November 5, 2024

Foundations: Sloan Springer, AIA, Turns Obsession Into Profession

Growing up in East Texas, my childhood was a mix of rustic, backwoods charm and architectural wonder. I spent many days exploring old barns and farmhouses, and hanging out by the lake – mesmerized by the variety of houses along the shoreline. While I didn’t know it then, these early adventures sparked a fascination that would eventually shape my future.

My family played a subtle but important role in steering me toward architecture. My dad was always involved in real estate in some way, and my mom worked as a real estate agent for a while. Plus, my stepdad was an architect. This combination became the underlying framework that led me to architecture as a profession.

From a young age, I was obsessed with houses—how they were built, how people lived in them, and how they shaped our daily lives. This wasn’t just a passing interest; it drove me to learn more. I would sketch floor plans and envision ways to improve the spaces I saw. The idea of designing homes that could truly enhance people’s lives became my passion. And of course, a long history of creating inventions from Legos didn’t hurt!

In high school, I jumped at the chance to work for a home builder – my first real-world experience in the industry. I did everything from drafting plans to cleaning up job sites. Drawing let me turn my ideas into refined concepts, sharpening my skills and understanding of architectural design. Being on job sites gave me hands-on experience with construction, materials, and the teamwork needed to bring a design to life. This blend of drawing and building was crucial in shaping my perspective on architecture and construction.

All these experiences fueled my deep passion for creating space and place. I realized that architecture is more than just conceiving buildings; it’s about designing spaces that resonate with people and enhance their lives. It’s about finding the perfect balance between beauty, functionality, and sustainability. I’m especially drawn to residential architecture because it has such a direct impact on people’s daily lives, offering a personal connection to the spaces they call home.

My journey to becoming an architect was driven by a mix of personal passion and professional exposure. The excitement of creating spaces that are beautiful, and functional, and both reflect and enhance the lives of their occupants, is what keeps me going. For me, architecture is a way to leave a lasting impact on the world, one thoughtfully designed space at a time.

Sloan Springer, AIA

By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in Small Firms | Tagged: #Architecture, #foundations, #sloanspringerAIA, Architect | Comments (0)