Since establishing COLE Architects in 1995, Stan hasn’t spent much time sitting still. Over his 40 years in architecture, he has attained licensure in 13 states and his designs have won many local and regional awards. He is the past President of the Idaho Central Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and a past board member of Idaho's architectural licensing board. He has also contributed to civic organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County, Urban Land Institute, Ronald McDonald House, and BOMA. We had the chance to sit down with Stan to learn more about him and his amazing career. We enjoyed getting to know him and hope you will too. When and why did you decide to become an architect? As a child, I always dabbled with floor plans, and I grew up on a farm where I could build lavish play structures (forts). I loved art and sketching. I didn’t make the conscious effort to pursue architecture until my second year in college. Through a friend, I was introduced to an architecture student studying at Washington State University. I was fascinated with the models, drawings and the combination of technology and art. It looked like a fascinating profession. What is your favorite architectural style? Modern and/or Prairie style — design that integrates the landscape into the overall character. Did any architect, in particular, inspire you? Frank Lloyd Wright. In our fourth year of architecture school, we took a field trip to Chicago, and we toured the Frederick C. Robie House, Johnson Wax Headquarters, and the Unitarian Meeting House that Frank Lloyd Wright had designed. I have since toured and studied many of Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings, including Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, Teater’s Knoll and a traveling exhibit of Usonian home. Tell us about your university education. I attended Washington State University to obtain my Bachelor of Architecture degree. Our design studios were based on modern design influences, but not on specific architects. We were exposed to means and methods to develop functional designs based on specific program requirements. My educational experience was enhanced by doing drafting and designing for contractors during summer breaks. Who were your mentors? Upon graduation, I moved to Seattle to work. Richard Lawson of Richard Lawson Architects was my best mentor. Rich was instrumental in allowing me to gain a wellrounded architectural experience in design, project management and construction administration. It was a small architectural practice with a very hands-on approach. Tell us about your journey of starting a firm. I have always wanted to have my own firm — I envisioned the freedom to make my own destiny. My wife and I moved to Boise in 1990 when Boise was still a young, growing, small, urban area. Prior to starting my firm, I designed homes for a custom home 17
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQxMjUw