks to the members of the organizing committee for making the 2017 People’s Choice Awards program an unqualified success!

The winners will be recognized at this year's AIA-SWO Holiday Party, coming December 13 at Sprout! in Springfield. The winners of the ancillary Colleagues’ Choice program (and also the Mayor’s Choice awards) will likewise be announced at the holiday party. The Colleagues’ Choice voting is a fun way for AIA-SWO and ASLA members to weigh in on the question of which of their peers’ projects were most worthy of recognition. In addition, the AIA-SWO and ASLA voters were encouraged to provide their comments about the projects.