Leadership

WHAT EXCITES OR INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Architecture is a wonderful mix of art, math, and science. The variety and problem solving keeps me on my feet.

IF YOU COULD BUILD ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would build a house on stilts. I have always fantasized about a small home that would be significantly elevated above grade, hidden in a forest. 

WHAT's something you absolutely cannot do?

I can't roll my "r's"! It is a good thing I speak English, because I would sound like a fool trying to speak any language that require that skill. 

If you could build anything, what would it be?

I would build an elaborate backyard lazy river.

What would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

If I weren’t in this field, I would establish and run a youth soccer organization.

If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

I would trade places with Gaston Tong Sang, the mayor of Bora Bora.

What excites or inspires you about your work?

I am inspired to help shape the built environment around us and the everyday places that people live, work, and play. 

What would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

 I would truly enjoy being a City Planner for a small walkable town with history and charm.

If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

I would trade places with a 4 year old. It would be exhilarating to wake up each day with nothing on my to-do list but to play, ask 1,000 questions just for the sake of curiosity, take an afternoon nap, and make new friends.

WHAT'S SOMETHING NONE OF YOUR COWORKERS KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Never in my life have I ever had a cavity...knock on wood! 

WHAT'S YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF DESIGNING OR PLANNING?

As a child I would always be playing with Lincoln Logs and Legos, and I would build houses and other buildings. I loved to create cities on my grandparent's kitchen floor out of masking tape, and I would drive little cars around my 'city'.

IF YOU COULD BUILD ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would love to design and build a beautiful lake home.

If you could relive any moment from your life, what would it be?

I traveled abroad to Japan, China, and Thailand while in college. Reliving that experience would be incredible, but in particular I would love to go back to the time I brought a football to play catch while on the Great Wall of China. 

IF YOU COULD BUILD ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I really enjoy projects with high-energy equipment, so it would be fun to work on a new-generation nuclear power plant, not those older designs that tend to fail with bad results.

WHAT would you be doing if you weren't an architect?

I'm a science geek, so I would probably be doing something like working for the Weather Channel! 

What's your first memory of designing or planning?

Lego’s, Lego’s, Lego’s. Even as a child I was obsessed with putting things together and making my own designs.

What would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

I would love to design and operate a great bistro/bar.  Food and drink are such an important part of cultures around the world, and it could be a great creative outlet. 

If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

My wife, so I could see if I’m really as awesome as I think I am! 

WHAT'S SOMETHING you absolutely cannot do?

Whistle or snap my fingers. I've been trying since I was a kid and I just don't get it! 

WHAT'S YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF DESIGNING OR PLANNING?

As a kid, instead of raking leaves into piles, my friends and I would rake them into life-size floor plans of our dream homes and play house. These included leaf beds, indoor leaf swimming pools, gourmet leaf kitchens, and leaf moats with restricted access. 

IF YOU COULD BUILD ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would design a giant treehouse with trap doors, a slide, an eagles nest, and a library overlooking an awesome view. Having my own little get-away like that has always fed my imagination, and I would probably spend more time in it than my kid would. I love the outdoors as much as I love playful design.  

If you could build anything, what would it be?

Rather than build something, I would love to design a high-end yacht. The first Interior Designer I ever met designed yachts and that definitely left an impression!

What's your first memory of designing or planning?

I used to draw layouts of dream homes in chalk on my driveway growing up. At that age, my main focus was creating an amazing playroom, backyard, and bedroom. My best friend and neighbor growing up would draw these houses with me as well, and now he is an architect.

What would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

If I weren’t an interior designer, I would want to be an editor for a fashion magazine.

What's something none of your coworkers know about you?

During my college summers, I was a swimming instructor for toddlers. It was very fulfilling and a ton of fun.

What's your first memory of designing or planning?

My first memory of designing and planning would be playing with Legos and building forts in the living room as a kid.

If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

A blind individual, so I could experience my surroundings in a different way. This experience would provide me with insight on how to improve the way spaces are designed to accommodate the needs of others.

