Vernon Elementary students enjoy learning about architecture, engineering and construction as part of AFO’s Architects in Schools program. Photo credit: Emily Markewitz.

From elementary school through college, the Architecture Foundation of Oregon is teaching young people about design, engineering and construction through arts programming, environmental understanding, awareness of cultural links to history, understanding responsibility to the natural environment, career awareness and communication skills.

AFO’s Architects in Schools program pairs architects, engineers, construction workers and other professionals in the building industry with elementary schools across the state. Architects in Schools, offered free of charge to schools, currently serves more than 5,000 students in the Portland metro area, Salem, Eugene, and Central, Southern, Eastern and Coastal Oregon.

“Children who participate in Architects in Schools have a higher understanding of growth mindset and a higher level of learning engagement, both inside and outside of school,” said Kim Ruthardt Knowles, AFO’s director of education programs.

Last year AFO served a record number of schools, with Architects in Schools volunteers in 185 classrooms. The program also has expanded to include middle school students and provides a targeted lesson for middle school math.

“Especially since COVID, we have been focused on outreach to underinvested rural and urban areas because we want design education to be available to all children,” Knowles said, adding AFO sends information about the program to all Oregon elementary and middle schools and follows up each year with teachers who participate. “Word of mouth from teachers who have participated is gold as is word of mouth from design professionals who have volunteered.”

She noted that volunteers represent every sector of the AEC industry, including interior designers, landscape architects and even architectural historians. Diversity in volunteers also is essential so that students can see design professionals who look like them and see themselves working in the AEC industry.

As students matriculate to high school and college, they can apply for several scholarships awarded by AFO. Candice Agahan, director of community engagement, said the awards focus on students who are marginalized by ethnicity, gender and are underrepresented in the AEC industry.

“For a long time, our scholarships were focused on Portland State University and the University of Oregon, and now we have more offerings for students who are at community colleges across Oregon,” she said, adding the expansion has allowed AFO to broaden its recruiting efforts for scholarship recipients.

Rock Creek Elementary students show off their projects from the Architects in Schools program. Photo credit: Colby Hood.

Its Hatfield Architectural Award is a $5,000 scholarship for undergraduate and graduate architecture students at Portland State University or the University of Oregon who express commitment to community service. The William Hart Scholarship is a $5,000 award for Black, Indigenous and other people of color (BIPOC) students earning their bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture at the two schools.

The Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship is a renewable $10,000 scholarship for non-graduating Indigenous students in U.S. states and territories pursuing a degree in art or architecture at PSU. The Hermann Colas Jr. Legacy Scholarship is a $5,000 award for Black and Latinx undergraduate students pursuing a four-year degree in construction management, engineering or architecture at an Oregon college or university.

The PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship is a renewable $5,000 scholarship for undergraduate students marginalized by ethnicity and/or gender pursuing engineering with a passion for climate justice at an accredited four-year university in the United States.

The PCC Architecture + Interior Design Scholarship is a $5,000 award for first-generation students enrolled in Portland Community College’s Architectural Design and Drafting or Interior Design degree programs.

Applications for each of the scholarships open in November and the deadline is in February. AFO awarded $67,500 across the six scholarships this year.

Sofia Irvin, the 2025 Hart Scholar, is a Master of Architecture candidate at UO and a member and advocate of the disabled community. She plans to use the practices of trauma-informed and public interest design in her design practice.

“Growing up and living with individuals with both physical and cognitive disabilities, I am constantly reminded how the built environment exacerbates the unjust treatment of people with disabilities,” she said. “A body is considered ‘disabled’ when it cannot effectively engage with or utilize its surroundings. Architecture exacerbates bodily differences and facilitates disability.”

Anthony Westwolf, a 2025 Tsagaglalal Scholar and enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation, is an architecture major at PSU and views design as a means of making change. He wants to create spaces that honor history while pushing new ideas forward.

“My long-term goal is to collaborate with Indigenous communities to create spaces that truly reflect their needs and traditions. That means working on projects like affordable housing, community centers and schools that honor Indigenous ways of life,” Westwolf said.

