Architect's Stories

What am I studying?

There is more to an architect than their constructs. More often than not when an architect is interviewed they are asked about form-making, design philosophy, materials, etc. Emphasis placed more on the buildings than themselves. This project seeks to discover the unspoken side of architecture. To learn about these architects as people. An investigation into outlook, character, drive, leadership and many more through conversation. Sharing capsules of these architect’s stories to learn from them.

How am I studying this?

In order to have a thorough understanding of the subject matter, I conducted this investigation by asking the 5W1H’s of architecture. A simple and basic method in information gathering to solve a complex topic. Through interpreting my conversations with these individuals, I suggest reasons as to why they do what they do and reflect on my own identity in architecture. Although these are separate questions, their answers overlap and are interconnected with each other.

WHO Architecture?

Who are we? Who is relevant to us and why? What makes us who we are? Through a conversation about family, culture, and background, we learn about the identity of an architect and what shapes them.

WHAT Architecture?

What kind of architecture moves us? What is our passion in architecture? What do we want to accomplish through architecture? Speaking to architects about what they pursue in their career. I’ve determined two topics of interest.

WHY Architecture?

Why do people choose architecture? Why do people stay in architecture? Architects are individuals who’ve decided to stay in a difficult and challenging profession out of passion for their interests. What is so unique about architecture that causes people to do this? Every architect I’ve spoken to including myself describes discovering architecture as a pivotal moment in their life. Through picking up a pen or observing our environment, we discover architecture exists around us. We exist amongst architecture. Once we’ve seen the world differently we can’t unsee the beauty that exists or doesn’t. I refer to this as the ‘magic of architecture’.

HOW Architecture?

Understanding our identity, knowing what our ambitions are and why, how do we then carry these out? Learning about the career path of an architect and the actions they take on their path of practicing the profession.

WHEN Architecture? (to be answered)

WHERE Architecture? (to be answered)

Interviewees

Jen Masengarb

Executive Director of AIA Chicago

Peter Exley FAIA

Co-founder of Architecture is Fun

Juan Moreno FAIA

President of JGMA

Bob Plebanski FAIA

Senior Associate at Eckenhoff Saunders

Mark Pomarico FAIA

Design Principal at Booth Hansen

WHO Architecture?

Who are we? What makes us who we are? A conversation about family, culture, and background, and identity.

Juan Moreno (JGMA)

I first met Juan when he gave a lecture to my class. I was striked by how intertwined his work was with his identity. He tells a story of culture, heritage, and place through his design of space. Throughout our conversation during the interview we resonated over many similarities in our journey coming to America and practicing architecture. He is someone who is aware of where he came from, where he is, and where he wants to go. It shows in the way he conducts himself and his work.

Juan spoke highly of how much his Colombian family means to him. His mother is a great pillar of strength. Raising Juan and his brothers single handedly in a foreign country where she didn't speak the language taught him resilience and determination. To him, his mothers sacrifice is the reason he’s come so far. By incorporating his story into his dialogue, and taking action in helping non-profits and underserved communities. Juan embraces his unique identity and proves through his work that he doesn't take it for granted.

“But the only difference between me and them (my Colombian family), is my mom chose to come here.”

Bob Plebanski (ESA)

When asked who has had the most influence on his architecture career, Bob firmly and replied ‘My father.’ Without wasting a second. His father attended the Chicago Vocational School and learned drafting as a trade. From a young age he would watch in awe as his father drew up drawings for 1950 modernist ranch homes with ink on board. To Bob, drawing meant more than putting pen to paper, it was about common ground with his father and a childhood memory.

“That interest stayed. Even through high school I took drafting classes. People would ask me and I’d say I want to be an architect.”

identity.

Peter Exley (Architecture is Fun)

As an undergraduate student, Peter traveled to Denmark for an architecture conference. It was here that he met Steven Izenour, most known for co-authoring Learning from Las Vegas with Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown. His eyes lit up as he described Steven’s big lantern slides, sharing many of the Venturi Scott Brown projects. The 4-hour lecture showed Peter, an undergraduate student then without any formal teaching in American architectural theory, a different side of architecture. When he became a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, he was adamant on applying to the Venturi office. He compared and pointed out similarities to his previous experiences at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. Both offices had rigorous, high quality work with amazingly talented colleagues. However, the Venturi office stood out for having a participatory environment and personal engagement with everybody in the office. Peter experienced such a work setting for the first time at the Venturi office. He describes that although he was a very small cog in what was one of the most renowned architecture firms of the time, he felt as if he was an active contributor. Although he didn’t work closely with Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, he spoke very fondly of Steven Izenour. He was his professor as well as his boss at the office. To Peter, what made Steven a good mentor was that he was interested in what he was doing. Conversing about what he was doing and actively collaborating.

