Erik Hoovestol

P.E., Senior Project Engineer

Erik Hoovestol is a registered professional engineer within the state of Oregon and has over 20 years of civil engineering experience predominately providing consulting work for the public sector. Examples of his public experience include previously serving as the City Engineer for the City of Gaston for over ten years and formerly the City Engineer for Columbia City for four years. He has significant experience in all phases of public projects including but not limited to conceptual design, master planning, design, and construction management for a variety of wastewater projects, and road improvements. 

Erik believes that the most inspiring part of his job is helping clients find solutions to their projects’ challenges. 

When Erik is not working, he is most likely camping, fishing, hunting, or boating on a river.

Relevant Qualifications

• Completed ODOT Designs Compliant with American Disabilities Act (ADA) Course
• Oregon Registered Professional Engineer License 
• B.S. in Geological Engineering, Montana Tech

Brad Bakke

E.I.T., Senior Designer

Brad Bakke, E.I.T., brings over 18 years of civil engineering experience, including design and construction inspection; he has experience in public works infrastructure design and is adept at integrating new construction into existing conditions that pose unique design challenges; Brad is experienced in transportation infrastructure design and stormwater management and provides expertise in utilizing integrated modeling tools such as terrain and drainage modeling. The most inspiring part of his job is that he learns something new every day.

Brad enjoys wine tasting in the Hood River Valley, preferably outdoors, during his time off.

Relevant Qualifications:

• Completed ODOT Designs Compliant with American Disabilities Act (ADA) Course
• Conversant in MUTCD, APWA, AWWA, AASHTO, and ODOT Stormwater Standards
• CAD Civil 3-D Specialist
• B.S., Civil Engineering, Portland State University

Amanda Kruse

Administrative Assistant

Amanda is our firm’s administrative assistant. With over 10 years of experience managing office operations, Amanda specializes in maintaining our clients’ project files, accounts receivable, accounts payable and tracking budgets. With a strong understanding of both internal operations and customer-facing communication, Amanda plays a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day business functions. 

What she finds inspiring about her position is the opportunity to contribute to each project by providing operational support that empowers engineers to focus fully on designing and delivering impactful infrastructure.

When she is not working you can find her exploring the PNW with her family and friends. 

Isaac McGraw

E.I.T., CAD Designer

Stephen “Isaac” McGraw moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2017 and has worked exclusively in land development since that time. Over the past 8+ years, he has cultivated a wealth of experience working with teams to help manage, design, and draft civil engineering projects both private and public, commercial and residential, and ranging from multi-acre development to single-family residences. His list of projects extends throughout the Pacific Northwest as well as other regions throughout the United States including California, Michigan, Texas, and Utah. Isaac’s wealth of experiences across the country have taught him to be adaptable to any situation and know how to quickly find solutions to problems as they arise. Isaac specializes in using Civil3D and other computer aided design software to ensure projects are efficient, feasible, cost effective, and environmentally friendly. The most inspiring part of his job is being apart of building our civilization that we all get to enjoy living amongst. In his free time, Isaac enjoys camping, biking, and other outdoor activities with his daughter, going to concerts and Trailblazers games, watching anime, and attending events around Portland and Vancouver.

Relevant Qualifications:

• M.S., Engineering Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
• CAD Civil 3-D Specialist
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Sarah Christopherson

E.I.T., Project Coordinator

Sarah began her career in civil engineering through large-scale water quality modeling with CE-QUAL W2, subcontracted to local and state agencies through Portland State University. She later spent two years focused on subdivision design before joining Firwood Design Group. What she values most in her current role is the opportunity to work directly with clients, contractors, and subcontracted engineers to build solutions that strengthen communities.

As an Engineering Tech and Project Coordinator at Firwood Design Group Sarah combines technical expertise with a love for collaboration. Her design support work with Firwood spans stormwater management,  sewer infrastructure, subdivisions, and commercial site improvements. 

When she’s not in the office or out on a project site, Sarah can often be found exploring the outdoors. She loves traveling to new countries, hiking with her dog, and foraging—whether that’s mushroom hunting, clamming, or fishing.

Ian Simmons

Engineering Technician

Ian recently graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Over the past two years, he worked as a member of a survey crew and gained valuable experience in construction inspection, collaborating with multiple teams on a variety of projects. Now with Firwood, Ian is eager to broaden his expertise by exploring different areas of civil engineering, gaining hands-on experience, and learning both the technical and administrative sides of project delivery. He is especially excited to see projects progress from concept to completion and to contribute to creating lasting infrastructure for the community.

Outside of work, Ian enjoys fly fishing, backpacking, golfing, snowboarding and hanging out with friends. 

Relevant Qualifications:

CESCL Certified (Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead)

B.S., Civil Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT