When I am not designing buildings, I like to draw, paint, and write. Watercolors, soft pencil sketches, usually of rooms or landscapes, allow me to see the world more carefully–and then to interpret it’s moods and nuances. I am usually reading 3 or 4 books at once, switching between architecture, literature and poetry. Milan Kundera, Tobias Wolf, Richard Adams, J.R.R. Tolkien, E.M. Forster, Mark Strand, Billy Collins, Wallace Stevens–these are some of my favorite writers and poets.

My architectural mentors (architects who have inspired me by their thoughts and buildings) are: Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Henry Chapman Mercer, Bernard Maybeck, Frank Lloyd Wright, Carlo Scarpa, Louis Kahn, Aldo Van Eyck, Herman Hertzberger, Jorn Utzon, Christopher Alexander, and Peter Zumthor

I am a native Oregonian, the grandson of Irish immigrants who settled in the Keating valley in eastern Oregon. I have a deep and abiding love for the Pacific Northwest in general, and for the changeful landscapes of Oregon in particular.

Email: jgivens@uoregon.edu

Hey there! I’m Eddie (he/him), a fourth-year architecture student with a deep passion for designing thoughtful, beautiful spaces that reflect both human needs and environmental responsibility. I’m especially drawn to sustainable building practices and the power of architecture to shape experiences in subtle, meaningful ways. Some of my biggest design inspirations include Peter Zumthor’s atmospheric precision, Carlo Scarpa’s attention to craft and detail, and Brunelleschi’s mastery of proportion and form. Their work continually reminds me of the emotional and spatial impact great architecture can have. When I’m not immersed in studio projects, you’ll often find me creating art across a variety of mediums—from classic graphite and charcoal to watercolor and photography. Making art helps me refine my eye for composition, texture, and light—skills I bring into every design project. I grew up in Lee, Massachusetts, where my fascination with architecture first took root. Walking through town and seeing centuries-old colonial buildings sitting gracefully alongside modern structures sparked my appreciation for the dialogue between history and innovation in the built environment. Outside of architecture and art, I’m an avid soccer player and fan. I also love spending time outdoors—waterskiing, snow skiing, and snowboarding when I can. Hiking local trails is one of my favorite ways to recharge and gather inspiration; many of my sketches are born from those quiet, scenic moments in nature.

Want to connect with your FA? Email figs@uoregon.edu to get connected!