What he learned, the values, aesthetics, research, philosophy, and work life balance that existed at Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates is an important part of the way Peter Exley and his partner, Sharon Exley approach their work at Architecture is Fun.

“The heart of a strong mentor and mentee relationship is mutual interest.“

WHAT Architecture?

What is our passion in architecture? Learning about what architects pursue in their career.

Bob Plebanski (ESA)

A charming quality of Bob’s is that he can talk about the making of buildings for an endless amount of time. From his undergraduate degree with a specialization in building technology to his current professional career, Bob has always found joy and fulfillment in learning how a building is put together. When speaking about seeking fulfillment in his career, Bob spoke about finding a sense of accomplishment in having worked on many buildings in the Chicago area, by the time he retires there will be many more. He is grateful for the opportunity to work on building a building, and many different types of buildings at that. At Eckenhoff Saunders, he is relied on for detailing, quality control of construction documents, construction issues, project management and many more. Despite long hours or stressful conditions, the joy in making a building is far greater for Bob.

“I like getting elbow deep in how things get built.”

Jen Masengarb (AIA Chicago)

While preparing for my interview with Jen I found her numerous podcasts on architecture. I was surprised by how she spoke about architecture. Most often, when you speak about architecture, you do so to another architect. But she spoke about architecture in a way that was very digestible to nonarchitects. So when I asked her why and how she does this, she told me her story of discovering what she wanted to do in architecture.

Social justice. Thinking about how architecture can contribute to equity in our cities. The starting point of this passion of hers was a project she was involved in while an undergraduate in University of Detroit. There was a community design center within the school of architecture where the students were helping to provide some basic design services or for these community groups that would not have been able to hire an architect. These community groups had a real need, a real site, and real issues. It was here she realized that there was a knowledge gap of communicating about design between architects and non-architects. She learned that she was comfortable talking about architecture to her classmates and professors, but she didn’t know how to talk to the group of African American women she was working with. She discovered that the public, especially minorities in underserved communities often didn’t have the vocabulary or language of speaking architecture. She realized there was a disconnect and wanted to bridge that gap. That’s when she learned that what she enjoyed about architecture was not the actual designing of the building, but helping people who have never thought about architecture.

She decided to go to UVA for a masters degree in architectural history and historic preservation to understand cities better. After graduating, she worked at the Chicago Architecture Centre, starting her journey in educating the public about architecture. She goes on to write textbooks and develop school curriculums. Her work has a purpose of communicating architecture to the public.

“Architecture matters to everybody. Good design can make life better, and poor design can really hurt. Think the design of a neighborhood, transportation system, housing. How do we use design to elevate communities? Teaching citizens this language of architecture helps them demand better buildings and healthier communities.”

WHY Architecture?

Why do people choose architecture? Why do people stay in architecture? Stories of the ‘magic of architecture’.

‘Did you find architecture? Or did architecture find you?’

That is a question Juan Moreno AIA of JGMA asked me when I interviewed him. Architecture is not as common of a topic as medicine or business. Most of us didn't know what architecture was when we first heard of it. I certainly didn't. I took my first architecture class in Milstein Hall by Rem Koolhaas in the gorges of Ithaca the summer of 2017. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into back then and even 5 years later I still don’t fully understand what it is. It wasn’t my first design class but yet it felt entirely new to me. There was a rigor in iteration. Every time I remade a model it would turn out different. Learning about space, light, air or the power of a simple wall taught me that architecture is in everything and is everywhere. There was and still is a curiosity in architecture. The more you try to comprehend it, the more you realize that it is incomprehensible.

After meeting others in the profession, I realized that each of us has a similar story in discovering why we are in architecture.

Mark Pomarico (Booth Hansen)

Architecture is not just a building, it is a way of seeing the world. Mark grew up in the suburbs of Florida. He had a unique experience of going to school by walking or biking instead of taking a bus. That sparked his curiosity in the design of a neighborhood. Taking a closer look at the town around him, he shaped his outlook on how neighborhood structures are related to community. The yard encourages social interaction. The design of a block creates an environment. When he attended high school he had an opportunity to take a drafting class. He recounts this as an enjoyable time where the assignments didn’t feel like assignments, instead they were fun projects where he would lose track of time. To Mark, he discovered the magic of architecture through his surroundings and pursued it through drawing.

