Meet Nick Serfass, FAIA

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Nick Serfass, FAIA is currently the Executive Director of the AIAS, past Assistant Director of IDP at NCARB, and formerly a Project Architect at Baskervill in Richmond, VA. He advocates for causes impactful to today’s architecture student and emerging professional. He has spoken on campus at over 75 schools of architecture on the topic of career design, initiated the establishment of new architecture student conferences – CRIT Live: Student Research Symposia and THRIVE: Career Prep, founded NCARB’s Intern Think Tank, helped shepherd the experience requirement for licensure from IDP to IDP 2.0 to AXP, co-led a mentoring program at Baskervill that won the AIA/NCARB IDP Outstanding Firm Award, and hosted over 50 episodes of The #AskAnArchitect Show on YouTube. He is also a nationally-recognized speaker for ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership on the topics of digital transformation and leadership/management. He has two sons, Gray and Jack, that he and his wife are working on domesticating in their spare time in Midlothian, Virginia.

Where did you go to college?
Bachelors from the University of Virginia, MArch from the University of Miami, MBA from Auburn University

Would you recommend studying architecture to a young person?
There’s never been a better time – and it’s not about the economy. Whether you want to be an architect in traditional practice or not, the study of architecture helps establish competency in design thinking which has innumerable assets in today’s business environment. More and more companies are seeking design thinking and an architect’s approach to problem-solving. The architecture student of today can use this to their competitive advantage to provide significant value in a range of industries and businesses. Everything demands design thinking in 2018.

What does it take to be an architect?
Ambiguity tolerance, lack of ego, and empathy. Ambiguity tolerance: You have to come to grips with the fact you can’t know everything and get comfortable in that space. Lack of ego: Every project requires a team and teamwork – silos and individualistic attitudes are toxic. Empathy: It’s about the people, not the creative – big ears foster the best design.

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?
Originally it was Palladio, but he was a little hard to relate to being 1/2 millennium older than me. Then it was Michael Graves until I read his biography Design for Life, which paints a questionable portrait of his early days until he makes his philanthropic turnaround later in his career. So, now it’s my first mentor, Bruce Brooks, formerly of Baskervill and now of Noelker & Hull here in Richmond – someone who gave me opportunities early on and put me in position to be the architect and manager that I am today.

What are you currently reading?
The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look at the Federal Reserve by G. Edward Griffin. This book will make you question everything you know about our American financial system. It’s a historical expose framed as a crime drama – the crime being the establishment of the Federal Reserve Bank. If you’ve read “The Big Short” by Michael Lewis, this is a necessary follow up read. I really don’t know why anyone reads fiction anymore when the reality is way more interesting than anything you could fabricate.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
The takeout personal pizzas at Tavern 19 in Midlothian that I get every Tuesday night for 1/2 off on the way home from work are delicious. They are equally sublime whether eaten in the comfort of your own home or on their patio overlooking the 18th green at Independence Golf Club. The food and ambiance in Midlothian are the most underrated in the state!

Why do you volunteer with the AIA?
I volunteer with the AIA to diversify the impact I’m able to make in the profession. Sure, I have my daily job and work, but the AIA provides another channel to help do good things and make a difference in people’s lives.

Meet Jim Ritter, FAIA

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Where did you go to college?
I entered Virginia Polytechnic Institute (later became VA Tech, VPI & SU) and graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and a heart-felt dedication to the art of architecture. When I entered VPI in 1960, the Department of Architecture was part of the College of Engineering and the department head was Leonard Currie, FAIA, a graduate student at Harvard University in 1937 when Walter Gropius arrived bringing a fresh approach, modernism, to America, and an absolute repudiation of any “traditional” style based on a sentimental view of the past. All members of the freshman class in architecture were required by Mr. Currie to write an essay about “The Williamsburg Blight”. Since that time I have been a devoted modernist, declining any commission that didn’t allow me to develop a building that represented its specific site, building program, material system and budget, all while trying to make art out of construction. I like to think I’m only two generations away from Walter Gropius, and my students were only three generations away from one of the founders of modern architecture.

When Jaan Holt decided to establish the Washington Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC) in 1980, I agreed to participate in design studios and present lectures on professional practice. Without any direction from the College regarding this class, I decided to structure each segment or lecture around the best (in my opinion) options for achieving architecture – through office organization, marketing, project management, and client/architect relationships. This continued for 31 years, much to my delight and satisfaction.