Gate Kwaleso, the 2025 Colas Scholar, is a civil engineering major at Lane Community College and will transfer to Oregon State University this fall. An international student from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he plans to use his skills to design roads and circulation in Oregon and the Congo.

“In my country, I have learned through the suffering of the majority of the Congolese population that I am blessed to have the opportunity to study in the U.S. and gain a valuable education. This pushes me to work very hard because it is an investment that will positively contribute to the lives of people in my communities, both in the U.S. and the Congo,” he said.

Also with college students in mind, AFO recently launched Formation: The Design Mentorship Collaborative in partnership with Diversity in Design and COMMA, a collective of BIPOC students and professionals who envision a more diverse and inclusive design field. The program supports soon-to-be graduates transitioning from college into the design profession through a paid mentorship program that connects them with a multidisciplinary design community.

Formation applications open in the fall and have a November deadline. The program runs from January through June, with mentors and mentees meeting at least once a month. Last year, the program’s first, 21 mentees and 20 mentors participated.

For more information on these programs, go to www.af-oregon.org.

The post AFO offers design education, scholarships, mentorships first appeared on Skilled Magazine.

During Erin Fintel’s BRIC Architecture internship, she learned about new software programs, developed digital and physical project presentation boards, visited construction sites, volunteered at Pickathon and participated in BRIC’s project pursuit process. She also connected with design staff and college interns through one-on-one sessions.

Erin Fintel was already interested in architecture as a possible major in college, but really had only a rough idea of what it is and what architects actually do. Thanks to the Beaverton School District’s (BSD) Summer Internship Program, she was able to work for about two months at BRIC Architecture this summer learning about the profession and gaining on-the-job experience.

“I thought there was no better way to see if I’d like architecture than to work at an architecture firm. This internship is a special opportunity to get more insight into what being an architect means by watching them work and understanding the design process,” she said.

Fintel is one of 16 interns who participated in the summer internship program, which was established by a BSD bond passed in 2022. The school district offers high school students, ages 17 or older, the opportunity to explore potential career paths in architecture, engineering and construction. Four of the 16 paid positions work directly with BSD and 12 positions work with the district’s AEC partners.

In addition to real-world experience in architecture, engineering, construction and construction management, interns may also get experience in other areas such as web design, video production, communications, operations and office administration.

Amy Friendy, principal and director of operations at BRIC Architecture, said the BSD Summer Internship Program aligns with the firm’s own internal internship program. Through its Pathways Program, its goal is to support students with diverse backgrounds and aspirations as they explore different paths into architecture.

“We’re championing inclusive, student-centered opportunities that remove systemic barriers related to both academics and industry,” she said, adding this is BRIC’s second year participating in the school district’s program and the firm looks forward to hosting another intern next year.

During Fintel’s internship, which spanned from June 17 to Aug. 15, she had an opportunity to learn new software programs, develop digital and physical project presentation boards, visit construction sites, volunteer at Pickathon and participate in BRIC’s project pursuit process. She also had a chance to connect with BRIC’s design staff and college interns through informational one-on-one sessions.

“We hope students have the opportunity to learn as much as they can about architecture and all the different pathways they can take to arrive at a career in the AEC industry,” Friendy said. “We want them to see that the path to architecture doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all journey. Beyond developing new skills and meeting great people, our goal is for every intern to connect with mentors who can help them navigate school, career and life.”

Friendy noted that as much as the interns learn from their experience, BRIC’s team learns from the interns as well.

“Their sense of curiosity and willingness to try new things brings such a vibrant, infectious energy into the office. Each of our internship cohorts make meaningful contributions to our projects that last well beyond the summer. Their insights and perspectives are shaping what’s next at BRIC,” she said.

Fintel said that during weekly meetings for interns called BRIC Chats, people in different roles in the firm talked about specific topics such as project management, equity evaluations, construction administration and business development.

“This internship gave me the chance to explore different software programs like Revit and InDesign, which was really fun. I’ve also learned a lot about how architects collaborate, not only internally but with the community, clients and consultants,” she said.