“it was one of those things that the class would go by, and it seemed like five minutes”

architecture’.

Jen Masengarb (AIA Chicago)

Mark was not the only one to fall in love with architecture through drawing. Jen was in 2nd grade when a teacher asked her class to draw a floor plan of their bedroom. Her eyes lit up as she described how difficult that assignment was for a child who hadn’t developed spatial reasoning to see things in plan view yet. That being said, Jen absolutely loved it. She continued to draw plans through elementary school, she experimented with new forms, trapezoidal bedrooms, crazy ideas that only an 8-year old could think of. As time went by, she discovered sections and elevations, continuing to grow her joy in drawing. During high school she worked for the only architect in her town in the summers, solidifying her determination to pursue architecture.

“I discovered something they call a section drawing that you could see into, and I was fascinated by that. Elevations too. Most of elementary school was just drawing and sketching and imagining buildings.”

Bob Plebanski (ESA)

When asked ‘Why architecture?’ Bob told me about growing up in the south side of Chicago. One would think that maybe he was wowed by the great Mies buildings or other feats of architecture located downtown but instead he told me the story of going to church with his family every Sunday and driving by two buildings. The first was a home elevated on brick stilts. It stood out in the suburbs of Chicago off a busy 4 lane freeway in an open prairie. The second had a curved masonry facade, another uncommon sight. These ‘anomalies’ in his town opened his eyes to what architecture is capable of. It intrigued him and started his journey in architecture.

“We always passed these two buildings that I always found interesting. Today when I think about it, they weren’t really anything special but to me as a kid, they were cool.”`

WHY Architecture? (continued)

A self reflection on the ‘magic of architecture’.

Jeslyn Tan

I first learned the power of space when I tripped on the stairs going to the living room of the house I grew up in. There was a little over a 2 feet change in elevation from the living room to the dining room, the solution was to build 3 marble steps. Now that I’ve learnt more about architecture, I know that stair was not built to code and thankfully so because falling on them made me question why they were there in the first place. I realized that the floor to ceiling height was significantly taller than the dining room adjacent to it. Although the entry sequence into my family’s modest row house was generic and unexciting, when you made a choice between watching the TV or dining with your family you would have a different spatial experience. The tall ceilings in the living room captured my laughter while I watched children’s shows and held an air of integrity when my brother played video games. The dining room was the opposite. It was much more intimate. Although not enclosed by partition walls, the lower ceiling created privacy. You felt huddled, voices were gentler, and light was dimmer. Dinner was the only time of the day when my family gathered together and that space made us feel like nothing could interrupt our conversation. It became more than a dining room, it was a space of commune. It wasn’t a surprise to me that my curiosity came naturally when I learned the word ‘architecture’ at age 14.

HOW Architecture?

Learning about the leadership in the profession.

Peter Exley (Architecture is Fun)

Peter describes his career as naturally developing. He was adamant about joining the AIA when he started practicing architecture in the US. He saw it as a conscious development of a professional network and peers. He took up many opportunities that came his way, people asking him to be a committee member or participate in regular programs. He never saw that time spent as a burden but rather an investment. This authentic and genuine reason for his actions rippled into being invited to be on the board of AIA Chicago in the early 2000’s, and president of the AIA Chicago in 2003. Peter did not stop there. He continued responding positively when asked to be involved in events. He naturally started speaking to the broader community beyond AIA Chicago and going on national boards. Getting to be First Vice President, President Elect, and then as the president in 2021. It was amazing to hear how he grew his career organically by practicing his values of advocating for architecture and authenticity to his identity.

When asked about his generosity in contributing to our field he was surprised. He didn’t see his actions as generosity rather that it was the right ethical thing to do. To lead with values. To help make the world a better place. Peter is not blind to the looming deterioration of our climate or growing social unrest in equity but he maintained firm in his belief that we must persevere. We shouldn’t be pessimistic about it. “The only option is to work at righting the wrongs.” was his response.

When I asked him about leadership, Peter first spoke about his role as an educator. A similarity between the two is the act of listening. It is important to him to first and foremost be the listener. Evaluate the challenges and then envision a solution to the issue in a way where people (his students or a broader community of architects) can respond to.To have a vision for making progress on progress. In my opinion, Peter is a visionary leader. He is someone you can count on to point you into the right direction. To create an optimistic environment that fosters change and encourages people to step forward.

