RB+B recognizes that the most creative and important assets we have are our staff; each year our co-workers commit to the firm creates an occasion to be celebrated! But at five-year milestones, we take a little extra time to check in with our talented team members to celebrate their major accomplishments, and get their take on what’s important moving into the future.
Five Minutes with Brianne:
What has been your proudest moment/accomplishment at RB+B?
Designing the ECE at Maddox will always have a special place in my heart. I really resonated with the district and the kids, and it was one of those projects where everything seems to come together and it feels extra special.
Describe a funny moment during a project.
When we completed the bid documents for Casey Middle School, Derek was on paternity leave and Bo (aka Papa Sprinkles) and I were up late trying to finish the drawings with the enthusiasm only two inexperienced interns can muster. About 2am I decided I should go home and get a couple hours sleep. It was cold, and I went out to my car and started it. I then realized I had forgotten something. As I shut the car door, I distinctly heard all the doors locking. This was an old-fashioned car where the key must be in the ignition for it to run. So… yeah. I went back inside and called an emergency locksmith to come unlock my running vehicle. By the time the car was restored to me, it was 3am, I was running on adrenaline, and I decided to stay the rest of the night and finish the drawings. It was my birthday after all! Later that morning, my parents sent me a large flower arrangement to celebrate (think 4’ tall with bamboo armature and orchids). I was downstairs in the conference room at break when Bo came running down the stairs. Apparently, the vase was not structurally sufficient for the size of the arrangement and spontaneously broke, sending water everywhere. I called the flower shop to warn them of the precarious nature of their design, so they sent me another one. It broke in my living room.
Why do you enjoy working at RB+B?
I love designing schools – During a CEFPI (A4LE) conference, I met someone who had attended a high school similar to the old Fort Collins High School building – red brick, Doric columns, imposing edifice. For him, such a beautiful, stately school meant society cared about him. Society valued him getting an education so much, they put significant time and resources in to it. I’d never thought about how school construction speaks to generations of kids about their self-worth – and when you stick kids in an artificially-lit box with poor mechanical systems and no views, it sends a completely different message.
Tell us about a goal you have for the next five years.
I’ve spent the first 39.75 years of my life intensely focused on goals and achieving specific things. I feel so blessed to have accomplished many of them, so I’m going to sit back and enjoy it.
What do you like to do outside of work hours?
I’m usually wandering my vegetable garden, reading some random book, planning our next road trip, or trying to convince my kids that loading the dishwasher properly builds character.
What drew you to RB+B? Why have you stayed?
I previously worked at large firms, and I never connected with that type of culture. I really like the size of RB+B, the passion people have for creating great spaces, and the way everyone is treated with kindness and respect.
Do you have a hidden talent?
Definitely. I’ll let you know when I find it.
If you could share a piece of advice with your 20-year old self/30-year old self, what would it be?
I’m clinging fiercely to my 30-year-old self right now (see question #4), so to my 20-year-old self I’d say call your sister more often, eating some leafy greens wouldn’t kill you, and love isn’t big gestures but an infinite series of small things that create something wonderful.