Fintel’s favorite part of the internship was the people who offered to let her sit in on meetings, chatted with her about their pathway into architecture, and gave her projects to help with.

“Because of them, I’ve been able to explore architecture in meaningful ways, like spending the day at the Beaverton High School site or designing a materials board for the interior designer working on Renton High School,” she said. “BRIC also hosts college interns and I’ve been able to assist with their projects, including an indoor skatepark and Pathways Storytelling, which is a media project.”

Gauri Patibandla

Robinson Construction is another of the school district’s AEC partners that participates in the internship program, and this summer the company hosted Gauri Patibandla.
“As someone interested in pursuing engineering in college, I applied for this internship to gain real-world exposure to the construction and design process,” she said. “This summer, I’ve learned a lot about how large-scale projects come together.”

These included the Lake Oswego Middle School project, where Patibandla saw how different teams work together to bring a school renovation from concept to reality. Additionally, shadowing different professionals helped her see how many roles are involved in making a project successful, and how important teamwork and communication are on a construction site.

“This internship has confirmed my interest in engineering and has given me valuable insight into what a future career in this field could look like,” Patibandla said.
Project Manager Bryan Kenney said Robinson believes in building the next generation of construction professionals, and that starts with creating meaningful opportunities for students. These range from office-based projects to shadowing different roles and spending time on active jobsites.

“Investing in students like Gauri is one way we give back, grow the future workforce and inspire passion for this industry,” he said.

Robinson Construction hosted Gauri Patibandla this summer. One of her learning experiences took place at the Fern Hill Elementary School jobsite.
Photos courtesy of Robinson Construction.

BSD’s summer internship partners also include Anning-Johnson Co., Bassetti Architects, CIDA, DLR Group, Howard S. Wright, Kirby Nagelhout Construction Co., P&C Construction, Pence Construction and Skanska.

The post Real World View first appeared on Skilled Magazine.

After long days of helping to build the Rose Garden Arena, now the Moda Center, Seyona Belai relaxed by painting oil and canvas art of the tradespeople who worked around her. Inspired by construction sites and the people who work in them, her paintings captured their movement, strength and attention to detail.

Seyona Belai

“What I love most about making art is that it allows me to translate physical labor into visual poetry. It’s my way of honoring the pride, creativity and humanity of people who build our world,” said Belai, now president of Zana Construction.

One of her early exhibitions, Conspicuous Colors, was held inside the arena. Several pieces from that show were later acquired by the late Paul Allen, Microsoft co-founder, owner of the Portland Trail Blazers and a major collector of contemporary art.

“That experience affirmed for me that the trades deserve cultural visibility, and that the work of craft professionals belongs not just on jobsites, but in galleries, museums and our shared stories,” she said. “That’s what Toolbox is all about, recognizing and uplifting the artistry of craft trade professionals, the skilled athletes of the building industry.”

Established by Belai in 2024, the Milwaukie-based creative space and gallery is a product of her experience of working on large-scale commercial jobsites, where she saw firsthand how much creativity, problem-solving and skill goes into every project.

“I want young people to know they don’t have to choose between being an artist and working in the trades. You can be both. Construction is full of creative challenges, from shaping material and solving spatial problems to collaborating across disciplines,” she said.

One of her goals is to shift how the next generation sees trade careers not just as jobs, but as meaningful, creative and community-shaping paths. Toolbox works closely with training programs and professionals across the industry to highlight real stories of people working in carpentry, electrical, concrete, metalwork and more.

“We use exhibitions, storytelling and public programming to make these careers visible and inspiring. Young people are often surprised to learn how much design thinking and innovation is involved in the trades. Once they see that, their whole perspective changes,” Belai said.

Last May, Toolbox hosted a special gallery tour, luncheon and artist talk for local craft trade professionals. That exhibition featured the paintings of Margarita Marochkina, whose landscapes explore the healing connection between nature and the human body. In June, it exhibited work by five recent Lewis & Clark College graduates, all reflecting on overlooked or undervalued forms of labor. Its third show featured Seby Ivkin, a marine-inspired painter whose vibrant work doubles as a call to environmental stewardship in the face of climate change.

