Our Exclusive ILMA Interview with Reginald Thomas
Posted: May 25, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, ILMA Interview, More FC3 | Tags: Aesthetics, African American, African-American Architect, African-American Architecture, Amazon Prime, America Has Talent, Architect, Architectural Design, Architecture Interview, Architecture School, Art, Associate, Church, College, conformitas, Construction, Construction Management, Contractor, Corporate, Creative, Creativity, Degree, Design, Designer, Diversity, Education, Entrepeneur, Equity, Exclusive, Experience, FC3, Home Design, ILMA, Innovation, interior design, Interiors, Interview, Island Architecture, Italy, Knowledge, Leader, Leadership, linkedin, Lisa Middleton, Love, management, New Construction, New Jersey, New York, NYC, NYCity, professional, Reginald Thomas, Residential, Retweet, Rome, RT, Share, South Bronx, Success, Talent, Technology, Urban, UrbanAesthetics, utilitas, venustas, Vitruvius, Wisdom 1 CommentNew York, New Jersey Reginald L. Thomas, AIA has garnered over twenty years’ experience working with a diverse group of distinguished architectural/design firms in New York City. Reginald L. Thomas Architect LLC specializes in historically based, high-end, residential projects. Recently, he has added commercial and institutional work to the firm’s diverse clientele. His work has been featured in several prestigious publications, notably The New York Times and Architectural Digest.
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ILMA INTERVIEW
When and why did you decide to become an Architect?
- I’ve wanted to be an architect since I was 10 years old. During a weekend visit to the local art store to purchase paints, a how to book on architectural rendering caught my eye. I remember thinking that the floor plans seemed magical.
- We can thank Mike Brady, of the then popular Sitcom, the Brady Bunch, for that. My first introduction to renderings and models came from watching the episodes after school and I was hooked.
- Growing up in New York City, however, I visited the Museum of Natural History and MOMA regularly. I was fascinated by the dioramas at the Museum of Natural History and the artwork at the MOMA and so at first, I dreamt of being an artist and being able to create this kind of beauty.
What were some of the challenges of achieving your dream?
- I grew up in the South Bronx, so the first challenge was of course, money. I fretted about how I was going to pay for college or even how I was going to apply to college. It was stressful to think that I would have to help my siblings after college and therefore not be able to realize my own dreams.
Any memorable clients or project highlights?
- I’ve had the pleasure of working with corporate giants, entertainment and sports celebrities as well as hard working people who are interested in living in beautiful spaces. All are special to me. Each project has its own individual story However, I have had clients that allowed me to design and build every inch of their space including the furniture. That’s amazing in today’s climate.
How does your family support what you do?
- College was a priority in my household as both my parents attended college. My dad for his Associates Degree and my mother for her Master’s in Education. , Although I did not have money I had an abundance of support for what I wanted to accomplish and an expectation that I get there.
How do Architects measure success?
- I believe versatility is a skill we all value as designers. We build projects that are beautiful as well as functional. Being able to create an aesthetically pleasing space to satisfy each of my client’s specific taste and at the same time ensuring that it functions is its own reward.
What matters most to you in design?
- Like Vitruvius conformitas, utilitas, venustas, which is harder than we think. But on a global scale, how important this component we create affects the fabric of the built environment fabric.
What do you hope to achieve over the next 2 years? 5 years?
- To grow my business using all of the experience I’ve garnered over the last 30 years in multiple jurisdictions.
- Like most artists, I also wish to push the barriers of my creativity while remaining true to the traditional and timeless nature of my designs.
Who is your favorite Architect? Why?
- Paul Rudolph for salesmanship, talent, and cultural navigation skills which were beyond belief
- Frank Lloyd for his skill, as well as his ability to convince his clients to be daring and tenacious.
- Julia Morgan for her dedication and ability when she was the only one, and her clients who recognized and rewarded her abilities.
Do you have a coach or mentor?
- Not when I went into business no. However, for development I had two Mr. Richard Dozier and Max Bond Jr.
What is your favorite historic and modern (contemporary) project? Why?
- The Great Pyramids of Giza. They are pure form, functional and beautiful. It was once written by an early 19th century explorer who catalogued the proclivity for ornamentation throughout the known world that what we are able to see of Egyptian Architecture now is this architecture represents the last 2500 of this work in decline, what left of this 5000 year old architectural culture.
