April is National Architecture Month and World Landscape Architecture Month, a time to celebrate the spaces that shape our world and the creative minds who bring them to life. At Michael Baker International, our Architecture portfolio spans more than 80 years and our team provides creative technical ability, visionary design and collaborative integration to solve our clients’ challenges.
Today on the blog, get to know some of the talented architects who Make a Difference for our company, our clients and our communities.
Robert Andrews
Design Associate – Architecture
Phoenix, Arizona
Michael Baker: What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?
Robert Andrews: I have a strong desire to create the physical spaces we inhabit and combine it with the technology that will move us forward.
Michael Baker: How does your work in architecture Make a Difference for our clients and the communities we serve?
Robert Andrews: We are creating new and exciting ways to render, model and showcase our work to clients, including VR services that are sure to impact the design community in the upcoming years. We also have a very collaborative nature in which everyone is in it to win it, which as a younger professional in the field, is encouraging.
Rebecca Schwartz, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CQM-C
Department Manager – Architecture
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Michael Baker: What makes your work challenging and exciting?
Rebecca Schwartz: The variety of projects and their locations throughout the world. We almost never do the same project twice, so every day is a new challenge.
Michael Baker: How does your work in architecture Make a Difference for our clients and the communities we serve?
Rebecca Schwartz: Our biggest client in our office is the Federal government. The opportunity to support the Armed Services and those that protect our country is extremely awarding. We are able to provide great design throughout the world while also meeting the demands of our clients.
Steven Reardon, R.A., AIA
Architect
Boston, Massachusetts
Michael Baker: What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?
Steven Reardon: I wanted a career that requires thinking in multiple dimensions (physical, social, financial, etc.) and scales (scaled drawings, social impact, etc.). Architecture can be anything from detailing a window to considering the social impact of a building on a neighborhood.
Michael Baker: How do you anticipate the architecture industry evolving in the next 5-10 years?
Steven Reardon: Increased use of generative design with the integration of artificial intelligence. Designing for deconstruction, reconstruction and recycling buildings will hopefully become part of the design discussion.
Ariana Pimentel
Design Associate
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Michael Baker: What makes your work challenging and exciting?
Ariana Pimentel: Every day there is something new to learn, whether it is related to the building code, new technology or a creative design idea from a coworker. I remain energized by having so many avenues through which I can grow as a professional.
Michael Baker: What advice do you have for new professionals in the industry?
Ariana Pimentel: Step out of your comfort zone and stay up to date with technological and software innovations in the field. Never be complacent and understand that sometimes you will need to take risks in order to grow.
John Fennell, P.L.A., LEED Green Associate, ENV SP
Department Manager – Planning and Urban Design
Alexandria, Virginia
Michael Baker: What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?
John Fennell: I was inspired to pursue my career in landscape architecture because of a dual interest in architecture—how things come together to create something special—and a love for nature and gardening. I was fortunate that my father knew of the profession and encouraged me explore it. I was drawn to all aspects of landscape architecture, including spatial thinking and problem solving, the challenge of working with systems that are alive and inert, and the collaboration with clients and stakeholders. Ultimately, I love to see a concept go from rough sketch, to full construction drawings, to built work.
Michael Baker: What makes your work challenging and exciting?
John Fennell: Our landscape architecture work at Michael Baker is both challenging and exciting because we work in many different locations and contexts worldwide, which requires that we take the time to research and understand a variety of climatic conditions. In addition, we work with federal, state and local municipal clients who all have unique needs, requirements and standards. Working with a wide variety of clients has honed our ability to quickly and efficiently determine priority needs and incorporate them into our designs so that our clients' vision can become reality.
