Bergmeyer Spotlight: Brian Perlow
Bergmeyer Spotlight is an online series of informal interviews with members of the Bergmeyer team. We invite you to meet Associate Brian Perlow, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, GGP, who has been with the firm for 6 years. Here is what he had to say during his Spotlight interview:
What led you to study architecture?
From a young age I was very into the building and assembly of things. I remember the day I received my first hammer, and I built a three-story tree house when I was ten. I have always been very intrigued by buildings and basically all their idiosyncrasies. I love looking at them, being in them, moving in them – really any aspect of the experience between one’s self and the space. As an extension of that, I find the organization of spaces, doorways, windows, textures, lighting, really all design in general, fascinating. I had the opportunity to visit London when I was in college and that trip really solidified my decision to alter my major to architecture. I view myself as a generalist when it comes to designing and have worked on almost every project type and phase while at Bergmeyer.
What is your favorite project that you have worked on at Bergmeyer?
When I think about my favorite projects from my career, it’s more due to the project teams I’ve worked with than the work itself. I feel that the projects with teams and individuals who have been able to collaborate collectively have brought the most success to those projects. I operate under the notion that the better a team plays together the better the end results. Off of that point, I feel that a successful team is comprised of those who are open-minded, creative, curious, and, most importantly, intrinsically connected and invested to the project and work at hand. When a team cares about the work they are doing, the possibilities for success are endless.
What building/space has inspired you the most?
I’m most inspired by spaces where people will spend most of their time. I really enjoy feeling that sense of place and the need to commit time in order to be a part of that existence. The Sea Ranch and Post Ranch Inn are two of my favorite buildings since they both embody this sense. When I lived in California I visited Sea Ranch on several occasions, and I loved the integration of the building within its landscape and its juxtaposition with the ocean. Similarly, the Post Ranch Inn is integrated into the Big Sur cliffs and I find its entire design inspiring.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Someone once told me that in many professions, and most often in architecture, each crisis is to be viewed as an opportunity. I view designing as a way to solve problems and contribute added value to a project. Getting a project kicked off is the easier part of design; actually bringing it into reality is where the challenges arise. Understanding the issues that come up and getting past them successfully is what I enjoy.
What is the one thing, not essential to survival, you would want to have with you if you were stranded on a desert island?
My dog Baron – he is a Bernese mountain dog and a great companion.
Check out our past Bergmeyer Spotlights!
