builder and was a project manager for the State of Idaho Division of Public Works and a medium-sized architectural firm. The relationships I developed working for a diversity of entities provided me with my first clients. How has your career evolved over the years? I have always tried to use technology to stay ahead of the curve. When I initially started the firm, a conscious decision was made to use computer software and hardware — so all of our staff had to be computer literate. We were one of the first firms in Idaho to have a webpage. Our firm was one of the first to embrace sustainability in our designs, and our office, in 2004, was one of the first privately funded, sustainably designed and built projects. What career accomplishment are you proudest of? I am most proud that, as I go into retirement, the firm will continue to grow and flourish. I have been lucky to find individuals who are committed to the same philosophy that I based the firm on. Our firm has always been heavily involved in community-based, nonprofit organizations. Over the years, we have provided pro bono services to the Black History Museum, Boys and Girls Clubs and Ronald McDonald House. All of these organizations are critical to our community and who we are. How do you feel about the evolution of the architectural industry during your career as an architect? When I graduated from college, we were still using a T-square and drafting on mylar or vellum sheets. Today, we are using BIMs (building information modeling) that allow us to use computer technology to build computer modeling in real time. The technology is continuing to evolve and change, including AR/VRaugmented reality/virtual reality and 3D printing. What was one of the most rewarding projects you worked on? Ahavath Beth Israel Synagogue was extremely rewarding. I was able to learn and understand about a history and culture that I wasn’t familiar with. The historic Synagogue is the oldest Jewish Synagogue West of the Mississippi and was moved up to the Boise bench and restored. We added a campus of buildings around the historic synagogue as a symbolic gesture of hands surrounding and keeping the historic synagogue safe — “in good hands.” We found a time capsule in the stone foundation during the move which included the names of the original supporters, including Levi Strauss. What do you see as the biggest challenge for Idaho architects today? Idaho architects are somewhat isolated by our geography. We need to constantly re-educate ourselves by traveling and seeking out additional education opportunities. Traveling will help expose ourselves to new methods of design, technology, materials. Education will assist in keeping architects updated on design trends, technology, materials and methods and life safety and code compliance issues. 18 AIA IDAHO ARCHITECTURE | 2023 | aiaidaho.com
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