Building positive experiences for communities

The legacy I hope to create for the industry and our communities is one that makes the world a better place to live in. For us as a group in the Visualization Studio, one of the ways we contribute to a better world is by helping to communicate projects that impact people’s lives in a very direct way.

We work on all kinds of projects including architecture, transportation, water, energy and education. What continuously inspires me is that these projects directly impact local communities in incredibly positive ways. Our team helps to communicate how we help to build that better world for the people who live there.

Before I joined ArchTam, I was a college professor and two of my former students happen to be on my team. For me personally, one of my proudest moments has been seeing them succeed. My definition of success includes every time we help to win work, communicate a project impact effectively or someone

We take design, engineering and architecture and bring them to life. In 2017, we created virtual reality visualizations of a proposed rebuilding of Five Points Plaza in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s a historic neighborhood, and the community was very concerned about what it would look like. We provided VR headsets for the public meetings to review the proposed designs, and the community members – from the youngest to the oldest – enthusiastically engaged with our plans. We were blown away by the effectiveness of the connection that we were able to facilitate! That was a proud moment.

Innovating in a changing landscape

In 2020, it seems as though everything has changed. We’re in an unknown territory, but one thing that is certain is that infrastructure will be a critical part of how we return to normalcy. I see what we do in the Visualization Studio as being a critical part of how we connect the plans for building a better world with those who we are building it for.

In these days of social distancing, we’re finding that some of the most impactful things we can offer are the virtual consultation tools and public meeting rooms. These allow for our stakeholders to visit virtual community centers and gathering places in 3D rooms over the web. There they can view documents, watch slideshows and videos, live chat, leave messages, share information and even experience virtual reality scenes of proposed designs – all remotely from their own homes and mobile devices. It’s proving to be a great way to staying connected to the people who really matter in our work – our communities.

Advancing in STEM with Humanities

I would say, to anyone wanting to move forward in the world ahead of us that science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) have never been more important, but so is our ability to connect with and understand the needs of our fellow human beings. Develop your sense of empathy and your communication abilities as much as your understanding of the hard facts of the world around you.

STEM cannot exist or thrive without the humanities. The things we build help make the world a better place only if we remember — and hear — the people we are building for.

Embracing new possibilities

My career as a designer began designing for theater. I have a bachelor’s degree in English and I studied creative writing at the University of Iowa. After graduation, I started designing and working in theater, where I met my wife, a modern dance choreographer. I later earned my Master of Fine Arts in interactive media design.

I have a theatre production company and I still design for it, although not as frequently as I once did. My role in the company is to design everything — set, light, sound, projection — and I’m now starting to design in VR and come up with ideas for performance pieces in that.

So, my next piece of advice is to stay flexible and adaptable. I’ve been lucky enough to have a career that has spanned pencils to VR for our work. Understanding and engaging with the changing flow of the world around us is key to surviving and thriving. Always stay open to new ideas.

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I am the vice president of creative services with ArchTam’s Construction Management business, overseeing all creative design projects, translating marketing objectives into creative strategies, and advancing the firm’s brand identity. I lead and direct a team of designers and production artists in the development of high-profile proposals, presentations and marketing materials.

Finding my inspiration

I was born in Paris, France, and as a teenager, was really into American culture. I loved the automobile industry, especially the cars from the 50s to the 70s. I loved the seaside motels and their architecture.

I remember enjoying the film title sequences designed by Saul Bass. He designed all the great credits for Hitchcock and Kubrick movies. That was my inspiration.

Opening up a world of opportunities

My first experience in construction was when I was hired as a production artist by Lehrer McGovern Bovis. I just could not believe the projects that were landing on my desk. It was the renovation of The Statue of Liberty, the renovation of Grand Central Station, Canary Wharf in London. It was just this opportunity that opened, and I was right in the midst of new building and old building construction. And then I could walk in the street and see that building being built, in the process of being built.

My purpose and passion

To be able to participate in the building of next generation of skylines, of vertical towers — in this country, as an immigrant, it’s a real honor and an amazing privilege.

An everlasting legacy for the community

Whether people realize it or not, ArchTam’s work is embedded in the fabric of New York City. I think the most impactful project for me is our work at the World Trade Center. For many New Yorkers the Twin Towers didn’t just dominate the skyline, they were the skyline, which was part of why their absence was felt so viscerally. The new World Trade Center is perfectly fitted for the community. The vertical towers standing tall is a visual representation of our rebound as a nation; we get our freedom of movement back with the Transportation Hub; and a calming oasis for reflection at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza and Liberty Park.

Lessons for new graphic designers

First, fall in love with a range of great designers. You need to study the classics and pay attention. Design is everywhere — Paul Rand’s collection of visual identities, Charlotte Perriand and Ray Eames’ furniture, Milton Glaser’s “I love NY” ad campaign, even album covers like Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. This is your framework, recognizing what works.

Then you can move on to architects, builders, and their iconic creations — the Sheats Golden Stein residence, the Shard, the United Nations Headquarters, the Gateway Arch, the Sidney Opera House and so many more! Challenge yourself to ask questions and find the answers. Why was it designed this way? What were the solutions to obstacles and challenges? Observe the details, like the Chrysler Building’s sunburst pattern of the stainless-steel cladding.

With love comes curiosity, research, knowledge and understanding. Graphic design is an integral tool in successful marketing departments. The craft of creating visual content to communicate is like learning a new language. Stay open-minded, listen to unexpected sources, accept criticism and directions to improve your work, be patient to let ideas develop, try new technology, never stop learning and enjoy the problem solving!

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