Bergmeyer Spotlight: Scott Walker
Bergmeyer Spotlight is an online series of informal interviews with members of the Bergmeyer team. We invite you to meet project manager Scott Walker, LEED AP, who has been with the firm 11 years. Here is what Scott had to say during his Spotlight interview:
What led you to study architecture?
I always had an interest in architecture, but strayed from it since I was told I wasn’t good enough in math. From a young age, I spent significant hours building with Legos and many Saturdays at The Butler Institute of American Art attending their art seminars and open studios. Upon graduating from college, I began working at a management-consulting firm, but soon realized my true interest was architecture. I gained valuable experience while working in consulting, as it enabled me to travel and provided a general understanding of many business industries. After moving to Boston I went back to school for architecture and eventually found my way to Bergmeyer.
What are you currently working on at Bergmeyer?
I’m currently working on a new academic quad for Endicott College. It’s a ground up, multi-phased project with construction scheduled to begin at the end of 2017. It is an exciting and challenging project set to be fully complete at the end of 2020. I cherish projects that allow me to participate in the entire architectural process and, even though this project has a lengthy timeline, the week-to-week pace will be relatively brisk.
What building has inspired you the most?
While in high school I had the opportunity to visit Fallingwater which was a defining moment and made a significant impression on me. I found the holistic design very inspiring especially to experience how the architecture responds to the natural elements surrounding it. For the first time I understood that an architect doesn’t just design a building for people to dwell in, but can provide a conduit between the user and the environment. I took away how important it is, as an architect, to design something that highlights and incorporates the environment you’re building within.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
“To always stay curious and to always question.” Admittedly, I’m not entirely sure if this was advice specifically given to me, but it’s a notion I try to live by. Complacency can be the beginning of the end, but if you’re always wondering what could be then you’re driven to achieve more. I’m constantly looking for solutions, which is how I approach my work as well.
What is the most unusual food you have ever eaten?
Although I’ve had the opportunity to travel quite a bit, I’ve never developed a broad palate. While in Boston, prior to studying architecture, I tried squid ink risotto. It’s probably one of the more unusual things I’ve eaten, and definitely left the strongest impression. I found the dish too pungent, and a blackened mouth a bit disconcerting, so that was my first and last time having it!
