Recognizing Emerging Professionals in the Design and Building Industry
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Oregon’s Next recognizes the achievements and community contributions that emerging professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry are making. Today’s leadership knows that future opportunities and challenges can be met with the energy of our bright and dedicated rising stars in our field. By awarding Oregon’s Next at Honored Citizen, we can both recognize the lifelong achievements of our honorees while showcasing our support for promising generations to come.
Meet our 2026 Awardees
Join us in congratulating our 2026 Oregon’s Next awardees!
Kristin Clark
Kristin Clark is an M/E Engineer with JE Dunn Construction with a background in mechanical engineering specializing in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Over the past five years, she has contributed to a diverse portfolio of projects across the Pacific Northwest and California, supporting everything from advanced research infrastructure and data centers to industrial and public facilities. Her work focuses on commissioning, constructability, technical coordination, and helping project teams successfully navigate the challenges of bringing sophisticated building systems from design through startup and owner turnover.
Beyond project delivery, Kristin is committed to the continued growth of the construction industry and the people within it. She is currently serving as chair of the AGC Construction Leadership Council Steering Committee and a member of the 7×24 Women in Mission Critical Operations Committee. She believes that successful projects are built through curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to continue learning from those around you.
Holly Nuovo, Assoc. AIA
Holly Nuovo is an Architectural Designer at Aligned Architecture. Her work in affordable housing and sustainable urbanism demonstrates a commitment to collaboration, intuitive spatial design, and site responsive solutions that create enduring places with distinct identity. Believing an architect’s role extends beyond four building walls, she has advanced housing access through service on Technical Advisory Committees and advocacy for land-use reform.
Holly also mentors emerging practitioners through teaching and professional development. As a co-instructor for Oregon BILDS, she guided students in designing homes for Habitat for Humanity. She has led internship and practicum opportunities at Aligned Architecture and, as a guest lecturer at the University of Oregon, shared expertise in compact residential design, zoning frameworks, and urban form. Her practice, civic engagement, and teaching reflect a sustained commitment to equitable housing and to preparing future architects for the social, regulatory, and environmental dimensions of design.
Cameron Stewart, EIT
Cameron Stewart is an Electrical Designer at Interface Engineering, specializing in electrical systems design for the built environment. A Washington State University Vancouver graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Cameron earned his Engineer-in-Training certification at age 21 and has quickly taken on increasing responsibility within the A/E industry. His work includes leading electrical design efforts, coordinating with clients and multidisciplinary project teams, and contributing to projects throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Beyond his professional work, Cameron is passionate about giving back to his community and inspiring the next generation to pursue engineering and technical careers. He has volunteered with students through educational presentations and hands-on demonstrations focused on engineering, technology, and 3D printing. Cameron is committed to continued professional growth, community involvement, and thoughtful, collaborative design.
Call for 2026 Nominations
Oregon’s Next candidates are nominated by members of Oregon’s architecture, engineering, construction, and design community. Nominations will be reviewed by our selection committee, who will determine 3-5 awardees. Oregon’s Next will receive their award at the annual Honored Citizen celebration in the fall.
We welcome you to nominate individuals for Oregon’s Next. As we collectively work towards welcoming more voices into the architecture, engineering, and construction fields, who stands out as embodying this welcoming, inclusive mindset?
Nomination Criteria:
- Reside and/or work in the state of Oregon
- Have 10 years or less experience working in the architecture, engineering, construction, and design field (excluding school)
- Show exemplary dedication to community impact (ex. volunteer work, service on boards or committees, workplace culture advancement, professional development focused on community)
- Embody collaboration, access, equity, and inclusion in personal and professional work
- Exhibit promise in work ethic and professional acumen
To nominate your pick for Oregon’s Next, submit a form with a description of your nominee that describes why they are eligible for this award. Please include your name, place of work, and relationship to the nominee. We welcome both self-nominations and nominations from someone else.
It is our intention to award at least one Oregon’s Next recipient each from the architecture, engineering, and construction fields, with the possibility to also award an individual practicing in the greater design/built environment fields (ex. landscape architecture, interior design, historic preservation, etc).
We recognize that community impact can mean many things to individuals and communities and welcome stories of impact beyond what we have identified above. We also encourage statewide recognition and hope to see nominations of individuals residing throughout Oregon.
The 2026 nomination process is closed. The 2027 cycle will open in June. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified.
Questions?
Contact:
Erica Rife
Executive Director
erica@af-oregon.org
971-357-3168