22D — September 13 - 26, 2019 — 40 Under 40 — M id A tlantic
Real Estate Journal
www.marej.com
40 U nder 40
Andrew Lewis, NK Architects Be a “yes” person. “Remain open to possibilities and situations”
ow do you contrib- ute to your company and/or the industry? I have been fortunate to have contributed to many substan- tial projects in almost every role that one can. This broad experience of the industry in a relatively short amount of time has helped me gain a wide perspective on how our company and our industry operates. Whether pursuing new project opportunities, conceptually designing new buildings, detailing intricate pieces of a project, interfacing with clients, or managing large H
teams of interrelated profes- sionals, this profession offers many different ways to contrib- ute and many different things to learn. I try to approach it all with a sense of openness, purposefulness, and respect for those involved in the process. Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about your current position and why you choose the field/ profession you are in today? I have wanted to be an archi- tect ever since I was a child. In the beginning, I was drawn to the impact on the built envi-
ronment that an architect can make. As I’ve progressed in my career, I have become equally motivated by the important impact on the users of the built environment. Getting it right for them, and improving a user or user group’s day-to-day interaction with a building is incredibly satisfying. What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most suc- cessful in your profession? I try very hard to practice empathy in all interactions. Whether dealing with clients and colleagues, or designing for users that you have not met, it is critical to consider their po- sition and unique experience. It also helps to not take negative feedback personally. You get shot down a lot in this industry, you’ve got to be able to learn from it, keep moving, and not be afraid to continue contributing. Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing this profession? I give all of the credit to my parents. My mother has a keen eye for design and always wanted to be an architect. She was not able to pursue the career but she surrounded me with inspiration, creativity, and support from a young age so that I was able to. My father is a career high school teacher; I have always admired his work ethic, his dedication to bettering the lives of others, and his ease at public speak- ing. What outside activities do you enjoy during your free time? I find myself increasingly drawn to activities that allow me to recharge and go on an introspective “autopilot” for a while (gardening, cycling, golf, reading, music). I think it is so important to find balance, particularly in a creative, people-forward industry. What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduat- ing from college today? Be a “yes” person. Remain open to possibilities and situ- ations. Meet as many people and try as many things as you can. This will help you figure out where to focus your energy later in your career so that you can be most effective and most satisfied. Finally: remember that this is a career, there will be ups and downs and you are in it for the long haul.
Andrew Lewis Associate Principal Years with company/firm: 8 Years in field: 10
“Whether pursuing new project opportunities, conceptually designing new buildings, detailing intricate pieces of a project, interfacing with clients, or managing large teams of interrelated professionals, this profession offers many different ways to contribute and many different things to learn.”
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NEW YORK NEW JERSEY PHILADELPHIA www.nkarchitects.com
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