Net Zero Fellowship Opportunity

Energy Trust of Oregon is Now Accepting Applications for Energy Trust’s Net Zero Fellowship Grant 

Energy Trust is proud to support the innovative people who make net-zero buildings possible, from current industry professionals to the leaders of tomorrow. Through fellowship grants, we support research that advances net-zero design and construction, addresses potential barriers or helps grow community involvement.

The Net Zero Fellowship awards up to two grants, not exceeding $60,000 each, for a 12-month research project that advances the adoption of net-zero design and construction in Oregon and/or Washington. We are now seeking applications through June 2, 2023.

Individuals or firms in the fields of community development, urban planning, architecture, engineering, construction, facility management, public policy or academia are encouraged to apply. Energy Trust encourages topics that examine multiple facets of net-zero design and construction, especially around how building professionals make decisions and how all communities benefit.

Submit your application by June 2, 2023.

Apply Now

Virtual Info Session - March 16

Want to know more or have an idea to discuss? Join us for a virtual informational session on March 16 to learn more about the fellowship requirements and to hear from previous fellows – Jean von Bargen Root and Dr. Ihab Elzeyadi – about their experience.

Virtual discussion and Q&A Thursday, March 16, 2023, 10-11:00 a.m. Zoom webinar

Online registration

AIAU Session “So You Want to Build a Climate-Minded Architectural Practice?” Mar 28 at 12pm ET

AIA National is hosting an AIAU session titled “So You Want to Build a Climate-Minded Architectural Practice?” on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 12 pm ET.

“The built environment is experiencing the cascading impacts of climate change, from every person, project, and client. Join us for an upcoming webinar So You Want to Build a Climate-Minded Architectural Practice to learn more about how your firm can respond. Hear from key sustainability and climate professionals in the industry as they take us through AIA's Climate Action Business Playbook and its strategies for transforming practice and integrating climate action in the design process.”

2022 Chris White Scholarship Award Recipients

The Chris White/AIA Oregon Scholarship for Emerging Professionals is an annual award for selected architecture license candidates in Oregon through application and committee review.

The 2022 Chris White Scholarship recipients are Melissa Martinyak (left) and Francisco Toledo (right) - bios below.

Congratulations, Melissa and Francisco!

The 2023 application period will open immediately before Chris White/AIA Oregon Scholarship Golf Tournament currently scheduled for late September.  Recipients of the 2023 CW Scholarship will be announced at the Oregon Architecture Awards Celebration.

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Melissa Martinyak
Melissa returned to Oregon after graduating Magna cum laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with her Master of Architecture to join Robertson/Sherwood/Architects in March 2021. It has been exciting working on a wide variety of project types, including libraries, performing centers, museums, schools, offices, banking, and recreational facilities. While she once traveled and worked in many different places, she focuses more on building community, exploring Oregon, and volunteering with the Eugene Active 20-30 Club. As an avid bike commuter, costume creator, gardener, and yogurt-maker she enjoys everything beautiful Eugene has to offer. Her passion for environmentalism informs her work as she spearheads the development of the firm’s Sustainability Action Plan, including organizing monthly sustainability presentations and expanding implementation of sustainable design. She thanks her dedicated supervisor Randy Nishimura, the Chris White Scholarship committee, those who participated in the golf tournament, and the larger architecture community. She hopes to attend the AIA Conference near her hometown and obtain licensure this year thanks to the funds from this scholarship.

Francisco Toledo
Francisco graduated from the University of Oregon in 2017 and has been working at PIVOT Architecture since. It’s been an exciting 6 years working on a variety of projects from Transit, Education, Office remodels, and libraries. His roadmap into architecture started because he developed an interest in how space impacts human psychology and behavior. As Francisco gets more involved in the profession, hi interest continues to expand, especially in community building through design. Outside of architecture, his other hobbies consist of gardening, traveling, and home projects. Francisco and his wife have recently purchased a home and it has been a journey taking on small projects to make the space work for them. The scholarship is a great resource by providing extra income that will help him pay for my exams and pay for resources for licensure.