Nate Swift Staff Chat

STAFF CHAT

Welcome Nate Swift, the newest addition to smbw's Architecture studio. We sat down to learn more about his architectural drivers.

Nate Swift is a passionate architectural designer whose career is driven by a desire to shape the physical world for the better. Diligent and conscientious, Nate brings to the firm 8 years of experience providing innovative and sustainable architectural solutions. Driven by the transformative power of design, Nate strives to become a steward of the environment and the community.

Why were you attracted to smbw?

I want to be at a firm that cares about the land and people and intentionally identifies issues and seeks solutions. smbw's sustainability and community outreach initiatives really struck a chord with me. Coming from Portland, sustainability is a major discussion on every project. smbw has done extensive research on the subject and allows sustainability to be a focal point of design. I also found the Shine the Light article on the housing crisis particularly interesting. After researching architecture firms, smbw stood out to me as a firm with a positive studio feel. When that comes across in a website, you know it's above and beyond.

Why did you pursue a career in design?

I love that as designers and architects, we get the opportunity to shape the physical world. The responsibility and challenge we have to be good stewards of the formation of our tangible surroundings is a great, terrifying, fun, and humbling task that I love to be a small part of.

What type of design or skills are you known for?

One of my previous Principals often called me a Swiss Army Knife, and I excel in the schematic phase of projects, producing multiple options to further design conversations. I'm known for clean designs and natural materials, and I'm always looking for ways I can bring the outdoors into a space. Left to my own devices, I will craft spaces with intersecting angles to create opportunities for nature and light to interact. I am also known for being flexible and skilled at most softwares and quick to learn those I don’t already know.

“I'm driven to become the best steward of design I can be, and to impart positive change on the landscape of our environment and community.”

What are your top project experiences?

Bottling Blocks

This was a new development proposal in Portland, Oregon where the client wanted a European aesthetic grounded in an Oregon material palette. This project was the first time was design assist to my in-office mentor and he took it as an opportunity to test me. He gave me a ton of responsibilities and let me go. This was also the first time I had a chance to take on materials, intricate detailing, and facade design.

Stadium Point

A large master plan project situated in Peoria, Arizona. Centered around an MLB Spring Training facility, the goal was to create an "Oasis in the Desert" turning a seasonal attraction into a year round destination. I was mainly focused on the large residential development where I helped create a large focal staircase with multiple levels of plants and water features centered around a large pool.

Emmaus Church

The project was born out of a dying church community gifting a newer, growing community their historic chapel. While certainly a gift, updating the church came with many challenges. Taking a complex project through permit and CA was a key growing point for me and a project I often pull lessons learned to other projects.

Personal Photography Project, "Everyday"

A project I will be continually working on, Everyday is a series of photographs of life. Understanding how people interact with a city is important to a good design. Seeing a city through this lens has increased my awareness of the positive and negative affects architecture can have on people and to be mindful of the human scale while designing.

What are your strengths and unique talents?

I am organized, punctual, and thorough in both my personal and professional life. I am very good at taking rough 2D ideas into 3D massing and design. I believe that graphics are a strong point, and I have worked hard at learning various graphic techniques that can fold into presentation materials.

What do you hope to achieve at smbw?

I am still early in my career and there is so much that goes into design. I was introduced to smbw by a friend that knew smbw to be a great design forward firm. Looking to continue my development into a designer in a firm full of talented people. I know that’s broad, but I’m excited to learn from and be around the team.

How do clients, peers, or your mother describe you? They'd describe me as an easy going person that gets along with everyone, and is consistent and thoughtful. A person who loves to host but not be the focal point, and a cultured individual who tries to learn from each experience to become a better, well-rounded individual.

What are your personal passions or obsessions? Currently pushing to become an ultra-marathon/ relay runner, I'm passionate about running. I'm also a big fan of Chelsea Football Club. I consider myself a foodie, and I'm always adding to the extensive notes in my phone about restaurants to go to. I spend a lot of time outside, whether kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking, swimming, or just walking. I love shoes, plants, and coffee (a Portlandia requirement).

Where can we find you on the weekends?

A British pub watching soccer, running, running, and running, a brewery, or trying a new restaurant.