Would you recommend studying architecture to a young person?
The study of architecture addresses issues that are both practical and artistic – engaging both left brain and right brain. It is the best all-around education one can receive. It would be my desire that everyone could study architecture, and even if they don’t go on to design great buildings, they might cause architecture to happen vicariously as when they serve on a local planning commission, a building committee for a church or synagogue, or on a neighborhood architectural review committee. There are many opportunities for us all to support architecture and design excellence.

What does it take to be an architect?
When I taught professional practice at the WAAC it would take me three months to address this question. But in two words – dedication and persistence.

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?
Like most architects of my time I took inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Kahn, but I also followed many contemporary architects through the seventies and eighties, until Michael Graves and others espoused the notion of post-modernism. They attracted a lot of attention with the public by espousing decoration and image over honest expression of material, function, and construction. And then I re-discovered Renzo Piano, one of the architects of the Pompidou Center in Paris, a favorite of mine. His practice and methodologies are most admirable and I look forward to studying each new project that comes from his studio.

What are you currently reading?
1. The Golden Age of Yachting, L. Francis Herreshoff, about the most beautiful boats ever built. Sailboats are the purest expression of the forces of tension and compression, and thus are real architecture without even trying. I’m always looking for crew for the “Cadenza”, located on a dock just outside my condo in Solomons, Maryland.
2. Leonardo Da Vinci, Walter Isaacson, a book I’m savoring chapter by chapter, and highly recommend it.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
When my late wife and I moved to Alexandria in 1965, we realized that, previously, we had always eaten to survive but then we discovered we were eating for the pleasure of eating, and discovering recipes and food that we wanted simply for the joy of eating, like music or any other art forms. I think that’s what architects do. So, to answer your question, I’ve been having the “best meals” of my life for fifty years.

Why do you volunteer with the AIA?
I love this question because I deeply believe that all architects should join and participate in AIA. No one else promotes our profession like the American Institute of Architects.

In my several years of leadership in our local chapter, and then at the state level, I tried to steer our organizations to recognize design excellence as a tenet equal to technical and business issues. In 1987, our chapter had monthly meetings, and I arranged to have a presentation or discussion of architecture at each one.

Then, as president of the VSAIA, I started the Design Forum as a “counter-weight” to our annual convention (known by several names) that tends to be about technical and business subjects. My point is that we can make a difference if we participate in a leadership capacity. AIA is only as good as we make it.

I found it can be a tool to promote design excellence, just as we thought it should be when we were students and just starting out in the profession.

In Memoriam: Bruce M. Justice, FAIA

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JUSTICE, Bruce Morgan, departed this life on All Saints Day, November 1, 2018. He was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Linda Hayes Justice; and is survived by his wife of the last eight years, Sandra McGehee Justice; his sons, Brian C. Justice (Michaelle), Todd M. Justice (Emily); grandchildren, Meagan, Evan and Jeb; sisters, Irene Myers and Bird Shelton; several nephews and nieces, as well as many friends and loved ones. He graduated from Douglas Freeman High School in 1958 and remained involved in the social activities of that class throughout his adulthood. He graduated in June 1967, from the Architecture School of UVA and was licensed in the state of Virginia in June 1969. In 1984, the President of the AIA National invited him to serve as a Trustee and later, as an officer of the AIA Trust. In 2007, he was elected President of AIA Richmond and elevated to Fellow in 2009, completing a three-year term as the Regional Representative for Virginia and West Virginia in the College of Fellows AIA.

Bruce’s bio submitted for his fellows profile:

In 1958, I graduated from Douglas Freeman High School in Richmond, Virginia. Fortunately, I am still involved in the social activities of that class.

That fall, I enrolled at the University of Virginia in the College of Arts and Sciences. I really did not know what I wanted to do beyond racing cars professionally. So, in 1962, I completed the Sports Car of America’s Driver’s School, earning both an SCCA National Competition License and an FIA International Competition License. I raced sports cars through 1971 until I had to choose between racing and a new pursuit, architecture. As much as I loved racing, it did not pay well!

