Brian is a success story that demonstrates why mentoring young people is important. When he was in the eighth grade, Brian was introduced to architecture by Herb Giffin, who was a young architect practicing at Skidmore Owings & Merrill in downtown Portland. Herb sponsored a program that introduced architecture to students, and Brian jumped right in. Energetic and excited about the opportunity to improve the world through better buildings, Brian loves the interdisciplinary practice that provides an integrated approach to our projects. In addition to directing our architecture practice, he also helps with Otak’s strategy and operational efficiencies. He finds it gratifying when he sees the architects he has mentored over the years succeed. Outside of work, Brian is vice president on the board for Lift Urban Portland, a nonprofit corporation that reduces food insecurities for people in downtown Portland.