I Am AIA:

Brian D. Rich

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Brian D. Rich, AIA, APT-RP, LEED BD+C, CCCA, PMP, sUAS, is a LEED Accredited Historic Preservation Architect and founder of Richaven Architecture & Preservation. An SIS Qualified Historic Architect, Architect, and Architectural Historian, Mr. Rich has over 30 years’ experience, over 179 projects, including 117 renovations and 63 designated or eligible landmarks, garnering multiple awards.

WHAT RELATIONSHIPS HAVE YOU CREATED?

The best relationships I have made are in the historic preservation and cultural resources realm and include networking with local, national, and international cultural resources experts, including architects, engineers, materials testing and analysis, conservation, and preservation experts in the field. The people in my network often serve as consultants and teammates on projects. More importantly, as the president of the northwest chapter of the Association for Preservation Technology (APTNW), I seek to provide information on best practices to owners, architects, and contractors working on historic buildings. My network is developed to help respond to those questions as well as to help each other with the issues we face.

WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?

As the Principal of Richaven, I am deeply involved with all of our projects. Richaven’s projects intentionally focus primarily on historic buildings as well as existing buildings. Following the Principles of Future-Proofing, Richaven seeks to extend the service life of our existing built infrastructure through modification and adaptation of our built environment while respecting its historic character. Our projects involve historic preservation documentation, research, technical preservation solutions, and approvals at the local, state, and federal levels for private and public clients from early design stages and investigations through construction and closeout.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE FROM YOUR WORK?

I hope to contribute my knowledge and expertise that younger architects might have broad shoulders to stand on to reach new heights. Even for a small firm, I feel compelled to share what I have learned with others and help to improve our society as a whole. I firmly believe that if I’m not learning, I’m just consuming resources. Further, if I’m not teaching, I may as well be dead because not only am I consuming resources, but I am also not sharing what I’ve learned with the next generation. I don’t have all the answers, but I hope that future generations can build off of what we know today.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEATTLE-AREA STRUCTURE?

Oh, my… Too many to mention…. Space Needle, Seattle Tower, Smith Tower, The Sanctuary (former First United Methodist Church), Stadium High School, Snoqualmie Depot, the VA American Lake campus, the Rainier Tower, the downtown Federal Building, the North Bend Theater, the Log House Museum, North Head Lighthouse, and so many more that capture our infinitely varied and multi-faceted cultural history!

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING?

I like to tell people that I’m a building doctor. It’s a similar role to being a medical doctor – investigating problems and determining how best to take care of the patient (building!).

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TODAY?

Simply put, the next generation. With a belief that mentorship is essential to the betterment of our society, I am constantly engaged with and inspired by our next generation of architects and historic preservationists. They are smart, engaged, and willing to dig in to learn about this arcane profession. I am also inspired by the projects I work on. They are just cool! To work on a project that will remain for hundreds of years and express the shared culture that we have is an amazing opportunity – and I value the trust our clients put in us to do our best for them and the buildings.

HAS YOUR CAREER TAKEN YOU ANYWHERE YOU DIDN’T EXPECT?

Yes – back to school! At the age of 45, I found the need for additional training in historic preservation and completed my masters degree and historic preservation certificate at the UW. It was not what I expected to be doing, but to pursue my passion in historic preservation, it gave me the opportunity to develop a deep local network, dive deep into historic preservation topics, develop the Principles of Future-Proofing, and gain the credentials that I need to start my own business – yet another direction I never expected to take!

WHERE IS THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING OR CONSTRUCTION HEADED?

Locally, the AEC industry has been stretching way ahead towards carbon neutrality – to the detriment of our existing built environment. While the drive is admirable and necessary, there needs to be more flexibility in accommodating respect for our cultural heritage.

IF YOU COULD SUM UP YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN A BUMPER STICKER, WHAT WOULD IT SAY?

‘Work with what you’ve got!’ Or ‘Future-Proof it!’