What excites or inspires you about your work?

Working with clients to devise a vision for their environments, then developing concepts in form and finish on paper. The amazing part is seeing it all come to life!

What's your first memory of designing or planning?

I tried to add a custom mural to my bedroom as a child. All crayons disappeared from our home but my parents then found scribbles in pen and pencil on the edges of all the doors in our farmhouse.

If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

I think I would be Queen Elizabeth, but only for a day. A day isn’t enough to accomplish much so I’d be the Queen. I’d spend the day in the palace having tea, riding in her carriage and just having a rich, fabulous, nonchalant day.

What's something none of your coworkers know about you?

I spent a year backpacking around Europe and Northern Africa when I was 18.

If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

I would trade places with the Dalai Lama.

What's something you absolutely cannot do?

Back up an 18 wheeler! 

If you could build anything, what would it be?

I would like to build a tree house in the Redwood forest in California. The tree house would have a tower for sky watching.

What would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

I would be a forester.

What's something you absolutely cannot do?

I cannot sing.

WHAT EXCITES OR INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I really enjoy making a positive impact in the work environment and providing influence and guidance in helping employees succeed in their jobs.

What's something none of your coworkers know about you?

I am a Green Bay Packer fan!

If you could relive any moment from your life, what would it be?

My wedding day. It was a beautiful day and my husband surprised me with a horse and buggy ride to the reception.

What would you be doing if you weren't an architectural designer?

I would love to be either a Board Game Developer crafting strategic and exciting masterpieces, or a National Geographic Photographer roaming the hidden gems of the world!

WHAT EXCITES OR INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Witnessing the delights of clients experiencing a unique and custom space for the first time is always exciting. I am continually inspired by projects that encompass both symbolic and beautiful architecture with dynamic shadows and light - it truly enchants me!

WHAT'S SOMETHING you absolutely cannot do?

I am unable to frown during an Abbot and Costello film!

What excites or inspires you about your work?

Working in the architecture field is a rewarding profession.  There’s nothing better than walking into a building that you’ve spent many hours working on and seeing it all come together into a final finished product that others get to enjoy!

What's your first memory of designing or planning?

I have childhood memories of visiting my dad at his work where he was a project estimator for a drywall company. He would show me the different projects he was working on, and I would sit with him in his office and draw my own floor plans of my ‘dream house’ using his drafting table.

If you could relive any moment from your life, what would it be?

I would relive my college years at North Dakota State University!  I have so many memories of late nights at the studio with my classmates and friends, building models, ordering pizza at 2 in the morning, and playing our favorite music throughout the studio while finishing up our projects.

WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IF YOU WEREN'T AN ARCHITECT? 
I enjoy wakeboarding, photography and playing guitar! Although I enjoy these things, I am actually not good enough for people to line up and pay me for those services, so it's probably best that I am an architect. 

WHAT'S SOMETHING NONE OF YOUR COWORKERS KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I almost died in the ocean trying to impress my wife on my honeymoon.

WHAT EXCITES OR INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK?
The field of architecture requires a vast spectrum of skills, knowledge, and talents. From building science to building relationships, from the art of the pen to the art of observation and from problem solving to technical implementation; I think it's the spectrum itself that excites me. I’m inspired by the idea of the renaissance architect who disciplines him or herself to provide a well-rounded value to each and every client!  

What would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

I really enjoy the outdoors, so I think I would become a Forest Ranger in Alaska.

What's something you absolutely cannot do?

I believe that I can do anything as long as you put my mind to it, except for licking my elbow!

Favorite quote?

“If you don’t learn from your mistakes, there’s no sense in making them” – Harvey Mackay

If you could build anything, what would it be?

A tree house in the huge willow tree in my backyard – complete with multiple levels connected by rope bridges!

What's your first memory of designing or planning?

Almost monthly rearranging my bedroom when I was in grade school. For a short amount of time, I had taken my doors off my closet and stuck the head of my bed in it. I had built shelves along the side and added curtains to the doorframe to close it off.

