• Barb Jaksa has joined Steele Associates Architects as a designer on technology, recreational, industrial and commercial projects with more than 25 years of experience. She has a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Colorado and bachelor’s degrees in art education K-12 from Kent State University and fine arts/painting and drawing from the University of Cincinnati.

• Shirley Bircher has joined Steele Associates Architects as an interior designer on medical, education and commercial projects. She has four years’ experience with space planning, product selection and specifications and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts/interior architecture from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

• Matti Sjoblom-Chambers has joined Steele Associates Architects as a designer on technology, senior, industrial and hospitality projects. He has three years of experience and is OSHA-10 certified. He has a bachelor’s degree in architecture with a minor in art history from the University of Oregon.

• Jeff Warwick has joined Steele Associates Architects as a designer on educational, commercial and industrial projects. He has over 12 years of experience and an associate degree in computer information technology from Central Oregon Community College.

• Tristan Shepherd, NCARB, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, joined Steele Associates Architects earlier this year as a project architect on aviation, senior living, technology, industrial and commercial projects. He has over 10 years of experience and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Utah and a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

• Pete and Susan Pierce, owners of Postal Connections at 2660 NE U.S. Highway 20 in the Forum Shopping Center, have received the top sales award at the company’s annual sales convention in Orlando, Florida, for having the top gross sales for the brand in 2017. The couple’s east Bend franchise has earned the award for the last three years.