“And I think in every aspect of that we lead with our values. So I suppose you might interpret that as generous and selfless. I think to paraphrase what you were saying. It’s, it’s the right ethical thing to do.”

Jen Masengarb (AIA Chicago)

Jen was in Denmark working at the Danish Architectural Center when the pandemic started. She spoke with a heavy heart about her experience watching Chicago from afar. It was hard for her to see a city that she loved hurting from the pandemic, civic unrest, rioting, and social inequality while being half a world away. It wasn’t an easy decision or situation, but being distanced from Chicago built a resolution in her to return and be a part of this community again. This was when she decided to take up the position of executive director at the AIA Chicago. Her passion in serving communities, celebrating the work of others, and building bridges between people was renewed. Hearing her empathy towards others and ability to resonate with hardship and challenges taught me that Jen was a servant leader. She has a gentle yet strong heart to hold the hands of those going through hardship and walk the path that they are on together to a better place. She is someone who leads with warmth, and grace. Someone who wants to work with people, for people.

Jen Masengarb

Executive Director of AIA Chicago

Education

1996 - B. Arch. & B. Arts in American History, University of Detroit Mercy

2000 - M. Architectural History in Historic Preservation, University of Virginia Distinguished alumna 2015

Career

2000-2013 - Chicago Architecture Foundation

The Architecture Handbook: A student Guide to Understanding Building 2007

Only high school architecture textbook, official in the state

Only drafting, 16 weeks of a software program, lacking context of the architect Schoolyards to Skylines: Teaching with Chicago’s Amazing Architecture 2002

January 2012 discoverdesign launched

2013-2018 - Chicago Architecture Center (18-year tenure)

2018-2021 - Danish Architecture Center

April 2021 - AIA Chicago, Executive Director Architects in Schools Program Mentorship Program

Interests

Education, history, research, leadership

Podcasts and Interviews

Art Works Podcast (National Endowment for the Arts) 2014

Curious City (WBEZ) 2016

Let’s Talk Architecture (DAC), 2020, 17 episodes Reset, 2021

Jen Masengarb

Executive Director of AIA Chicago

Interview Start

Before going into the interview, let me introduce 4th year architecture student at Virginia Tech. I to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue my Tech. Now, I'm here! My approach to this assignment architecture. So feel free to be as personal as you’re with you if I start recording?

Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview looking forward to the many stories and insights

Firstly, would you like to tell me about yourself? do?

How did you get into architecture?

What was the decision behind getting your masters

How did you find your way to Chicago?

As someone who’s only thought of practicing at manner it’s eye opening to see what you’ve done career in leading architectural organizations such come about?

Can you tell me about a project that you learned

What do you think led to your role here as executive

Your work requires a lot of leadership and management, exhibitions, and run programs. What is your approach

You’ve had a very different setting for leadership such as a managing principal at a design firm. Do similarities?

Interview Research

introduce myself, my name is Jeslyn Tan. I am a was born and raised in Malaysia. I came my degree in architecture at Virginia assignment is capturing the person behind the you’re comfortable. Alright, is it alright

interview, it’s great to be speaking to you, I’m insights you have to share!

Where are you from, what do you like to masters in historic preservation?

an architecture firm in a conventional done with your education. How did this such as the CAF, DAC, and AIA Chicago learned alot from?

executive director of AIA Chicago?

management, when you write grants, curate approach to leadership?

leadership compared to the conventional architect Do you think there are differences or

It seems like your work is mainly focused on educating people to help them understand the architecture around them. You’ve looked comprehensively at the education system and developed programs such as DiscoverDesign, theres the Student Handbook, and developing architectural tours. You're helping students as well as non-architects build a literacy about the built environment. Would you agree? If so, Why do you do what you do? Why do you want to connect people and architecture?

Do you love what you do?

In your podcast series at the DAC, you’ve spoken to some really cool architects, the more globally known ones among them being 3XN, BIG, and OMA. What have you taken away from those conversations?

Architecture and upbringing. Do you think your upbringing has an influence on your architecture or career?

Do you have any architecture/design/philosophy book recommendations?

Do you have anybody you’d like to recommend for this interview?