- If that be the case, then how much more glorious the architectural vocabulary of this civilization must be. The elements of order including the concept of hyper style halls must be astounding. These are the elements that make an edifice “timeless.”
- Notre Dame du Haut: The building teaches the intangibles of architecture as art. How does one use light as a design element? Most people will never even notice how the intangible shapes made by light in their space let alone the effects on their psychological health.
- The Mildred B Cooper Memorial Chapel: The boundaries that identify characteristics of nature and the difference from manmade structures are so blurred I this building that it is magical. I think in this design he did make his mentor proud. It is truly great work.
Where do you see the profession going over the next few decades?
- I think we are finally reaching the point where we are accepting the fact that we are part of a global community. That means a true understanding, in real time, of the relationship and importance of urban design, architecture and interior design etc. to the human conditions.
- Our use of technology will continue to grow at a rapid pace and architects will be required to leverage their expertise to benefit the world community especially in the areas of sustainability, and resilience.
- I am most excited by the possibility of the profession as the lead, taking on the real-estate profession as developers
What type of technology do you see in the design and construction industries?
- The digital drafting board and smart drafting solutions. The stylus is back, Instant 3d models and the expansion of BIM as a tool.
- Wireless outlets
- ASCII, GPS, LiDAR technology continue to advance. Assisting historic preservation giving a vision of what was formally unseen thereby assisting design and limiting errors.
- 3d modeling, as a tool, will advance to the point that we will grow more independent of contractors and furniture designers
Who / what has been your greatest influence in design?
- The reading of a Pattern Language. The book continues to teach me to think in layers until I get to the optimum solution.
- Jean Michele Frank: The comprehensive business model that he practiced was one to be envied and to be emulated.
- My mentors Max Bond and Richard Dozier.
- New York City designers that I’ve work for like Peter Marino and Juan Montoya
Which building or project type would you like to work on that you haven’t been part of yet?
- A Place of worship on an island site
How do you hope to inspire / mentor the next generation of Architects?
- I hope to inspire the next generation through visibility. African-American descent represents a very small part of the architectural demographics.
- I hope to write treatise and guides thereby leaving a guide to others to build on.
- My suggestion always is to be assiduous; to be relentless, recognizing that this is a lifelong area of study, one that requires . “long distance runners.”
What advice would you give aspiring architects (K-12)? College students? Graduates?
- The best advice for K-12 is to engage with architects when they come in to your schools on career days. It is important as this stage to really get a clear understanding of what an architect does and the value of architects’ play in their daily lives.
- College students: Provide information and honest dialogue on expectations after graduation; how to set reasonable and attainable goals, and lastly the many ways to measure success.
- Financial guidance on how to plan for a secure retirement.
- Explain what it means to own one’s own firm.
What does Architecture mean to you?
- Architecture is life. It is the culmination of the aspirations of the human condition at different time periods.
- Architecture means being conscious of the places and spaces we occupy as humans. It’s being in the unique position of being able to effect change in the communities welive in a way that is unique to no other profession
What is your design process?
- Client interview: Do more listening than writing.
- Who or what community am I designing for.
- Identify client particulars not just in program but culturally. How does the client perceive and use space. What is the corporate or family dynamic?
- Where am I being asked to design?
- What are the constraints of the site or space?
- How do I make it function perfectly and at the same time be beautiful?
If you could not be an Architect, what would you be?
- Apart from very early on when I wanted to be an artist I have never given thought to being anything else, however, if you were to ask my father, a surgeon would have been his preference.
What is your dream project?
- One that encompasses urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture as sculpture, interior design and furniture design; the complete package in the vernacular of the local culture.
What advice do you have for future Executive leaders?
- Seek out and work with like-minded people who share your vision and whom you can trust to honestly evaluate, and counsel you. Also, do not be afraid to delegate or share responsibility giving you the time and space you need as the leader to imagine and create.
What are three key challenges you face as a leader in business today and one trend you see in your industry?
- The challenge of finding curious and willing junior staff who are willing to put in the long hours needed to really learn the ins and outs of the profession.
- Loyalty
- Finding staff that is willing to learn how to build, even, by drawing the components rather than by cutting and pasting.
