What motivated you to become a designer (or current role?)?

This is an easy one: There were probably a lot of “subconscious” factors, but I think the main reason I can recall is a series of amazing books my parents bought for me by an author named David Macaulay – “Castle”, “Cathedral” and “Unbuilding” are the ones I remember. The author’s writing and sketching style were so compelling to me that I think these books were what really pushed me, at a relatively young age, to become an architect. I wonder whatever happened to those books….?

When you are retired and look back on your life, what is the biggest accomplishment you hope to achieve?

That I will have (hopefully) achieved a level of work/life balance that I can be proud of and look back on fondly in my retirement.

What does successful workplace culture mean to you?

Having worked at many types of firms in my career, I have come to learn that I really value the collaborative aspect of a firm, meaning that ideas can come from anyone (not just the folks at the top), and everyone is implicitly invited, even expected, to offer their own thoughts for consideration on any project or effort. This fosters a level of buy-in and ownership that empowers everyone and motivates them to bring their best, every day. I also expect (not just appreciate) a basic level of respect in all communications and interactions between co-workers. These factors are critically important, in my opinion, to keeping people feeling content and appreciated, and also leads to higher levels of staff retention. This is why I hope that Bergmeyer will be my home for the rest of my career – because they really believe in these values, not just as words on a Mission Statement but as real, permanent guiding principles.

What would you be doing if you were not working in this industry?

I can say with 100% certainty that I would be a finish carpenter, because this has been hobby of mine since I was in college, and I love to just bury myself in a woodworking project in my basement workshop for hours (even days) at a time. Those who know me well will not be surprised to hear me say that I am a perfectionist when it comes to this, so I would be challenged to make a living off of this hobby, because I would spend waaaayyyy too much time on each project to ever be profitable. Still, I really enjoy honing my skills and discovering new techniques (either on my own or through books and videos) that help me to execute each project a bit more professionally or efficiently.

Do you have a talent (outside of being your talented self at Bergmeyer) that you are proud of?

Yes – see above.

Where have you gotten lost on purpose?

Venice – I made a point of doing it almost every day for the month I was there.

What advice would you give to your ten-year-old self?

Enjoy your lack of responsibility while it lasts…

What’s your biggest regret?

Not having seen a Phish or Grateful Dead concert.

When was your best day ever?

Heli-skiing in Whistler, B.C. in knee-deep powder with diamond-blue skies.

What is a work-related book you'd recommend?

"Turn the Ship Around!" by L. David Marquet

What was your first job?

Working at a gourmet cookie store in downtown Montreal in a chef uniform and hat

What's your favorite TV show right now?

Better Call Saul – even better than Breaking Bad!