Finegold Alexander Designer Brendan Spina sat down with us to talk about his introduction to architecture, love of the outdoors, and passion for cohesive and integrated design. Brendan, a Rhode Island native now in Boston, graduated from Roger Williams University with a Bachelor’s then Master’s in Architecture. Since joining the firm, he has worked on higher education projects, developments, and K-12 schools in the Greater Boston area but still holds a special place for projects he’s completed previously in his home state.

Q: What inspired you to become an architect/designer?

It was the realization of a passion I had as a child where I would visualize and create my own “worlds” whether it was playing outdoors or with toys/objects. I have had quite the imagination ever since my early years and this has come to life through creation in whatever medium possible.

Q: If you could give advice to a young designer, what would you say?

“An Architect knows something about everything, an Engineer knows everything about one thing.” -Matthew Frederick, 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School

Travel and experience as much as possible.

Q: Do you have any guiding design principles in your process?

My primary principle when it comes to guiding a design is the connection between nature and the observer. This has a large impact on designing for the occupants’ quality of life as well as driving the sustainability/efficiency of the design.

Q: What have been some of your career highlights/proudest achievements so far?

I’ve had quite an exciting career thankfully, however; working on educational projects in my home state of Rhode Island was certainly a highlight – these projects set the model for numerous recent educational projects that have commenced in RI.

Seeing projects come to life is the most exciting feeling of all as a designer. There are several residences around RI that I frequently see when going on scenic walks.

As of recently, I’ve been privileged to see some projects I’ve been working on over the last two years at FAA come to life.  Such projects include Eaton Hall at Tufts University, Gladstone Elementary School, Mariner Way Residences in Nantucket, the 200 Club amenity project at 200 Clarendon St., and Cambridge City Hall.

Q: Do you have a favorite city to visit for architecture?

My favorite city to visit for Architecture would be NYC.

My favorite location for architecture would be right at home in Rhode Island due to the numerous waterfront shingle style residences.

Q: Do you have a favorite building or perhaps a favorite architect?

Super tough decision to have a “favorite” anything but if I had to choose, I would say Tom Kundig, of the firm Olson Kundig, is one of the most inspiring architects for me. Almost all his projects are seamlessly integrated with the landscape.