I had returned to UVA in 1963 to obtain a degree in architecture. I graduated in June 1967 and was licensed in the state of Virginia by June 1969. I participated in my first AIA function in 1964, representing the UVA School of Architecture at the Student Forum held at the Octagon in Washington, D.C.

When I entered the profession in my father’s office in 1967, I was not satisfied just to work on the boards, and so I became involved in local civic and AIA activity almost immediately. By 1974, I was President of the City of Richmond downtown Civitan Club, serving in that role 1974-1975. Then, I served on the “Mayor’s Committee for the Handicapped,” helping to develop in Virginia’s building codes new design standards to accommodate the disabled. I developed a life and medical insurance plan for small architectural firms and administered this for ten years. As it became the largest plan of its type in the Southeast, I eventually turned it over to the Trust for administration. In 1984, the President of the AIA National invited me to serve as a Trustee and, later, as an officer of the AIA Trust. For this work I received a Presidential Citation in 1989; I am the only Virginian to receive this honor.

After many years of involvement in the Tuckahoe Little League of Richmond, VA, I was elected President in 1992 and 1993. In that position, I worked with a group of interested parents to develop a program of rules that would allow children with disabilities to participate; this has grown into the “Challenger Program” at TLL today, which fully accommodates male and female disabled baseball/softball players.

In 1998, I was appointed to the Governor’s Art and Architecture Review Board by Gov. Jim Gilmore. I served 4 ½ years in that role.

In 2007, I was elected President of AIA Richmond and elevated to Fellow in 2009. I have since completed a three year term as the Regional Representative for Virginia and West Virginia in the College of Fellows AIA. Along the way, I have served on numerous AIA committees. This is work and service of which I am particularly proud.

From the Society, my father and I received Society Distinguished Achievement Awards in 1980 and 2000. We are the only father and son pair to received such a commendation.

Where did you go to college?
I graduated from Douglas Freeman High School in Richmond in 1958. I’m still active in the social activities of that class today.

I then entered the University of Virginia to take classes in the College. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do except race sports cars professionally. In 1962 I completed the Sports Car of America’s driver’s school earning an SCCA National competition license and an FIA International license that year. I raced sports cars through 1971 until I had to choose between architecture and racing. Much as I loved racing it didn’t pay much!

I had returned to UVa to obtain a degree in architecture in 1963. I had my first AIA experience in 1964 representing the UVa School of Architecture at the Octagon in Washington DC in the Student Forum held there. I graduated from UVa in June 1967. I was licensed in Virginia in June 1969.

I was not just satisfied to work on the boards. I got into local civic and AIA activity almost immediately upon entering the profession by working in my father’s office with for him from 1967.

I was President of the City of Richmond downtown Civitan Club in 1974 and 1975. I served on the “Mayor’s Committee for the Handicapped” about that time helping to develop handicapped design standards for Virginia building codes.

Also, for the AIA I started a medical and life insurance plan for small offices in Virginia in the seventies which I administered and ran for ten 10 years. It became the largest plan on the southeast coast. I turned that block of business over to the Trust. In 1984 I was asked by the President of AIA national to serve as a Trustee and later officer of the AIA Trust for which I received a Presidential Citation in 1989. I am the only Virginian to have this honor

I was President of Tuckahoe Little League in 1992 and 1993. During this time, working with a group of parents in the league, we set up a special set of rules so a handicapped child could play “baseball.”

I was appointed by the Governor of Virginia in 1998 to the “Governor’s Art and Architecture Board” on which I served 4 years. I was President of AIA Richmond in 2007 and elevated to “Fellow” in 2009.

My father and I are the only father and son pair to received “Society Distinguished awards,” 1980 and 2000.

I have served on many AIA Committees.

I am proud to have served for some many years as a member of our AIA.

Would you recommend studying architecture to a young person?
There easier ways to make a living, but maybe not as much fun. I would recommend architecture to young people.|

What does it take to be an architect?
A rich spouse? Hard work and lots of study.

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?
My father, Charles C. Justice, AIA; Louis W. Ballou, FAIA; others

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
McDonalds “Big Mac!!” just kidding!!

Why do you volunteer with the AIA?
Working together as a group. we get things done You won’t get it done by yourself.

Meet Sharon C. Park, FAIA

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Where did you go to college?
The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC

Would you recommend studying architecture to a young person?
Yes, if they understand the length of study and the rigor required to make it all the way through to licensure.