- My hope is that with the advances in Wacom Tablet technology we will have monitors as drafting boards and stylus as pencils causing the young architect to unconsciously pay more attention to what and how the building is being created.
What one thing must an executive leader be able to do to be successful in the next 3 years?
- The executive leader must to be able to leverage the power of the internet and especially social media
What are some executive insights you have gained since you have been sitting in the executive leadership seat – or what is one surprise you have encountered as the world of business continues to morph as we speak?
- I have been surprised at how much television, social media and the internet have impacted the decisions we now make as leaders.
Final Thoughts on How to Be Successful?
- Improving and adapting are keys to longevity and to success. Be relentless in your desire to grow and learn recognizing that learning is a lifelong pursuit.
For more exclusive ILMA interviews click here.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Materiality and Green Architecture: The Effect of Building Materials on Sustainability and Design
Posted: February 18, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, Design, More FC3 | Tags: bamboo, Builder, Conserve energy, Construction Materials, Contractor, custom home, Designer, ECO, Eco-Friendly, Eco-Friendly Interior Design Material, eFAB, Energy, Energy Conservation, Exterior Siding, green architecture, high-quality, Home Builder, Homeowner, Insulated concrete blocks, Interiors, materials, Portfolio, Residential, Roofing, veneer Leave a commentThe types of building materials you use on your home can greatly affect the sustainability and design for years to come. Here are some high-quality, green building materials to look into for your home.
Solar Reflective Roofing Shingles
Having high-quality roofing shingles on your house is important to help your home stay protected longer. There are many sustainable materials on the market for roofing shingles that you should consider for your home.
One type of sustainable roofing shingles is made up of solar reflective granules with a type of polymer modified asphalt, making your roof tough and long-lasting against the effects of harsh weather. This type of material reflects solar rays that may enter your home and heat up your house which raise your electric bill for A/C. By reflecting the solar rays, the color of your roofing shingles also lasts longer, maintaining the beauty of your home for many years.
The asphalt is strong enough to keep your roofing shingles in perfect condition even during storms with high winds and high volumes of rain. This type of product will have warranties on the roofing shingles, ensuring that they will last for usually at least 12 years and in up to 110 mph wind. Investing in high-quality roofing shingles is something that you are sure to benefit from.
Strong, Sustainable Exterior Siding
When it comes to the exterior of your home, fiber cement siding is a great alternative compared to more traditional materials like vinyl and wood. This type of siding will ensure the sustainability of your home for longer, often with a warranty of up to 50 years. With great protection against the harsh elements of the weather, fiber cement siding does not warp or fade as quickly as other materials, keeping the design of your home looking its best.
This material comes in a variety of textures so you can customize your home with whatever color and finishing look that your desire. Fiber cement siding protects your home from water, frost, and cold weather, keeping you warm and dry. Being a product that has the designation of National Green Building Standard, fiber cement siding is a building material to use when thinking about high-quality, green architecture.
Eco-Friendly Interior Design Material
For the interior design of your home, consider using bamboo panels. Made from bamboo grass, these panels are sustainable and support green architecture. Bamboo panels can be used in many places of your home. From cabinets to tables, and even accent walls, bamboo is an innovative material that will also give your space a modern feel.
Great for designing, this material comes in a variety of designs and textures including chocolate bamboo, natural bamboo, carbonized bamboo, and bamboo veneer. Bamboo panels are very strong and dense, long lasting and may qualify you for eco-friendly construction credits.
Reduce Your Heating Bill with Great Insulation
Insulated concrete blocks are a great material to consider that often outperforms other building materials for the exterior of your home.
This type of material is installed as one continuous system with no breaks in the wall, ensuring complete protection of your house from bugs and elements of the weather. Insulated concrete blocks keep your house warmer in cold weather and can greatly reduce your heating bill, which is also good for the environment.
The core is made up of concrete, making this wall material durable and strong. These concrete blocks are easier and safer to install than other materials, taking out some of the risk of constructing the exterior of your home. With this type of material, you can also design the exterior and interior walls however you would like as insulated concrete blocks come in a variety of finishes.
