Please join us in giving an enthusiastic welcome to the newest member of our team, Josh Lavallee! Joshua joins our team as a recent graduate with an M.Arch from the University of Hartford. During his time there Joshua took on many leadership roles, including serving as Uhart’s AIAS chapter’s graphics coordinator and as a graduate manager for the Architecture Department’s fabrication lab. During this time Joshua also gained experience as a design intern at Gregg Weiss & Gardner Architects in New Haven. Below, Joshua shares some of the elements that drew him to the field of architecture.
What originally drew you to architecture?
Ending up in architecture was the natural course for me. Like many, I grew up surrounded by Legos and an increasing variety of sandbox media that had a heavy emphasis on creation. This environment led me to have a growing interest in design, whether it be structural, graphic, or even artistic. This passion for all aspects of design combined with my love for the built environment led me to architecture– a path that I am excited to continue into the professional field!
What excites you about architecture/design and what are your favorite parts of the design/construction/project delivery process?
The most exciting part of architecture for me would be the process of placemaking. The ability to define a space and turn it into a specific place – whether that be a residence, a coffee shop, a bookstore, or even just a small, street side park – is one of the most rewarding aspects of architectural design.
Hobbies/projects/role you’d like to highlight outside of the office?
Outside of the office, I really enjoy creating 3D digital art. I find it a fun and interesting way to express myself as well as keep my design skills honed. Motion graphics and abstract design have always been an interest of mine, and I find it enjoyable to practice those skills in my free time.
Any other fun facts that may surprise people to know about you?
I have a passion for science fiction – so much so that it was the focus of my graduate thesis project! I find it incredibly fascinating to look at the architecture that can come out of science fiction and use it as lens to see what our future might have been. It can serve as an interesting review of the era it was created, providing an insight into how people viewed the future at that time, as well as the evolution of design philosophy over the decades.