Peter Exley, FAIA, The Power of Play

Co-Founder of Architecture is Fun 1994

Former AIA President 2021

At-Large Director for AIA National 2016

Former President of AIA Chicago in 2013

Adjunct Full Professor School of the Art Institute of Chicago 1992 (30 years)

Co-Host of PechaKucha Night Chicago

BA 1985 University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne

MArch 1990, University of Pennsylvania

Architecture is Fun 1994-now (28 years)

Venturi, Scott Brown associate in Philadelphia 1988-1990 (2 years)

Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill in Chicago London 1985-1987 (2 years)

You were also a soccer coach What was that like? Woah!

1996 AIA Chicago Young Architect Award

2017 AIA Chicago and AIA Chicago Foundation Professional Excellence and Distinguished Service Award

Publications

Architecture is Fun 2021

Design for kids 2007

October 2021, Listen before acting, understand before prevailing AIA Blogpost

Notable works: Lincoln Park Zoo, DuPage Children’s Museum, Young at Art Museum Do you think adults should go to children's museums?

"Play is a basic human right for all of us, and it's critical to wellness Our purpose is making everyday life more fun,"

“Architects have a critical role to play in helping our society create a healthy and prosperous world that promotes racial justice and moves the needle on climate action I am optimistic about the difference architects can make with our colleagues in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry to address the issues of our time ”

“Work of significance and relevance, joy and seriousness, range and depth ”

Robert Venturi FAIA FRIBA and Denise Scott Brown RIBA, Int FRIBA

Peter Exley FAIA

Co-founder of Architecture is Fun Interview

Research

Greet Before going into the interview, let me introduce am a 4th year architecture student at Virginia Tech. came to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue Virginia Tech. Now, I'm here!

My approach to this assignment is capturing the young designer and an avid reader of self-growth conversation both amongst and about architects independent study of mine seeks to fill that hole from their architecture or publications, but also their personal as you’re comfortable to. Alright, can I

Before I get into the interview, would you like to intro comfortable, tell me where you’re from and who you

Peter, wow That's just the tip of the iceberg You ha really so much to talk about But first, I'd like to ask y which you and your partner Sharon Exley founded t is really intriguing Where did that come from? And m

What is important to you in your practice

So, your practice seeks to create projects that inspir interest in educative design come about? Was th what you wanted to do?

Can you tell me about a project that you l qualitative nature, inspirational, and develop

What were your biggest influences in you Denise Scott Brown, and your wife and partn tell me how they have influenced you?

Thank you for your authentic replies Peter I'm going your role in the AIA

Firstly, what do you think led to your role as the

You have contributed so much to the growth of our p authentic generosity? That you give without expec

introduce myself, my name is Jeslyn Tan. I ech. I was born and raised in Malaysia. I pursue my degree in architecture at

the person behind the architecture. As a self-growth books, I found a scarcity in architects and their inner volition. This hole and to learn from architects not only their human. So feel free to be as start recording?

oduce yourself as well? Get a little are, what makes you, you?

ve an amazing, full, career thus far There's you about your practice Architecture is fun ogether in 1994 The name of your practice more importantly, is architecture still fun?

?

e children to play and learn How did this here a pivotal point where you realized this is

earned alot from?

mental Why these three?

ur career? You’ve mentioned Robert Venturi, ner Sharon Exley multiple times Could you

g to transition and ask you a little more about former president of the AIA?

profession What fuels you to have this cting anything in return?

What is your approach to leadership Recently speaking to Jen Masengard Executive Director of AIA Chicago, she told me of her servant leadership and why that is her own form of sincere leadership Could you tell me a little about what kind of leader you are?

Do you love what you do?

You are aware that architecture has a long way to go in equity and diversity, you are aware of the bitter facts of climate change, and despite that you are persevering for our discipline to grow and change How do you stay optimistic?

What is your take on equity and inclusion? Providing quality education to all at affordable or no costs with full disregard of material differences Would you say this is an idealistic view? How do you see the future of education for the youth?

Architecture and upbringing Do you think your upbringing has an influence on your architecture or career?

How did you find your way to Chicago in 1985, why did you stay?

