Blue Ridge Design Studio - Harrisonburg, VA

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f: 540.437.1227

welby lehman

1. Why did you choose architecture/ design as a vocation?
There are a lot of reasons, but I believe my abilities and interests fit with the necessary skills for being an architect. I also enjoy how architecture requires both sides of the brain. I guess the more entertaining answer is that I loved to build things as a kid: Lego Blocks, forts in the woods, etc.

2. Where did you go to school?
I graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a B.A. in Mathematics and a minor in Art. Then, I graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2008 with a Master's degree in Architecture.

3. Where did you start your career?
Working for Blue Ridge Design Studio is my first job since graduating from VT. I also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity at their international headquarters in Americus, Georgia for two years.

4. Why did you choose to come to Harrisonburg?
I grew up in this area and I still have family here. My wife and I wanted to be in this type of city, not too big, not too small.

5. Is architecture important and if so why?
Architecture is very important. Architecture is the aspects of our built environment that make our time there enjoyable. Architecture also makes a statement about who we are as the people designing, owning, or building. Therefore, architects have an important responsibility.

6. What characteristics define your career? A type of project?, A way of working?, A type of client?
That's impossible to say at this time but I hope that my career is defined more by how I do business and the way I work rather than a building or style.

7. What do you do when you're not working?
I enjoy sports (playing and watching), gardening and traveling.

8. What would you be doing if you weren't working at BRDS?
I would most likely be at another architecture firm or still working for Habitat.

9. Share a little about your spouse and/or kids and/or pets.
I've been married to my wife Lisa since August of 2005. We were both working for Habitat when we started dating. She also graduated from EMU and has worked as an accountant. We enjoy camping and traveling together.

10. What community groups are you part of?
Since we recently moved to the area, I'm not currently involved in any community groups, but I hope to be eventually.

11. What's the last thing you would give up for Lent?
Lent and March Madness are always at the same time, so TV would be really hard to give up for that reason alone. I think hot showers would be a close second.

12. What aspect of working here most makes you want to throw in the towel and do something else?
Whenever the AC doesn't work!

13. What do we need to know about you that makes you uniquely you?
I'm an only-child, I've stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Jimmy Carter, and I played basketball and sang in choir in high school.