Staff Spotlight – Peter Oliver— NEWS

Staff Spotlight - Peter

Peter Oliver joins Nacht & Lewis as our newest project manager, bringing a thoughtful, patient approach and a knack for combining creativity with  big-picture thinking. With a passion for meaningful projects and a love for learning from those around him, Peter looks forward to growing with the firm and making a meaningful impact. Get to know Peter a little better as we explore his interests, inspirations, and what drives him both in the office and beyond.

How long have you been with N&L?
Since late January 2026.

What is your favorite type of cuisine?
Anything involving meat wrapped in pastry. Pot pie, sausage rolls, and ham and cheese croissants are all favorites.

Do you speak any other languages?
I speak enough French to get by. I am also proficient in “elephant,” a word game similar to Pig Latin, though I have yet to meet another adult who understands it.

What do you enjoy doing in your downtime?
I love tabletop games and RPGs with family and friends. I am also an avid LEGO collector, which I think every architect is, to some degree.

What is your favorite movie?
Dark City (1998). If you have not seen it, go in blind and watch the director’s cut.

What is your dream vacation destination?
Meandering down the Italian coast from Rome to Naples, taking my time and stopping whenever I want to soak in the history, culture, scenery, and food.

What is your favorite part of working in the AEC industry?
The people. Everyone knows an incredible amount and is enthusiastic about sharing it. It feels like working in a living library.

If you were not a project manager, what would you be doing?
I would probably be an attorney for a nonprofit, helping and empowering people by navigating complex regulations.

Do you have any pets?
Two cats who pile on top of me every chance they get.

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
Shooting lightning from my fingertips. Impractical, but awesome.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“Anyone can do any amount of work, provided it is not the work he is supposed to be doing at that moment.” – Robert Benchley

Who is your favorite musician or band?
They Might Be Giants. Melody, fidelity, and quantity since 1982, and still touring.

What inspires you?
Anything shaped by human minds and hands. Even the simplest object carries intention and offers new ways to think about design and anthropology.

Name three people you would like to have lunch with.
Alton Brown, Douglas Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. We would spend the day laughing about the absurdities of life.

What is one talent you wish you had?
Compartmentalization. I wish switching between work, family, and rest required less effort and overlap.

Do you have any artistic talents?
I enjoy creating spaceships for video games, including modeling, texturing, rigging, and scripting. I have been a contributor to FreeSpace Open for many years.

What is your favorite season?
Winter. I love holding a hot drink in frozen hands!

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Patient. I take the long view and can withstand a surprising amount of chaos and instability.

What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving. I love cooking for my family, and the holiday gives me time to prepare a full feast!

What is your favorite N&L project?
The KXTV Channel 10 Broadcast Tower, because nearly everyone in Sacramento recognizes it instantly. The DGS Central Plant is a close second for the same reason.

Do you know any good trivia questions?
There is only one national flag that does not include the colors red, white, or blue. Which is it?
Answer: Jamaica

What do you like on your pizza?
Fresh torn basil, ricotta cheese, and meatballs.

Where would you choose to live: by the ocean, in the mountains, or in the woods?
By the ocean, so I could fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.

What is your favorite thing to do in Sacramento?
Discover new places by making friends and letting them show me their favorite spots.

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