Materials for Green Architecture
These eco-friendly materials can have a large effect on the sustainability and design of your home. They can increase the lifespan of your home, saving you time and money and the long run. These materials also come in a variety of designs so you can build and design your home how you want, making it the beautiful place to live that you imagined.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Interior Design Concepts Using @AutodeskRevit Designed by @FC3ARCHITECT
Posted: March 29, 2013 Filed under: Architecture, More FC3, Uncategorized | Tags: 3D Max, Adidas, Apparel, Architecture, Autodesk, AvanteGarde, Clothes, Design, Fashion, FC3, Ian Siegel, Interiors, Nike, photoshop, revit, Sports, Under Armour Leave a commentDesign By: fc3architecture+design
Also Check Out:
- About @FC3Architecture +Design LLC
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Under Construction (Wyckoff, NJ)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – On the Boards (East Orange, NJ)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – On the Boards (Catskills, NY)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Restoration in Portugal – Before and After
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Private Residence in Summit – Before and After
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Walgreens in South Plainfield – Before and After
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Family Dollar in Teaneck – Before and After
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – On the Boards (Cranford, New Jersey)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – On the Boards (Sparta, New Jersey)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – New Mixed Use Project in Newark, NJ
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – New Fitness Center in Newark Empowers Local Youth
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Architecture, Fitness and Fashion Collide at Willspace Fitness
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Big Flavor in a Small Package
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – On the Boards (Bedminster, NJ)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – On-The-Boards (Colonia, NJ)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Project Under Construction (North Arlington, NJ)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Schematic Design for a Private Residence (Edgewater, NJ)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Going Green? We Can help!
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – If Architects Did Ads…
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments.
If you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
Frank Cunha III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
FC3 ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN, LLC
P.O. Box 335, Hamburg, NJ 07419
e-mail: fcunha@fc3arch.com
mobile: 201.681.3551
direct: 973.970.3551
fax: 973.718.4641
web: http://fc3arch.com
Licensed in NJ, NY, PA, DE, CT.
On the Boards (Interior Design) Designed by @FC3ARCHITECT
Posted: February 4, 2013 Filed under: Architecture, More FC3, Uncategorized | Tags: Adidas, Apparel, Architecture, Clothes, Design, Fashion, FC3, Interiors, Nike, Sports, Under Armour Leave a commentWe are currently working on some concepts for some new sports store fit-outs in Orange and East Orange.
Stay tuned for more updates as the concepts get refined.
Architect: fc3architecture+design
Interior Designer: imc: Interior Design Services
Also Check Out:
- About @FC3Architecture +Design LLC
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Under Construction (Wyckoff, NJ)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – On the Boards (East Orange, NJ)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – On the Boards (Catskills, NY)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Restoration in Portugal – Before and After
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Private Residence in Summit – Before and After
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Walgreens in South Plainfield – Before and After
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Family Dollar in Teaneck – Before and After
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – On the Boards (Cranford, New Jersey)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – On the Boards (Sparta, New Jersey)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – New Mixed Use Project in Newark, NJ
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – New Fitness Center in Newark Empowers Local Youth
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Architecture, Fitness and Fashion Collide at Willspace Fitness
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Big Flavor in a Small Package
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – On the Boards (Bedminster, NJ)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – On-The-Boards (Colonia, NJ)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Project Under Construction (North Arlington, NJ)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Schematic Design for a Private Residence (Edgewater, NJ)
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – Going Green? We Can help!
- @FC3ARCHITECTURE – If Architects Did Ads…
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments.
If you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
Frank Cunha III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
FC3 ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN, LLC
P.O. Box 335, Hamburg, NJ 07419
e-mail: fcunha@fc3arch.com
mobile: 201.681.3551
direct: 973.970.3551
fax: 973.718.4641
web: http://fc3arch.com
Licensed in NJ, NY, PA, DE, CT.
“Where East Meets West: The “Flow” of Floor Plans” by @GailGreenDesign
Posted: April 9, 2012 Filed under: Architecture, JustArch | Tags: Architecture, article, Gail Green, Interiors, Magazine, NYC, Space Leave a commentCongratulations to my dear colleague Gail Green for another fantastic article.
PS I am grateful to her for allowing me to make a small contribution to this noteworthy article.
To learn more about Gail check out her video by clicking here or visiting her website and blog.
If you like this post please share it with friends.
Free subscriptions still available.
Sincerely,
Frank Cunha III
I Love My Architect – Facebook