Architect Ron Lamarre, AIA, ALEP, ALA, LEED-WELL AP, decided he wanted to be an architect in the second grade. Since then, Ron has lived and breathed architecture with years of experience in the AEC industry, designing dozens of K-12 schools, public libraries, and more. In our January Staff Spotlight, we sat down with Ron to learn more about what guides his design process and who inspires his work.

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

Growing up, our family attended a gothic-style church, and I would spend my time during the service trying to figure out how a person could lift a life-size stone saint into the triforium. Once the priest explained the role of an architect versus a builder, the decision to become an architect was made. This was in second grade.

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

Forget architectural styles, trends, and fads. Ideate design solutions based on client needs, site specific features, energy independence, and ecological restoration. There is so much available information within our AEC industry, and much more being discovered every day. Keep learning and raising your level of expertise to forge your own path to deliver clients and communities their best design solution.

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

Design is a balance of client-responsive planning, sustainability, human health, and the community where the building resides. Focusing on these 4 pillars tends to create unique solutions that offer benefits to everyone and the environment.

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

Working with great clients who are passionate about building the “best” solution has led to some remarkable projects; such as a school that generates more on-site energy than it uses, a small all-wood framed house that does not have any concrete, a technical high school that is Zero-Net-Energy, and an historic library expansion with an pEUI of 27. Achievement for me is hearing a client say: “…it’s so much more than what we expected…” - in a good way.

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

Cities and Towns have their own unique feel and fabric of architecture. There are wonderful mill towns that have a very pleasing sense of place, and there are iconic cities and towns where architects have placed their “stamp”. The not-so-favorite are places where commodity-driven structures are thrown up without informed design and without the prospect of longevity. There are wood-framed buildings that are well over 100 years old, so when a 50-year bldg. is mentioned as quality architecture, it’s funny to me.

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

Zaha Hadid had a very simple, and elegant way of solving problems. Same with Santiago Calatrava.  These architects may be known for their distinctive styles, but one learns something when studying their designs. LeCorbusier’s Notre Dame at Ronchamp is my favorite building because of the space, light, and forms that fit so naturally into the landscape, yet it’s a simple structural grid that allows the forms their freedom of expression.

I love to see architecture that takes typical building typesforward, in new and better-designed ways, such as the zero-net-energy McDonaldsat Disney World.