Demonstrating the wisdom of Maya Ange
lou’s observation that “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel," Lee is the quintessential people-person with a well-deserved reputation for the care he brings to making clients, colleagues, and community members alike feel valued and impactful. His inclusive approach to leadership drives his efforts both as ABA’s Managing Principal and as Principal-in-Charge for the firm’s many educational projects, where he balances design thinking with a methodical approach to understanding the fundamental purpose and needs of their users. By guiding projects with an eye beyond aesthetics and function to studying context and purpose, he helps educational project teams achieve results that are enduring and meaningful as they support learning, culture, and community connections.
A signature milestone in his career is his elevation to the American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows in recognition of his efforts to advance the architectural profession by advocating on behalf of strategic initiatives, building effective coalitions, and enhancing the public’s understanding of architecture.
To celebrate the firm's 40th anniversary, staff were challenged to share their imagination and design thinking by creating a row house concept. Here is Lee's.
Statement:
I’ve always enjoyed looking at photos or having an opportunity to visit an arts and crafts style home. The predominant use of wood and complimentary natural materials inspires a warm and welcoming feeling of “home.”
Though a row house is not typically built in a craftsman style, I tried to translate the common themes of simple, clear forms, asymmetry, local materials, and hand craftsmanship into a row house framework. “Building” my row house design concept with handmade blocks seemed like a natural way to represent the core elements of the arts and crafts style that I appreciate.