You should answer the questions real, feel free to be honest, you dont have to impress anybody here

Juan Gabriel Moreno, AIA President of JGMA

Education

1996 - B. Arch California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Career

2010 - Present - JGMA (12y3m) ? came to chicago in 2000

Licensure

Interests

Entrepreneurship

Empowering Latinos

Making an impact

Socially conscious design

Uplifting

“To me, architecture is an art form, an exploration, and discovery,” “There is no formula We look for that ‘aha!’ moment ”

Significant projects

"I want you to see Colombia for what it really is, a wonderful country of human beings who live life to the fullest," "You’re selling yourself short if all you see are coffee and cocaine "

He was drawn to the Windy City because of its fabled history in architecture and quickly experienced the excitement of working in a big firm with global clients “I spent time working on projects in Asia and the Middle East,” he says “But back in Chicago, I was very oriented to the city’s Latino community And large firms don’t always have a place for community projects ”

Crsm college prep (landmark illinois richard H driehaus foundation preservation award)

Invest south west and pulaski

Neiu el centro northeastern

Humboldt park health hospital

Lathrop homes

Encuentro square

Humboldt park wellness centre

Saic welness centre

United neighbourhoos organization soccer academy elementary school

Podcasts and Interviews publications

Invest South West 2021 (LIVE) development, jgma (team pioneros) humboldt

53.9 mil dollar project (largest as of yet)

Latino culture center

Office space

9 storey affordable 75 unit residential

Offices for humboldt park family health

New public library

President of JGMA

“Believing in minorities” “black and brown Courage to empower minorities, empower gratefulness. Felt how moved you were. Pioneering for chicago, pioneering for an 100% of development construction and design firms, spirit of hispanic heritage. Continuum of the bank histories. Affordable Idea of history, pull history into present. Momentum changer for an industry Truly

Blair Kamin (Chicago Tribune Pulitzer prize arch Opposite of godbox, bright colors, sculptural Kennedy expressway

Seen in motion

Expression of latino identity, vibrant colors limestone

Roosevelt square interview with JGMA Dan Spore Embody values that clients have Confusing.

La Mesa Latina 2021

Entrepreneurial spirit

Child of immigrant

Chicago Latino Network 2013

Pride in being a business owner. Realizing JGMA? Is it your firm, or is it our firm? Community impact.

Wrightwood 659 Nov4th 2021 Put the City Up T Second panel. Future of preservation in Chicago community and engagement. JGB, Maurice What does preservation mean to you? Embracing to people. Saving stories

Ways to establish hope through new building commitment to our community

Hispanic Executive February 7 2022

Groundbreakers by Curbed 2016

Civic Affiliations

Metropolitan Planning Council - Board of Governers

NEIU Foundation - Board of Directors 2015

Leadership Greater Chicago - 2015 Fellow

CRSM College Prep - Board of Trustees Apr 2015

Juan

brown leadership” empower small people. Humility and industry design engineering are latino owned fordable housing on a pedestal. ruly being pioneros. arch critic) NEIU satellite campus El Centro sculptural colors vs chicago miesian black and Spore senior project manager

JGMA’s list of awards and recognition has been unparalleled JGMA was the only architecture firm to be awarded with three design awards at the 2015 AIA Chicago Designight Gala, including Distinguished Building, Interior Architecture, and Divine Detail Architect magazine recently selected JGMA as one of the top design firms in the nation in their annual Top 50 in Design The Richard H Driehaus Foundation has also awarded JGMA their distinguished Design Excellence Award in multiple consecutive years In addition, JGMA was selected by Modern Interiors magazine as the “Best Architecture Firm” in their annual Best of Design Issue In 2014, JGMA was recognized by Crain’s Business as one of the architecture firms “Reshaping Chicago”

Juan Moreno’s personal dedication to community and social justice has been recognized both locally and internationally He was named a 2017 Business Leader of Color and a 2016 Curbed Groundbreaker for his efforts to improve the functionality of the built world In 2015 he was selected as a fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed him to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks Mr Moreno also had the honor of being recognized by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos as one of the “100 COLOMBIANOS” for 2013 and was a recipient of the 2013 “PIECE” Award for International Excellence which recognizes Colombians working outside of the country and making a difference in the lives of children and communities

Realizing a dream has this sense of pride ear the City down Chicago with a focus on equity, heritage, Maurice Cox, Chandra Cooper Embracing memory and what that matters building but used building , showing Governers 2015

Interview Start

Greet How was your day?

Why I wanted to talk to you? You have a story A very compelling story You’ve taken action to direct that story and build that story and also maintain it.