What does it take to be an architect?
Creativity, organization, problem-solving, math and spatial awareness, persistence and a collaborative spirit

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?
Not in a personal sense like a mentor, but I was very interested in the ca. 1930s architecture – between the wars- such as Art Deco, Art Moderne, De Stijl, etc.

What are you currently reading?
Daniel Silva’s Black Widow (spy novel, part of the Gabriel Allon series)

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
7-course lunch in Provence near Les Baux, France

Why do you volunteer with the AIA?
It’s important to share our expertise with others, including the up and coming, along with networking within the profession

Meet Lori Garrett, FAIA

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Where did you go to college?
I studied mathematics and fine arts at Messiah College in Pennsylvania. For my graduate work, I studied architecture at the University of Virginia.

Would you recommend studying architecture to a young person?
Absolutely! We have been fortunate to have a number of exceptional high school and college students for both externships and internships, and it is fulfilling to share with them about the profession I love.

What does it take to be an architect?
I think there is a broad range of talents and skills that are used in architecture, depending on what you choose to focus on. That is one of the things that I enjoy about architecture—it takes design, collaboration, management, and technical expertise. Find your strengths and passion and focus on that component of architecture.

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?
It would be really difficult to point to just one. I remember being especially taken with the work of Luis Barragan early in my career. I loved the use of color, form, light and shadow in design which was perceptibly contextual.

What are you currently reading? What do you like to do in your spare time? My husband and I both love to travel, and I have been known to be fairly passionate about college basketball games that feature orange and blue.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
One of the things I enjoy about traveling is experiencing other cultures, which I think is always enhanced by engaging all five senses. I don’t have a specific favorite, but off the cuff what comes to mind is a meal in Costa Rica that was prepared over a fire, and eaten on a table right on the sand by the water.

Why do you volunteer with the AIA?
I love meeting new people and believe in the importance of camaraderie in what we do.

Meet Paul H. Barkley, FAIA Member Emeritus

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Where did you go to college?
I went to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1960. While there, I received the school’s Margaret Thomas Biddle Fellowship for study at the Ecole d’Art Americaines in Fontainebleau, France (summer of 1959). My experience at U.Va. inspired me to give back organizing major class reunions beginning with my 30th, serving on the School of Architecture’s Dean’s Forum, and for the past twelve years co-sponsoring a Fontainebleau Prize to help deserving students attend the Fontainebleau summer study program that had made such an impact on my life and career.

Paul Barkley, FAIA

Would you recommend studying architecture to a young person?
If one has an interest in and appreciation for the creative arts, as well as a sincere desire and passion for serving others, there can be no better course of study than architecture. The skills gained can also apply to a variety of other occupational endeavors.

What does it take to be an architect?
With passion, one must possess a dedication and commitment to devote considerable effort and time to gain the knowledge and master the skills necessary to be an architect. It will not come with a college degree, an apprenticeship, nor even a license, but only with a life-long commitment to expanding one’s knowledge and skills over the course of one’s life.

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?
Surprisingly, there was not. From an early age, I enjoyed playing with building blocks, Lincoln logs, erector sets, and even cardboard boxes. At some point, I even sketched floor plans for our house – then revised them. One Christmas, My brother and I were given an American Flyer model train set. After setting it up in the basement, I then designed and built a village on it including commercial buildings, a church, and houses. Only a few were given to me as kits. On “career day” in the 8th grade, I wrote several papers on what career I wanted to choose. One was paper was to write about someone in your chosen field. I wrote about Cass Gilbert, architect of the Woolworth Building in New York City. My teacher gave me an “A,” but also added a note saying, “Why didn’t you write about Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’s famous contemporary architects?” Of course, I did check Wright out and immediately admired his work but not wish to copy it.

What are you currently reading?
The most recent book was Architecture’s Odd Couple By Hugh Howard. One might not think they had anything in common, but they did. A very interesting read with numerous footnotes.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
I developed my love of French food when studying at Fontainebleau, and have enjoyed the flavors, presentations, ambiance, and sharing of a fine meal. The most memorable has to be an al fresco meal at Le Vieux Logis in the Dordogne region of France where the Michelin-starred chef prepared a “Tapas Menu” for an afternoon meal consisting of a dozen small plate courses such as Tart of duck breast carpaccio, Fois Gras, zucchini, and cornichon. Of course, the meal was accompanied by a fine white Burgundy.

