associate/project designer of Kahler Slater Architects Inc.
Company: Kahler Slater Architects Inc.
Title: Associate/project designer
Education: 1989 BA from Harrington Institute of Interior Design in Chicago
Family: Wife, Lisa; 5-year-old son, Jack; and dog, Tigger
City of Residence: Milwaukee
Hobbies and Interests: "Dinner and a movie with wife, Lisa. Playing outside with son, Jack. Driving our 1967 442 Olds Cutlass convertible. Hanging out with my big family at my Dad’s house on Lake Michigan. Playing tennis."
What are you working on? "The grand opening for Sundance Cinemas 608, the first Sundance theater in the country located in Madison, opened recently, so that was gratifying to see the community reaction to the full experience we had designed. Up next – the new offices for advertising agency Cramer-Krasselt, and the Ruvin Development on Juneau and Old World Third with hotel, retail, office and condominiums."
How does the market look to you? "From my vantage point, being involved in the first building to go up in the Park East area, I’d say that area will really boom, especially given the encouragement and backing from the city. It’s a great location for mixed-use development."
What was the best deal you’ve ever been involved in? "Working for an architecture/design firm that makes it its mission to design total experiences for its clients makes it tough to pick just one. The potential, the location and the vibe of the new Ruvin Development and the Cramer-Krasselt office is very energizing for me. The sheer wow of designing the first Sundace Cinema was an incredible experience. The kind and thankful staff of the Aids Resource Center of Wisconsin gives me a sense of pride that good design doesn’t have to cost a lot. And last but not least is continuing to work with the Jewish Community Center in Whitefish Bay. We have worked together for the last five years. The dedication and passion of the staff and leadership is an inspiration to me."
What was the funniest moment of your career? "Working in Chicago, my boss and I took the red-eye flight to Los Angeles for an 8 a.m. presentation. My boss was notorious for being a bit scattered and packing way too much. So we ran through O’Hare, stopped for her Starbucks and finally made it on to the plane, the last ones to be seated. We went through our checklist of presentation materials and equipment. All were carry-on, of course. As the plane took off I looked at my boss and told her I forgot my clothes bag! After a few stressful minutes, trying to come up with a solution, I decided I would present in the clothes I was wearing. It was that or wear one of the two suits she had packed for herself. We walked into the conference room, my boss in her tailored black suit and I in my ironed white t-shirt, khaki cargo shorts, Tevas and toe ring. Thankfully, three of the 10 people to whom we were presenting were wearing shorts too. I started with the story about forgetting my clothes bag, which broke the ice. And yes, we did win the project!"