What's something you absolutely cannot do?

Sadly, I absolutely cannot do a cartwheel!

what would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

I would be a travel blogger who gets to share all of the amazing beauties of the planet earth. I would be submerged into the culture and natural wonders of different places, without boundaries or time-limits - because it would be my job! 

favorite quote?

"Happiness can exist only in acceptance." - George Orwell

if you could build anything, what would it be?

I would build an AI (Artificial Intelligence) so that I could command the AI and do all of my work from a lawn chair with a cold beer! 

WHAT'S SOMETHING NONE OF YOUR COWORKERS KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I took a rock climbing class in college, and one of my long term goals is to conquer my fear of heights and rock climb in the north shore.

IF YOU COULD TRADE PLACES WITH ANYONE FOR A DAY, WHO WOULD IT BE?

I would love to experience a day in the life of Grace Coddington, former Creative Director of Vogue Magazine. I admire her free-spirited personality!

WHAT EXCITES OR INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I love that no two projects are alike. It’s exciting to see the progression of a design and see everyone’s ideas come together to form something unique.

What excites or inspires you about your work?

Call me crazy, but I really love the time just before a project is issued. Although it can be stressful, seeing the days, weeks, months (years!) of work we’ve put in with our clients come together is so rewarding. I’m also very deadline driven and do some of my best work during crunch time!

What's your first memory of designing or planning?

Looking back, most of my childhood play focused around design and planning spaces). From elaborate multi-room forts that filled the basement of our home to LEGO neighborhoods, home-made Barbie mansions and virtually through computer games like The Sims, I loved creating spaces for “people”.

What's something you absolutely cannot do?

Try as I might, I absolutely cannot throw a Frisbee. Not even on the Wii…

What would you be doing if you weren't an architectural designer?

Probably become a personal chef here in the states or live somewhere in Europe and run my own restaurant.

WHAT is something none of your coworkers know about you?

I was the tallest person in my class out of both boys and girls until the 4^th grade.

if you could build anything, what would it be?

A ski-in/ski-out house. My family loves to ski, and I would love to design and decorate it exactly to my style. I’ll decide on the location if that time ever comes!

WHAT EXCITES OR INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK?

My favorite part of a project is seeing it all come together and being constructed.

WHAT'S YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF DESIGNING OR PLANNING?

When I was in fifth grade, I really wanted a desk that was separate from my classmates, so I designed a single, enclosed workstation. I even created elevations and section views, though I didn't know these terms at the time. My workstation even had an intercom system and a vase of flowers.

WHAT would you be doing if you weren't a DESIGNER?

I would be an actress, a writer, or an artist.

If you could relive any moment from your life, what would it be?

I would go back to when I got my first bicycle.  Back then, I could go anywhere that my little legs would take me.

What would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

If I weren’t in this field, I would be building custom wood furniture.

What's something you absolutely cannot do?

As hard as I may try, I cannot lick my elbow, even if it has a little of my favorite barbeque sauce on it.

WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IF YOU WEREN'T AN ARCHITECT OR INTERIOR DESIGNER?

Being an architectural designer has been my dream since I was a child, so if I wasn't currently one I would be working towards becoming one!

IF YOU COULD BUILD ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would like to build new cities on other planets. It would be such an exciting adventure: new technology, new materials, and a totally new life system for the people!

WHAT EXCITES OR INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK?

The people I work with! They completely dive into their work, and they love the projects and new ideas. Every new day comes with new goals and achievements to work towards. 

What's something none of your coworkers know about you?

I had a pet mouse named Cella in grad school at the University of Minnesota in a bird cage in studio.  She went back and forth to class with me every day, and judged our models inside and out. 

What would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

FBI. High security levels run in the family.

If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

I would trade places with Ralph Lauren, but only to be out at the Montana ranch designing evening wear, cowboy boots and outhouses.

What excites or inspires you about your work?

I enjoy the problem solving nature of the work. Working within each project’s set of parameters (site, scope, budget, etc.) to address the needs of our clients is really rewarding.  We create spaces that improve the lives and experiences of those who use the buildings.