Why do you volunteer with the AIA?
My desire to give back to the profession which I love and which has been so good to me, and its steadfast commitment to advancing the ideals of the profession including continuing education, and promoting an increased appreciation for design excellence. Likewise, I have also given back to my community that has supported my business enterprises by serving on city and business boards and commissions. Life is a two-way street where everyone benefits from working together for the betterment of the entire community.

Meet Thomas L. Kerns, FAIA

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I have had the privilege of founding a mid-sized firm that continues to serve clients at a high level. Since 1974 we have attracted good clients, but more importantly, good staff. We have always been very active in the AIA. Our work is respected by our peers.

Roz and I just celebrated our 52nd wedding anniversary.  I enjoy what I do 24/7 and take breaks doing watercolors.

Where did you go to college?
Ohio State University graduated in 1966

Would you recommend studying architecture to a young person?
Definitely, it becomes a passion for a many. The opportunity to enhance and enable our communities to be comfortable and welcoming is extraordinary.

What does it take to be an architect?
To recognize that our profession is at first a service profession. Then to follow and hone your innate abilities within a group of kindred spirits.

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?
Not initially, but then Aalto.

What are you currently reading? 
The President is Missing by Bill Clinton and James Patterson.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Our wedding cake.

Why do you volunteer with the AIA?
Because Randy Vosbeck said it is something I need to do in able for us to improve as a profession.

Meet W. Douglas Gilpin, Jr., FAIA

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Douglas Gilpin, Jr. is registered to practice architecture in Virginia, West Virginia, Rhode Island, and Maryland. His architectural work has been featured in magazines, video, and tours such as Bob Vila’s ‘Restore America’, The Old House Journal, Southern Accents, Virginia Business, Charlottesville HOME, and The Garden Club of Virginia’s ‘Historic Garden Week’.

Doug recently served for 10 years a member of Block Island, Rhode Island’s, Historic District Commission which oversees the historic character of this landmark New England seaport. He continues to be a member of The Greenbrier Sporting Club Architectural Review Board at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. He also served on the Capitol Square Preservation Council, which oversees the environs of Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia State Capitol (1788), and was appointed to this position by the Speaker of Virginia’s House of Delegates. Doug is Past President of the Preservation Alliance of Virginia, as well as of AIA James River and the Charlottesville-Albemarle AIA Section.

In addition to architecture, Doug’s interests include hiking with his wife and Labrador retriever, general aviation, culinary adventures, clamming, single-malt whiskeys, and Jaguars.

Where did you go to college?
1974 BS, Architectural Studies, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, which included the Senior year at Unite Pedagogique d’Architecture Nr. 3 (former Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Architecture) in Versailles. 1976 M. Arch, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

Would you recommend studying architecture to a young person?
Absolutely. It offers a diverse professional spectrum of possibilities. It’s not just the design of new cities and corporate headquarters. When I hear high school students take pride in learning CAD in school, I tell them to take courses in free-hand drawing because you can’t always design on the fly with a laptop in the middle of a field. And when I would meet with students who said they can’t draw, I tell them that many successful architects provide financial management for firms, or work for non-architectural businesses such as banking and development and governmental agencies.

What does it take to be an architect?
Humility. That’s what I was told by Milton Grigg, FAIA when I was hired in 1976. I am paraphrasing, but he said to me on my first day “Now that your school has taught you the basic essentials of design, structures, construction drawing, and contracts, we’ll teach you humility”.

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?
Several. And a wide range. Eero Saarinen, Hector Guimard, Howard Van Doren Shaw and David Adler, John Soane, Charles Moore, Walter Macomber (first Resident Architect at Colonial Williamsburg), and the guys who made the mistake in hiring me: Milton Grigg, ‘Hank’ Browne, and Jay Dalgliesh.

What are you currently reading?
A Stephen King novel.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Probably the complete experience of food and setting at ‘Brasserie Flo’ in Paris…a remarkable ‘Belle Epoque’ restaurant.

