1. Give us a short bio...
David Reed, AIA is a licensed Architect with over 25 years of experience in the design of a wide range of projects from healthcare, hospitality, education, athletics, corporate and retail. He has designed and managed project budgets from under a million dollars to over $200M. David's passion for architecture begins with his desire to serve people and solve problems. David is currently serving as President of AIA Eastern Oklahoma, he has served on its Board of Directors, represented the State of Oklahoma at the National AIA, served on the State of Oklahoma Building Code Review Committee, served as a "Safe Schools" advisor, and served on the FEMA disaster relief team following the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma in 1999.
2. How long have you been a member of AIA? I have been a member for over 15 years.
3. Why did you join AIA? I first joined to access study programs for the A.R.E., then stayed as member to connect with other Architects and to get CEU's. Then I discovered there is a lot more the AIA has to offer than just CEU's.
Are you involved with the chapter? Yes, I have served on the local AIA Board, the State AIA Board and am the current President of the AIAEOK.
4. What's your favorite AIAEOK event? Blitz the Capital, it is a great opportunity to serve our profession and let the State know what Architects do and who we are.
5. What's your favorite thing about AIA? Serving, the AIA has a great many opportunities to serve our community and beyond, from STEM programs to help inspire the next generation of Architects to working city and chamber leaders to shape our world.
6. What or who inspired you to become an architect? My Dad, he is awesome. Retired Air Force Navigator and then builder he exposed me to the construction industry and encouraged (helped me navigate through from picking up trash on the jobsites, to framing a house, becoming a trim carpenter to going to OSU to study Architecture. He was a huge encouragement to start my own firm and still provides great wisdom and encouragement.
7. What do you think/hope your occupation will look like in 10 years? I believe the next 10 years will be filled with more technological advancements in our profession than the last 100 years. These are very exciting times to be in our industry.
8. What has been your most exciting project and why? Boone Pickens Stadium, West endzone. It was the largest project of my career up to that point and the first project where I was told "no budget constraints, we want the Best facilities" by the client. It turned out to be one the most complicated design challenges of my career and had more moving parts and consultants than any previous project I had worked on.
9. What is an unusual hobby or absurd thing that you love? Speed golf
10.
What's your favorite piece/place of design in Oklahoma? Boone Pickens Stadium and Gallagher Iba Arena
11.
On a Saturday morning, where could we typically find you? Playing golf with my kids.
12.
How has failure set you up for later success? Learning what not to do in an interview or on an RFP/RFQ is extremely valuable and knowing there are is a reason for everything and that failure is not fatal or final as long as you get up and keep trying.
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What are you listening to/reading/or watching these days? Reading "Augmented: Life in the Smart Lane" and watching the Crown
14.
What recent purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life? Just purchased the Disney Circle home wi-fi control system. Now I can control all my kids devices, set bed times, and set time limits for apps and social media.
15.
What's your go-to Karaoke song? "We built this city" by Jefferson Starship
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