Brian Sykes
Title: Healthcare Practice Leader
Organization: Perkins + Will
Location: Washington, DC
Brian was twelve years old when he first saw the construction of a geodesic dome being built by his hometown’s high school carpentry class under the tutelage of a local construction company. This absolutely fascinated him. His mother, an interior designer, saw his interest as an opportunity and introduced him to the world of architecture. Flash forward to his first few years after graduation, Brian worked at that same construction company as a carpenter. This experience gave him the real-world constructability base for his designs.
His true passion in architecture comes from program-driven institutional based projects in which he and the project team get to conceptualize the stage that will be set for discovery or healing. He enjoys seeing his colleagues take on these challenges and exceed the client’s expectations.
While studying for his Masters of Fine Arts Degree at the University of Maryland, College Park, Brian founded the Contemporary Art Purchasing Program. Each year the program takes six students to New York City with a $50,000 budget to buy contemporary art which is then kept on display at the Student Union Art Gallery. Brian still participates in the program as an active board member.
While not working, Brian loves to spend time with his wife and six-year-old son.