Why do you volunteer with the AIA?
Just getting involved in the AIA encourages personal volunteer activities. My first AIA meeting was attending a James River Chapter AIA get-together at the Tredegar Works in 1977. I went in solo, not knowing a soul. All of a sudden, Bob Boynton came over and introduced himself, then took me around for me to meet most of those at the party. I’ll never forget that introduction by Bob, and that ignited my desire to help others either through the AIA, or via outside groups and organizations and local governments.

Meet James P. Clark, FAIA

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James P. Clark, FAIA has created programs that empower collaborative connections that harness the collective knowledge and talents of architects, students, and institutions. He is a principal at MTFA Architecture and is past President of AIA NOVA and AIA Virginia. His goal is to work towards a meaningful worldview that shapes culture. James has been the recipient of many design awards and has received the distinguished VSAIA Award of achievement for creating, preserving and enhancing communities.

Where did you go to college?
I attended The Catholic University of America for my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I wanted to learn about architecture while being in the Nation’s capital.

Would you recommend studying architecture to a young person?
Absolutely! Architecture is an art that shapes people’s everyday lives, and all young people should study architecture, even if they do not anticipate becoming an architect. Architecture should be part of the grade school and high school curriculum. 

What does it take to be an architect?
An architect has to be passionate about architecture and must have many rich life experiences. An architect needs to be curious and be ready to be a life-long learner and teacher. 

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?
When I completed college, I joined Cooper-Lecky Architects, and I was fortunate that W. Kent Cooper, FAIA became my life-long mentor. He taught me about the formative influences of architecture and design. He was present at every major turn in my profession, and I even refer to his guidance now that he has passed away. All architects should seek a mentor to inspire them.

What are you currently reading?
I love to read and discover what others are thinking! I just finished three great books: Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the quest for a fantastic future by Ashley Vance. “Creativity Inc., Overcoming the unseen forces that stand in the way of true inspiration by Ed Cutmull (President of Pixar Animation) and How We Got To Now, Six innovations that made the modern world by Steven Johnson.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
My favorite meal is pasta with pecan spinach pesto and pecorino romano. My wife copied the recipe when we were at the National Gallery of Art bookstore when we were first married, and we’ve had it once a week ever since. It’s extra special because it has become a favorite family meal. For many years it was the only way our son would eat a green vegetable. Food is important to me – enjoying a good meal is part of my French background, and eating brings people together.

Why do you volunteer with the AIA?
The AIA has always been a great way to amplify my voice. I founded the Interschool Design Competition that has now been held for over twenty years at the National Building Museum. The AIA gave me credibility that I simply did not have on my own to gather schools of architecture, AIA component chapters, and the National Building Museum to hold this competition. Right now I am using the AIA to work with others to create the AIA Advisory Resource Council for the National Mall. The idea is for our members to serve as a resource to the National Mall stakeholders. As an organization, we have an influential voice, and we need to use it more!

Meet Robert A. Boynton, FAIA

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Robert A. Boynton, FAIA is a founding partner at the Richmond firm of Boynton, Rothschild, Rowland Architects PC. He has served the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at the local, state, and national levels, as he notes below, and is a recipient of AIA Virginia’s highest honor, the William C. Noland Medal. Bob was appointed to the Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects in 1992 and served as its president in 1996-1997 and 2015-2016. He was also the president of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) in 2003-2004.

Where did you go to college?
Virginia Tech

Would you recommend studying architecture to a young person?
Absolutely!  A career in architecture is the most rewarding of professions – in my experience.

What does it take to be an architect?
To be a good architect it takes creativity, inquisitiveness, persistence, interest in making a difference, hard work, willingness to give back, mentorship, understanding your role in the community, and flexibility.

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?
Frank Lloyd Wright!  His work intrigues and fascinates me and that was the trigger that led me to VA Tech.

What are you currently reading?
In between readings.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Any Italian meal.

Why do you volunteer with the AIA?
I began my career with the AIA in College as the studio Zip Daddy.  Few will remember that position.  I then joined the AIA after licensure and joined the Chapter as an officer.  I have held offices in AIA Richmond, AIA Virginia, the Region of the Virginias, the College of Fellows as Regional Representative, and currently am the Chair of the AIA National Ethics Council. I believe in the AIA’s position as leader in the profession.  My involvement in the AIA has always been positive and I have made life-long friends through my involvement in the AIA.