What's your first memory of designing or planning?

In high school my Dad would bring me open office plans and ask me to draw in cubes, offices, bathrooms, break rooms etc. to see if a space was feasible.  I suppose it saved him from paying an architect if a space didn’t work. Now I am the guy trying to get paid.

What would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

I would probably be a mechanic. I enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together, and figuring out how it works and why it broke. I am usually fixing something on my car as it is.  Plus, who doesn’t like buying new tools?

If you could relive any moment from your life, what would it be?

I would love to go back and backpack Eastern Europe for 4 weeks. I took an architectural study tour there at the end of my undergraduate studies.

What would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

I would most likely be in education. I love sharing things that I am passionate about with other people. 

What's something you absolutely cannot do?

I cannot beat my wife in a board game. Seriously, she’s too good. 

What excites or inspires you about your work?

The fun, unique personalities at MH are inspiring; we are an eclectic, talented staff that clearly loves what we’re doing and the people we are working with!

What's something none of your coworkers know about you?

One of my passions is music.  I play the piano and am currently learning the mandolin.

If you could relive any moment from your life, what would it be?

The day my kids, Lizz and AJ were born—they have been the greatest blessings in our lives!

What excites or inspires you about your work?

The people. Clients, coworkers – all. I work hard to turn our services into good relationships. It’s a great feeling when a client sees the hard work & understands the great value it brings to their workforce – their people, through the environment we’ve developed as a complete team.

What's something none of your coworkers know about you?

Nothing. I tend to tell everyone too much – it’s all out there. Most of my coworkers have heard all my stories too many times…

If you could build anything, what would it be?

A very deluxe croquet set;  maybe with ash handles, bubinga mallet heads, some minimal rich color details. Real nice. I love those backyard leisure games….

What excites or inspires you about your work?

I am inspired to work collaboratively alongside a team of coworkers, consultants, clients, and contractors.

If you could build anything, what would it be?

I would like to design and build a lake home.

If you could relive any moment from your life, what would it be?

I would like to relive the birth of our first child. My wife’s labor went all the way through the night until morning, and the event seems a little foggier than you would expect of such an epic moment.

WHAT would you be doing if you weren't an architect?

I would be restoring classic wooden watercraft. I think their craftsmanship and uniqueness are like works of art, not to mention they make a statement on the lake!

what's something you absolutely cannot do?

I can't eat any form of seafood, even though I love to fish.

WHAT EXCITES OR INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I enjoy becoming partners with clients and providing them a focused and committed service.  I like managing all aspects of the project, from the initial design all the way to construction completion.  I work hard and am passionate about making the firm's impact go beyond a building - it takes more than bricks and mortar to build a lasting relationship with client.

What excites or inspires you about your work?

Creating a space that people interact with on a daily basis is very exciting for me. Design should become part of the user’s experience and should enhance that experience. We live in a built environment and I strive to contribute to that in a positive way. I once had a client tell me she wanted “a castle on the moon…on a shoestring budget.”  After many design iterations and conversations, we arrived at a final design beyond what either of us had even imagined. When construction began she thanked me for listening to her needs/desires, and for creating something her and her organization can be proud of. That was the greatest moment of my professional career and I hope I can make every client feel that way.

What's your first memory of designing or planning?

I was always drawn to building, creating, and inventing. I would spend hours turning tubs of LEGOs and stacks of construction paper into full-blown towns.

if you could build anything, what would it be?

A boat house with a glass floor, skylights to see the stars at night, and of course multiple water slides.

What excites or inspires you about your work?

 I love the collaboration of all of the thoughts and ideas of each person on the project team that goes into designing a space.  The sharing of knowledge that is needed to create a space to best suit the end user is very rewarding.  It is so incredible to begin a project with client’s ideas of what they like and how they work and share the knowledge I have gained over the years, and then begin creating a new space to accommodate those needs and to finally be able to walk into the completed space that is unique to that group of people. I guess in the end it is the thoughts and dreams of people expressed in the built environment that inspires me.

