World Architecture Day 2023
October 2, 2023
Robert Davidson, FALA, AIA, CDT, LEED AP
Title: Sr. Architectural Department Manager
How many years have you been working in the architectural field?
38 Years
What inspired you to start a career in the architectural industry?
I always had a knack for building and taking things apart to see how they go together. Working at my uncles Ace Hardware / Industrial Supply exposed me to so many facets of construction.
What do you like best about your career in architecture?
Every project is different encouraging me to use what I learned on the last one. Unlike engineering which may focus on a specific task, an Architect pulls it all together to harmonize the projects to be Buidling Code Compliant and solving form to follow the function.
What do you find most challenging about your career in architecture?
One of the many challenges is Hazardous Occupancies where an owner needs to use more than the MAQ (Maximum Allowable Quantity) allowed by the IBC and NFPA in their operations. This forces the challenge in what we do on a daily basis. For more of a fun challenge I embrace what it takes to maintain Continuing Education to manage the 41 Licenses to practice Architecture.
Matt Bedee, RA
Title: Architectural Discipline Manager
How many years have you been working in the architectural field?
25+ Years
What inspired you to start a career in the architectural industry?
I enjoyed Legos growing up and building forts in the woods. My dad suggested Architecture as a possible career and I was lucky to meet one of the most renowned Architects, Robert Martin FAIA, in Toledo, OH my senior year of high school. He took me under his wing and help answer questions I had about the profession without ever inserting his ego into the discussion. That impressed me then and then again during my college years when we visited several renowned Chicago Architectural firms that included SOM, Stanley Tigerman, Perkins & Will, and Kreuck & Sexton.
What do you like best about your career in architecture?
Getting to see how things are made in the Industrial Facilities that we design. Food Production Facilities sometimes follow the "Ignorance is bliss" philosophy, but as one client put it, "Is your kitchen clean after cooking Thanksgiving dinner?" That put it into perspective for me and he also went on to explain that after an 8hr production shift, there is a 4hr cleaning shift preparing for the next 8hr production shift. I also took pride in several large projects early in my career that reshaped whole communities due to the thousands of jobs that were created w/ the large assembly plants there were built in areas that needed a large employer to raise the income levels.
What do you like best about your career in architecture?
College is a weedout process, but after college the license exams were some of the most challenging times. Once I was licensed, it was developing the confidence in myself to lead projects with the great mentors that I have had throughout my career. Now I am getting to the point in my career that I need to be a mentor to the younger Architectural staff. I hope that I can pass on what I have learned and how I learned it to the younger Architectural staff. My mentors never gave me the answers and that has forced me to try to find the answer on my own, but after 3 tries I still will look for assistance if I am unable to figure out a solution. Still to this day, Building Codes/Standards are a challenge because industrial buildings require some interpretation of the code each time, especially when working with existing buildings.
Tyler Baird
Title: Designer
How many years have you been working in the architectural field?
1 Year
What inspired you to start a career in the architectural industry?
I enjoy design and want to leave a positive impact on the built environment.
What do you like best about your career in architecture?
The unique challenges designing a building presents.
What do you find most challenging about your career in architecture?
Staying familiar with all the building regulations.
Emil Mastandrea, RA
Title: Staff Architect
How many years have you been working in the architectural field?
45+ Years
What inspired you to start a career in the architectural industry?
My father was an architect and I followed in his footsteps.
What do you like best about your career in architecture?
Every project is different; the buildings, the clients, the programs, the contractors, and the products that are specified.
What do you find most challenging about your career in architecture?
Keeping updated on the most current products and materials.
John Beskin
Title: Designer
How many years have you been working in the architectural field?
4 Years
What inspired you to start a career in the architectural industry?
Architectural combines so many of my interests and skills, such as design, science, creativity, and problem solving.
What do you like best about your career in architecture?
I enjoy the non-stop problem solving required to get the job done. I like finding elegant solutions to complex problems: solutions that solve multiple problems at once, and look so natural and intuitive that you can't imagine it being done any other way.
What do you find most challenging about your career in architecture?
It is an incredibly complex field, and there is always more to learn. Thankfully that keeps it fresh and exciting, and I enjoy constantly learning and growing as a professional.