Kaarin Knudson receives 20 Under 40 Award

Kaarin Knudson, a project designer with Rowell Brokaw Architects, led the proposal to develop the Eugene Water & Electric Board’s riverfront site. She’s also a key player in the Eugene City Hall project, designed the lighting retrofit of Hult Center lobby and teaches in the architecture and planning departments at the University of Oregon. (Andy Nelson/The Register-Guard)

The Register-Guard by Elon Glucklich, blue chip
Published: December 1, 2014 

20 UNDER 40

Kaarin Knudson

Project designer, planning specialist Rowell Brokaw Architects Age: 38

Education: B.A., journalism and fine arts, University of Oregon; master’s of architecture, University of Oregon.

Professional accomplishments: Led firm’s proposal to win the Eugene Water & Electric Board’s Riverfront Master Plan commission. Led proposal process leading to selection of Rowell Brokaw as architectural firm for Eugene City Hall project. Designed award-winning lighting retrofit for lobby of Hult Center.

Impact on community: Teaches at the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts. Coordinated the “Making Great Cities” presentation series that brought national and international speakers to Eugene. Board member, Architecture Foundation of Oregon. Member, fellowship committee, Oregon Community Foundation. Past president, Architects in Schools program.

Motivation: “I love Eugene, and I think this is a tremendous community that also is full of potential to do even greater things. I love the opportunities that I’ve had to improve upon pieces of architecture in our community, to contribute to taking good care of those resources.”

Secret Life: “I grew up in Alaska. Being in the mountains and out on trails are the things I do to clear my mind. The time I spend running on trails is the time I spend thinking about things, planning for the future.”

Family: Husband, Patrick. Daughters, Elizabeth, 4, Helena, six months

Nominated by: John Rowell, principal, Rowell Brokaw Architects.

Why she is a rising star: “Kaarin’s strategic thinking and perceptiveness are at the heart of her ability to lead complex planning projects. On a different scale, she displays aesthetic sensitivity, design skill and professionalism that translates to highly successful individual building projects. … Kaarin is a thoughtful leader, mover and shaker and is deeply involved with the local community and committed to professional excellence.”

Link to 20 UNDER 40, Lane County’s rising stars: Blue chip’s 20 Under 40 Award winners lead on the job and in the community