What's your first memory of designing or planning?

 In junior high I began designing and building custom furniture with my father.  It was a great hobby to share with him.  I still use many of those lessons today.

What would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

I would be retired.  I love what I do for a living and cannot imagine doing anything else.  I have been very lucky in life to have my work and my passions align so well.

WHAT'S SOMETHING you absolutely cannot do?

I cannot whistle. I've tried and tried, but no matter how hard I practice, it's a skill that is beyond my abilities. 

What's your first memory of designing or planning?

I remember I would always rearrange my room as a kid, trying to maximize the small amount of space I had! I think my favorite memory, though, is the tree fort I built in the woods behind my house with some neighbor kids. We would pack food and have picnics up in the tree and just enjoy the outdoors. I can't say it was very elaborate or structurally sound, but it was up to our neighborhood kids' "code"! 

WHAT EXCITES OR INSPIRES YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK?

The impact my job has on others is what I find most exciting about my work. Being a designer gives me the opportunity to improve how people live their lives by designing spaces that maximize work efficiency, promote healthier lifestyles, and present aesthetically pleasing, comfortable environments to be in.

What excites or inspires you about your work?

Problem solving – that is really what this profession is about.  The client has a problem, needs space or a building, and we develop the solution.  Seeing creativity and collaboration come together to develop good solutions for our clients makes me want to do it again, only better.

If you could relive any moment from your life, what would it be?

I’d relive my wedding day.  It went by so fast and I feel like I missed some of it because of how emotionally overwhelmed I was after my bride sang to me right at the beginning.

What would you be doing if you weren't an architect or interior designer?

I think I’d make a good cop or special agent, or maybe a carpenter.

What excites or inspires you about your work?

I love problem solving! I was the guy who liked the word problems in math class.

If you could build anything, what would it be?

I suppose like many people, I would like to build a new house. I am going to build a new outhouse at the cabin next year, so that’s pretty good too.

What’s your first memory of designing or planning?

I designed fishing rod holders that we are still using 40 years later

What excites or inspires you about your work?

No two days at work are ever the same!  I enjoy the variety of projects that I get to work on and the people I work with.

If you could relive any moment from your life, what would it be?

I would relive both of my kid’s first birthdays. It was such a busy time in our lives and I feel like we weren’t truly able to enjoy the events.  I’d like to do it over so that I could really take in all of the special details and moments.

What's something you absolutely cannot do?

I could never remove a dead mouse from a trap! Don’t get me wrong – I’m glad to have caught him, but the whole trap goes, mouse and all!  YUK!

What is something you absolutely cannot do?

Give up caffeine! With four young kids and a tendency to try and squeeze every minute out of every day, caffeine is a necessity. My favorite drink: The Double Depth Charge! 

What excites or inspires you about your work?

I love what I do, and when you are surrounded by coworkers and clients that share the same passion, the process is just as rewarding as the final outcome.

What's Something none of your coworkers know about you?

Answering this sort of negates the question, but, probably how I'm both a night owl and an early bird. I stay up late at night, and am up bright and early for my 4:45am Spin Class, hence my previously stated need for caffeine! 

WHAT would you be doing if you weren't an architect?

I would be an academic geologist. I would love to teach and travel around the country, studying how the landscape was created. I would get to hike, mountaineer, rock climb, camp - and it'd all be for work! 

IF YOU COULD BUILD ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would build a museum exhibition. I like the story-telling and interaction between a museum, patron, and the exhibit. I once went into an exhibition that was designed by an architect. It was in a room off of an old courtyard at the Prague Castle. The whole exhibit gave me the chills, and I would love to create an experience like that for someone else. 

WHAT'S SOMETHING NONE OF YOUR COWORKERS KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I have held a one-day-old tiger cub. His eyes were still closed, and he needed to be kept warm while the cage was being cleaned. I had the tiny cub tucked in my jacket for warmth, while my friend had his sister in her jacket.