We are back with another Team Tuesday! This week we are highlighting Jason Smith of our Illinois office. Jason is an asset to the Ittner team and is skilled in drawing production and technical design. He understands the importance of the client's dollar. Read below to learn more about Jason!
Something interesting about yourself/a hobby/a fun fact?
My wife complains that I have too many hobbies, which is true. Model building, wood working, cosplay, gunsmithing, computer building, computer gaming; I have even taken to creating virtual walkthroughs of science fiction ships using Unreal Engine.
What is your favorite aspect of a project?
I enjoy seeing the space being used most of all. Watching the building go from bare ground to a structure to a finished building is fun, but seeing the kids running through the halls or playing on the playground, the teachers raving about the new spaces and how much it has improved their lives is the most rewarding part.
Biggest career accomplishment thus far?
Thus far, finishing the licensing process and becoming a licensed architect has been my biggest career accomplishment. There were a lot of hurdles along the way, such as required college courses being cancelled, increasing the time I needed to spend in college and being laid off from two firms that did not have enough work for me; to name a few. I received a lot of support from my family, though, which made all the difference and made it worth the work.
Why did you choose your career path?
During my junior year of high school, I took a drafting class on a whim, and discovered I had a knack for drafting. This led to taking more drafting courses, including architectural and mechanical drafting. While I did well in mechanical drafting, I found the process of architectural drafting, and everything associated with it, fascinating and was basically hooked from then on. By the middle of my senior year of high school I knew I wanted to pursue a career in architecture.
What designer do you draw inspiration from?
This will sound cliché and obvious, but I’ve always loved Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie style of architecture.
Favorite quote and why?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky” – Michael Scott (The Office)
– The quote itself is something I actually had taken to heart since childhood, as I have always admired Gretzky; but that Michael appropriated it as his own was hilarious.
Best trip/vacation?
Orange Beach, Alabama; my in-laws rent a house with a private saltwater pool that is along the water close to the beach. There is plenty to do, it’s close to Pensacola and Mobile, and the house itself is in a quiet neighborhood with little traffic.
What I’m reading now/Favorite book?
I recently finished Lone Survivor, Marcus Lattrell’s autobiography about his experience as a Navy Seal and Operation Red Wings.
Something that nobody at work knows about you?
I’m a huge fan of sci-fi/fantasy. Star Trek, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and the Halo video games are among my favorites.