In September, Toolbox will present a solo exhibition of pastel and painted works by Gary L. Michael, a former architect. His art captures the tranquil landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, inviting reflection on the environments people live in and build within.

Then, in October, Toolbox will take a big step forward in centering its mission even more directly. It will begin showcasing the work and stories of craft trade professionals themselves. Its inaugural artist in this series is Liz Nichols, a cement mason, sculptor and botanical casting expert. Her work blends delicate natural forms with the materiality of concrete and plaster, speaking to the tension and beauty of working in the trades, Belai said.

Following that, Toolbox will continue presenting solo and group exhibitions featuring craftspeople from various trades. It is currently inviting submissions from craft professionals interested in exhibiting their work or sharing their stories. To learn more and apply, please visit .

The post The Art of Construction first appeared on Skilled Magazine.

Photo credit: OTI website

In advance of her October exhibition at Toolbox Gallery, where she will become the first craft trade professional to be featured, Liz Nichols sat down with Amaha Million, Toolbox’s Editorial and Storytelling lead, for a conversation about her path from cement mason to exhibiting artist, and the many layers of labor, creativity, and life in between.

Q: What was it like growing up in Massachusetts? Why did you move to Portland?
A: Liz was one of five siblings in a lively household. She and her husband share a deep love for the outdoors – whether it was biking, hiking to beautiful views, or anything active and nature-oriented. They had both lived in Massachusetts their entire lives and agreed that it was time for a change. In 2011, after researching places that aligned with their lifestyle and interests, the couple landed on Portland – a perfect fit for their shared passions.

Q: Where did you go to school, and what was that experience like?
A: “I was never into school, but at the time, it felt like the only route for me to take,” Liz shared. She went to Hampshire College, a small school near home, where she majored in English. Her love for reading was the main aspect leading to that decision, but ultimately, the traditional academic environment never quite felt like the right fit.

Q: When did you discover your passion for art? Was it through your work in construction or the other way around?
A: Liz always considered herself a writer, but never an artist – at least not at first. Her passion for art began as a hobby, and it wasn’t until she started working as a cement mason that her artistic curiosity really took shape. That tactile, hands-on nature of working with concrete sparked questions about what else she could create with the material, eventually leading her down the path to becoming the artist she is today.

Q: How are you feeling going into this upcoming exhibition, knowing you will be the grand opener here at Toolbox?
A: With a big smile, Liz stated, “I’m definitely anxious, but super excited at the same time. It also sort of triggers my imposter syndrome, but it’s extremely validating and I’m looking forward to it.” Though she’s sold pieces in small shops and street markets, this marks her first formal exhibition.

Q: What are some examples of art you’ve created? Do you only work with cement, or do you use other mediums?
A: Liz’s work primarily consists of ceramics and pottery-inspired pieces, often incorporating botanical castings from plants she grows herself. During her early years here in Portland, she worked as a landscaper and developed a love for gardening – an influence that continues to appear in her artistic work.

Q: What made you choose to be a cement mason over other construction roles?
A: Like many recent college graduates, Liz was carrying student debt and looking for steady, well-paying work with benefits. “I wish my answer was more exciting, but I needed a job fast,” she said. She found a pre-apprenticeship program that set her on the path to becoming a cement mason and she joined right away. “It just felt like a right time right place moment.” Today, Liz works as a business agent for her union – a full circle moment she’s proud of.

Q: Have you noticed a change in the number of women in the workforce since you started?
A: “When I started, I was just one of only five women in my union. Now we’re up to around 20. It still may not be much, but that’s four times the amount and it is clear we are moving in the right direction.”

Q: Outside of art, what are some of your other passions?
A: “I’ve always been really sporty,” she states. Liz is a dedicated ultimate frisbee player, which is where she got her nickname “Knuckles” – a play on her last name Nichols – and it stuck. She also enjoys working out, running, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Gardening remains a major passion. Reading continues to be a grounding force for her as well. But above all, Liz consistently returned to one subject throughout our conversation: her kids..

