architect
Last night we attended the Excellence in Construction and Real Estate Awards, hosted by CityBusiness. The event celebrated Campo Architects President John T. Campo Jr.and other honorees at the New Orleans Museum of Art.
The award recognizes professionals who have created a positive impact in the New Orleans area under various professional categories. Congratulations to all the winners!
At Campo Architects, we have some outstanding employees on our team. Each month, we’ll be turning the spotlight on one of our team members responsible for bringing our designs to life. Get to know Job Captain, Katherine Mason.
1. What is your favorite part of the design process?
Schematic Design. I love the challenge of creating a conceptual design with spacial relationships that begin to respond to the client's program and goals.
2. Describe your job in three words.
Complex problem solving.
3. What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?
I've always enjoyed art and design, and have been inspired by the built environment around me since I was young. My father is an architect, and I used to spend evenings at a miniature drafting table next to his.
4. If you had to choose one last meal, what would it be?
Pasta! (and a bottle of wine, of course).
5. What would people never guess you do in your role?
I have currently been coordinating structural and electrical requirements for a Seismosaurus installation (that's a very large dinosaur...).
6. Where do you spend your free time?
I recently bought a house, so I have been spending my weekends doing minor renovations and yard work.
At Campo Architects, we have some outstanding employees on our team. Each month, we’ll be turning the spotlight on one of our team members responsible for bringing our designs to life. Get to know Job Captain, Sergio Gonzalez.
1. What is your favorite part about your job?
Having the opportunity to modify habitats for people - hopefully for the better. I also enjoy developing a skill that allows me to envision a space or a series of interconnected spaces to fit the needs of people. Executing a vision where there was nothing, or where there was a different function is very cool and rewarding.
2. Who influenced your decision to pursue a career in architecture?
My dad. Even though he’s not an architect, as a child he would he show me drawings of a small apartment that he was intending to build. I remember seeing these drawings with top-side views of where things were going to be built where there was nothing and I found it fascinating.
3. What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
Air. Jokes aside, I can’t choose just one. I really enjoy picnics, bicycling, and parks - all with my family. If I had to be specific, it would be outdoor family time.
4. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Having fully renovated a 100 year old single shotgun house with the majority of the work done by me, my wife and friends. The house is small, but every square inch is crafted to fit our needs.
5. How do you think architecture will change in the future?
I think architecture will become more manufactured, more modular. This will likely help produce living units at a faster pace to meet a growing demand, while reducing the astronomical costs that the current generation of young adults is currently facing. I also believe that the upcoming population is falling out of love with big houses, so this will probably translate to living units with more functionality, coupled with a reduced footprint. After all, what’s better than spending some outdoor time with family and friends, rather than cleaning a bunch rooms that no one ever uses?
6. What is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
In an urban setting: Cartagena, Colombia. I fell in love with the extremely colorful Spanish colonial architecture of the historic downtown, and how it still feels authentic (from a community standpoint, people living/studying/working there), despite being an immense touristic attraction itself. In a natural setting: the Andes in Mendoza, Argentina. While traversing the Andes on the road between Argentina and Chile, the views are just incredible, and millions of years in the making! It’s easy to pull the car over and wander off to explore a hill or a stream and sit on a rock to absorb the peace and quiet. It’s a great way to decompress and disconnect.
Congratulations to Mary Gilmore, AIA NCIDQ for receiving the Emerging Professional Award at the AIA Louisiana 75th Annual Anniversary Gala last night.
The award, presented by AIA Louisiana, recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession in an early stage of their architectural career.