My approach to this assignment is capturing the person behind the architecture. As a young designer, I found a scarcity in conversation both amongst and about architects and their inner volition. This independent study of mine seeks to fill that hole and to learn from architects not only from their architecture or publications, but also their human. I’m going to ask you about the who, why, what, when and where of architecture, and more importantly yourself. So feel free to be as personal as you’re comfortable to. Any stories are encouraged and welcome.

Before going into the interview, would you mind if i introduced myself? Who am I? my name is Jeslyn Tan. I am a 4th year architecture student at Virginia Tech. I was born and raised in Malaysia. My grandfather was a first generation immigrant from China. I came to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue my degree in architecture at Virginia Tech. Why architecture? I decided that this would be my medium to help people.

Would you like to introduce yourself as well? Get a little comfortable, tell me who you are, what makes you, you?

How did you get into architecture? (WHY architecture)

I want to ask about Colombia, and Bogota (is that how you say it?) Is where youre from a part of your identity? Why?

Me? What would you tell other youth who were in your position when you were younger

You traveled to Florence Italy What was significant about your trip to Europe? In an interview with hispanic executives or groundbreakers, people have asked you this question before the magic of these magical architectural places How is that relevant to making an impact for underserved communities and socially concious design?

Going into mentorship and people who are meani studio founders but before we get into that Just ri meaningful to you

- Superstudio founders Christiano Toraldo d

- Upbringinging?

- Who is commissioner cox to you? Or I sho Leadership, and mentorship

Did that have an effect on your leadership? What Going more into your role as an entrepreneur You s recession and it has grown and won many awards spirit for business come from?

In the lecture, you spoke of your uncomfort at the un Could you tell me about your career before JGMA, h

Having grown your own practice It requires a lot o Not really something a designer type architect is e feel about that? Do you think you’ve lost parts of i

Pride in being a business owner. I think that's great! pride. Now that you've achieved it, do you think been?

When people face challenges, they react in two and some don’t. This is understanding that you’ve and there are just things outside of your control. acceptance, It was clear to me that you are someone very admirable and courageous because i'm sure were let down. How have you remained authenticity leaps of faith throughout your career? Any examples.

How did you grow from that rejection or failure? What does reshaping Chicago mean to you? What are the biggest challenges you've had?

Working for non profits Do more with less cost I have authentic generosity To be giving without ex that?

ngful to you I will ask you about the super ght now, could you list the people who are

i Francia and Gianni Pettena

uld say professor Cox

What is your approach to leadership?

tarted your company during the 2010 But why did you start this? Where did your

njust architecture in your previous jobs how it impacted you?

of administrative and managerial effort enthusiastic about you know? How do you nvolvement?

great! Realizing a dream has this sense of it has been what you thought it would've

different ways. They believe in hope you’ve given this challenge your best shot, control. When watching your invest south west someone who believes in hope. And that's sure that there have been times where you authenticity, justice, perseverance in taking examples. think to be able to do that, you have to pecting anything in return How do you do

Bob Plebanski, AIA

Senior Associate at Eckenhoff Saunders

Education

? - Bachelor of Science in Architecture, University of Illinois at Chicago

Career

Apr 1988 - Present ESA (founded 1983) (34 years)

1986 - 1988 Ed Lugowski Architects (2 yrs)

Civic Affiliations

? - Timberlake Condominium Association

? - Past President Orland Hills Planning Commission

? - Former Commissioner New Lenox Route 30 Corridor Committee

Licensure

? - Registered Architect

? - Illinois City of Chicago Energy Professional

Interests

education, healthcare, and retail BIM modeling Construction management

Awards Evanston Preservation Award, 1840 Oak Avenue

Significant Projects

Carle Curtis Clinic Expansion, Champaign, Il 70,000sf 3 story addition to an existing 70,000sf clinic housing a variety of medical services.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital Childcare Center and Parking Facility Chicago, Illinois

LEED Silver - 45,000sf childcare center with 11 floors of parking above.

Skokie Hospital Surgical Pavilion Skokie, Illinois 65,000sf 3 story surgery addition with 8 new surgical suites and GI department.

Motorwerks Auto Dealership Barrington, Illinois (why is this not on the website) 13

Bob Plebanski AIA

Senior Associae at Eckenhoff Saunders

Interview Research

80,000sf addition and 100,000sf remodel dealership as a swing

Southgate Market, Chicago, Il 800,000sf retail center with 1,100 parking

Glenbrook Hospital Emergency and Radiology

Interview Start

Greet Before going into the interview, let me introduce am a 4th year architecture student at Virginia Tech. came to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue Virginia Tech. Now, I'm here!