Q: What does a typical creative day look like for you?
A: “It usually starts with me just messing around, and seeing what comes of it,” said Liz. Rather than planning out exactly what she wants to make that day, she prefers to let the work unfold naturally. But before that can happen, she has to carve out the time. “I need to make the time, since I’m with my kids so much. The other day, I put my daughter down for a nap and since she sleeps for so long, I was able to work on a project for some hours.”

Q: You were on the CBS show Tough as Nails. How did it feel to be selected, and what was the experience like?
A: “The feeling was crazy! It was one of those moments that just didn’t feel real.” Liz had first heard about the opportunity through other women that were in her apprenticeship program, and decided to apply just to see what may happen. “I didn’t think I’d actually get picked,” she admitted. But after getting called back for a second and third interview, it became clear that she had a real shot. “It was just for fun – I’m not into reality TV. I don’t watch much TV at all. But once I found out I’d been accepted, I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’d regret passing up on it.” CBS gave her just 24 hours’ notice to get on a flight to California and prepare for the show. This was during 2021, so the participants were required to quarantine in a hotel for two weeks. Filming lasted about six weeks, and during that time, everyone’s phones were confiscated, meaning Liz couldn’t talk to her family at all. That was the hardest part. Aside from that, Liz was grateful for the opportunity, enjoyed the challenges and all the people she met during her time on the show.

Q: Is there anyone you credit as a role model or inspiration?
A: Without hesitation, Liz named her friend Kathy. “She was the first person to call me an artist.” Before that, Liz saw her art as a hobby, but Kathy helped her see it for what it truly was: art. “She empowers me and makes me feel validated. She pushes me out of my comfort zone.” Everyone needs someone like that, she added – especially artists.

Q: What advice would you give your younger self – or another young woman – entering a male-dominated field like construction?
A: “Find your support network. The people you can vent to after a hard day. Don’t bottle anything up inside and don’t listen to the people that say ‘women can’t do this or that.’ People will always try to move the bar, but believe that you belong. Hone your skills and tune out the outside noise.”

Liz Nichols’ Toolbox Gallery exhibition marks a powerful first: the debut of a craft trade professional as the featured artist. Her work bridges the worlds of labor and art, reminding us that creativity lives in the heads of makers, builders, and everyday workers.

For more information, contact Amaha Million, editorial & storytelling, Toolbox Gallery, amaha@toolboxart.org

The post Q&A with artist Liz Nichols first appeared on Skilled Magazine.

Lonnie Lively wasn’t quite sure what she wanted her career to look like, but she knew that she could grow into the role as a construction project manager if given the opportunity. When she graduated from Portland Community College’s Building Construction Technology program, she took an internship with Skanska and then moved into a management position with O’Neill Construction Group.

Now, after several years of on-the-job experience, Lively is a job superintendent with O’Neill. She also has returned to PCC to guest lecture in its Construction Project Management class.

“I learn new things on the job every day. The BCT Construction Management program at PCC made that possible,” she said in an interview posted on PCC’s website. “It took me a few years to find what I wanted to do in life, and I am so fortunate to have found it. I love what I do. I love building things.”

Through the BCT program, PCC has been training men and women for more than 40 years for a range of careers in the construction industry. It is the only program of its kind in the Portland area offered by an accredited institution with three unique areas of study and three degree options.

PCC BCT alums Dionne Kelly. Photo courtesy of PCC.

Those who earn degrees in building construction technology, construction management or design/build remodeling could earn an annual salary ranging from $28,000 to $80,000, depending on certificates, licenses, experience and area of employment. PCC says graduates armed with just a few years of experience can potentially command annual salaries ranging from $55,000 to $90,000.

Every BCT instructor has been or is still a practicing professional in the construction industry. BCT faculty and staff strive to keep the program current and introduce students to the latest technologies and methodologies. Sustainable construction practices are integrated into every course, and the curriculum is continually updated. PCC’s diverse student body reflects the dynamics of its surrounding community.

Matt Williams, a BCT alumni who is now a design/build remodeler and owns his own company, said in a PCC website story that he appreciated the hands-on instruction. He noted that if the courses were like lectures, he would have had a harder time understanding the material.

