Friday Feature: Richard L

Who are you and what do you do?
I’m an intern architect working with VIA Architecture.

What made you decide to go into your field?
Good question…was it Lego? Maybe but too cliché
Was it Howard Roarke? Nah, too much ego.
Then what was it? Okay since you really want to know…Mike Brady and the fact that he worked from home in a low rancher…

What did your family think of your chosen field?
They were alright with it. They would have preferred a profession that was easier to pronounce when it came to telling their friends what field their son was in.

Who is the teacher who had the most influence on you and why?
A professor who said in a critique, “Show me, don’t tell me or I will smite you.”

What inspires you?
1. Art
2. Community. Relating with other people who share your interests, belief systems, can be amazing. To feel that you are part of something that matters no matter how small. It encourages you to make your contributions mean something. You become more creative in the process and perhaps in the end be a better person.

What schooling is required for success in your career?
Elementary school, Secondary school, post secondary school, travel, life experiences

What is the best advice you were ever given?
A professor who said (in reference to keeping things simple) "You can’t put 10 pounds of crap into a 5 pound bag."

What advice would you give someone considering a career like yours?
Look at it as an opportunity to make the world a good place to live for everyone. Start with baby steps like in your own neighbourhood and community.