Who was/is your mentor?

I have always admired the work of Hugh Newell Jacobsen, FAIA. His work is beautifully detailed, clean-cut, uncluttered with every room in perfect proportions. I heard him give a lecture years ago at an Arkansas State AIA Convention, and then I ran into him later in the Dallas Airport. I introduced myself to him, telling him how much I enjoyed his lecture and his work, and he was very flattered. Robert A.M. Stern is another internationally recognized architect I admire. His work is classical in detailing, yet with a contemporary twist to it. His furniture designs, as well as his selections of paint and light fixtures, add handsomely to his work.
••••
Anthony Leraris, AIA, partner
Architecture Plus, Fort Smith, Ark.

My mentor was, is and always will be my father. My dad (Carter Huffman of C.D. Barnes Associates, Grand Rapids, Mich.) took the time and patience to teach me the skills and work ethic required to have a chance at becoming successful not only in today’s competitive building industry, but also in life in general. My goal is to strive to become more like him every day.
••••
Andy Huffman, estimatorand project manager
D&K Engineered Construction, Grand Rapids, Mich.

My mentor is A. Hayes Town. He was an architect in Baton Rouge, La. His synthesis of the classic Acadian cottage (with its raised front porch and exterior stairs), Spanish courtyards and exterior French doors with Creole-influenced full-length shutters achieves an original confluence of seemingly disparate yet elegantly balanced themes and forms.
••••
David Zammit, AIA, owner
David Zammit Architects, Olive Branch, Miss.

Attending remodeler and builder conferences put many ideas in front of me that I was able to glean tidbits from and kept my business improving. At one of the first shows I went to I heard Walt Steppleworth. He was the first to explain markup, cost, profit and what I had to charge to stay in business. His mentoring kept me in business and started me making a good profit. His company HomeTech gave me the tools and mentoring to improve my estimating skills.

Others I could point to would be Linda Case and Victoria Downing who have opened my eyes on several occasions to the everyday problems of the business and their solutions. I’ve always found these three people are ready to listen and offer suggestions. They are the core of our industry’s professionalism. The fact is that you have to be open to new ideas and be able to listen to the ones that will help you. Then implement them.