“This program is hands-on for sure,” he said. “They not only show you how things are done, but the instructors make it interesting.”

Williams graduated several years ago with degrees from all three BCT programs. While in school, he worked at Home Depot to pay the bills and to learn materials in the process. After graduation, he worked as a lead carpenter for five years in the design/build remodeling industry before setting out on his own. He is now the owner of Straight Line Design and Remodeling in Portland.

PCC BCT alum Erin Beaty. Photo courtesy of PCC.

Two other successful BCT alums are Dionne Kelly and Erin Beaty, Kelly has her own business – Dielle Studios. In a 2023 interview posted on the PCC website, she said she was interested in improving communities through the remodeling of homes and believed her greatest strength was creativity. She completed a design/build remodeling degree and is a licensed residential contractor, and credited PCC’s BCT program with helping her on the journey. Beaty, a graduate of Oregon State University with a Bioengineering degree, said in a PCC website story that she wanted to use her hands and math and geometry skills. She joined the BCT program, graduated, and now is CEO of Consolidated Living. She’s also a part-time instructor for PCC BCT.

Degrees and certificates offered at the PCC Rock Creek Campus include Associate Degree/Building Construction Technology, Associate Degree/Construction Management, Associate Degree/Design and Build Remodeling, and a Building Construction Technology Certificate. The Design/Build Remodeling degree prepares students for designing, managing and constructing kitchen and bathroom renovations. The program has strong affiliations with local contractors and national associations, including the Associated General Contractors and the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

To learn more, go to .

The post Opportunity Awaits first appeared on Skilled Magazine.

Job title: Journeyman carpenter
Years of work experience: 4-7
School/training program attended: Northwest College of Construction

Khris Gaxiola

I’m a carpenter with a passion for building from the ground up. My career began in a fast-paced production environment, where I quickly learned the importance of thinking on my feet and keeping safety a top priority. There’s no task that can’t be done both safely and efficiently, and I take pride in tackling everything from small details to large-scale projects.

Early in my apprenticeship, I was told that “carpentry is the mother of construction,” and that quote has stayed with me ever since. It’s a truth I see proven every day. In the field, we jokingly call ourselves vatos locos (“crazy dudes”) because precision is everything and there’s little room for error. We build not just for today, but for our families and a better future.

Working in the Pacific Northwest means taking on the rain, the cold and, every so often, days that are hot as hell. Carpentry is one of the most mentally and physically demanding careers out there, but if you enjoy math, love creating architectural masterpieces and don’t mind breaking a sweat – whether it’s from a downpour or the sun beating down – there’s nothing more rewarding.

Job title: Lead CIPP installer
Years of work experience: 4
School/training program attended: Northwest College of Construction

Treanna Sims

I originally started at POIC (Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center) in 2020 in a three-month program at the college. After completing my program, I got enrolled in the laborers’ program at NWCOC in 2021 and started working as a laborer with an excavation company.

Fast forward to 2022, I got pregnant with my second child and took maternity leave for about six months. At the time I thought I loved my job considering it was the only introduction I had to construction. While trying to return back to work after maternity leave, my company had no work at the time so I ended up working for a different company that specializes in pipe lining.

A day in Tre’s life typically starts at 5 a.m. during the week. Once my kiddos are dropped off to school, I’m heading to work. Of course, we start our day with our JHA (Job Hazard Analysis) and Stretch & Flex. On a normal day my responsibilities are to drive the box van with a trailer attached to the jobsite. I am in charge of prepping the line, prepping the liner, wetting the bag out and getting it loaded onto the launcher for installation.

Another one of my responsibilities is to also run the air cart, which gives the launcher air to keep the pressure set at a specific PSI. I absolutely love my position and my job as well. I have a little more than four years of experience in the field of construction, and without all the support that I have rooting for me none of this would be possible. My parents, my kids, my coworkers and, of course, the best coordinate to ever push me oh so hard, Amy Lund (apprenticeship manager at NWCOC)!

The post A Day in Construction first appeared on Skilled Magazine.