What initially drew you to Triad Architects?
I previously worked at a larger firm and wanted to work at a smaller firm to gain a different experience and perspective on the profession. Additionally, I was drawn to K-12 as a project type because the years a child spends in schools are so formative in their life, and it feels like an honor to be a part of that in designing space for them to learn and socialize in. Triad seemed to be a close-knit team that checked all these boxes, and the rest is history.
What do you think sets Triad Architects apart from other firms in the industry?
I feel that Triad understands that any scale of project can positively impact a community. We celebrate all projects and approach them with the same care and attention as any other.
What trends in architecture and design excite you the most right now?
I’m very interested in neurodivergent/inclusive design and hope it is not a trend but rather a realization that the spaces we create have profound effects on our lives. People are realizing that disability is such a broad collection of experiences and accessibility goes far beyond elevators and ramps.
How did you develop your interest in architecture and design?
I grew up with a physical disability, so I experienced the built environment around me differently than my peers. I was (and still am) intensely focused on small details around me: the railings I held on to, the texture of the floor I would walk on, the location of the nearest elevator. Architecture was an outlet for me to think through all these details and design accessible but still beautiful spaces that not only improve the lives of those with disabilities, but the lives of everyone.
How do you see the architecture and design industry evolving in the next few years?
I expect there to be a lot of adaptive reuse opportunities. People love to see something old revitalized into something new and exciting, but also something that preserves the history of the building. The shift to remote work from the COVID-19 pandemic left us with many vacant spaces, and I foresee many of these spaces getting renovated rather than constructing new buildings, which is great! Architects and designers are well suited to getting this done and as the saying goes, “The most sustainable building is the one that is already built.”
What is your favorite architectural style or building, and why?
This is a controversial take, but I love Brutalism! The monumental quality of these buildings makes them feel so sculptural, beautiful, and permanent. Concrete as a building material is so versatile and can give each building a unique feel through different construction methods or textures.
WRITTEN BY AARON STANT