My approach to this assignment is capturing the young designer, I found a scarcity in conversation and their inner volition. This independent study learn from architects not only from their architecture personality. So feel free to be as personal as you’re

First, would you like to tell me a little bit about yourself, you’re currently working on?

How did you get into architecture?

Is what you do right now very different from what education prepared you for that?

When did you get your license? What was that

How did you get your energy professional license how has that helped you?

Why did you move to ESA? At the time the firm the decision behind your action.

Why did you decide to stay at ESA?

remodel to an existing multi-brand auto parking spaces in the South Loop of Chicago. Radiology departments

introduce myself, my name is Jeslyn Tan. I ech. I was born and raised in Malaysia. I pursue my degree in architecture at

the person behind the architecture. As a conversation both amongst and about architects of mine seeks to fill that hole and to architecture or publications, but also their you’re comfortable to.

yourself, what you do, and what projects

what you did in school? Do you think your experience for you?

license? What was the decision behind it and

was only 5 years old. I am curious about

You have a pretty broad spectrum of work, education, healthcare, and retail. But it seems like what you specialize in is construction management. How do you think that came about?

Can you tell me about a project that you learned alot from?

I’m not sure how it works at ESA. When did you get promoted to senior associate and what do you think led to that?

Your work on the planning commission, associations and committees, although that was outside of work, do you feel like it helped you in your career?

Who would you say is your mentor? Please share some lessons that were impactful to you, and what these people mean to you.

Did that have an effect on your leadership? What is your approach to leadership?

Architecture and upbringing. Do you think your upbringing has an influence on your architecture or career?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years and 20 years.

Fun question. Haha do engineers like you?

This might be a generic question. But where do you see architecture and construction headed in the future? It is definitely more intertwined than it has been in the past.

Do you think for example in the future, architecture students would be encouraged to have minors in building construction and vice versa?

Mark Pomarico, AIA

Design Principal

Education

2010 - B Design (University of Florida)

2013 - M Arch (GSD) (M Arch I?)

Career (9y)

2018 - Present Booth Hansen (3y7m)

2017 - 2018 ThoughtCraft Architects - Associate (1y5m)

2014 - 2018 BSA - Adjunct Faculty (4y9m)

2013 - 2017 DiMella Shaffer - Designer (3y9m)

? - Massachusetts License

Interests

institutional, commercial, and residential Teaching

2012 Toyo Ito on the “Home for All” initiative in Tokyo

2014 ? Songpa Micro-Housing

Interview Start

Greet Before going into the interview, let me introduce myself, my name is Jeslyn Tan. I am a 4th year architecture student at Virginia Tech. I was born and raised in Malaysia. I came to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue my degree in architecture at Virginia Tech. Now, I'm here!

My approach to this assignment is capturing the person behind the architecture. As a young designer, I found a scarcity in conversation both amongst and about architects and their inner volition. This independent study of mine seeks to fill that hole and to learn from architects not only from their architecture or publications, but also their personality. So feel free to be as personal as you’re comfortable to. Any and all stories are encouraged to be told.

First, would you like to tell me a little bit about yourself. where you’re from? What you like to do. Just getting a little comfortable.

How did you get into architecture? (WHY architecture)

Is what you do right now very different from what you did in school? How so and how not so? (HOW architecture)

Mark Pomarico AIA Design Principal at Booth Hansen Interview Research

Let’s talk a little bit about the projects you did in Toyo Ito. Could you explain what it's about and

Why did you move to Chicago? You had been in the decision behind your action.

When did you get your license? Do you plan on

Could you tell me briefly about what projects you’re architecture)

Can you tell me about a project that you learned your career? I struggled to gather information like

What do you hope to achieve through your practice?

Why is teaching significant to you? What got you now here with us?

Do you hope to transition into full time teaching?

Who would you say is your mentor? Please share you, and what these people mean to you. (WHO

Did that have an effect on your leadership? What

Architecture and upbringing. Do you think your architecture or career?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years and 20 years.

Hey, I heard you know Cam!

school, the home for all initiative with your involvement?

in Boston for 8 years. I am curious about being licensed in Illinois? you’re currently working on? (WHAT learned alot from? Or that was significant in like that from your online bio. practice?

you interested in teaching at the BSA and teaching?

share some lessons that were impactful to (WHO architecture)

What is your approach to leadership?

upbringing has an influence on your years. (why architecture)