Archinect
Neil Dixon

Neil Dixon

Indianapolis, IN, US

 

About 

I am a registered architect working here in Indiana. I am midwestern but have worked all over the eastern half of the United States. I have designed one project in Brooklyn, one out in Bethpage, and another in Old Westbury, both out on Long Island. I have also worked exensively in New Jersey, just east of New York City. Essentially, I have worked in Florida, Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky, and of course Indiana. There are very few building types that I have not designed or been involved in the design of as well as construction of. I recieved a Masters in Fine Arts degree before I ever began my study in Architecture. So my approach to design brings with it a sense of the beauty and texture of materials as well as the surroundings in which a building will grow and the space that it will inhabit.

My approach to design is to realize that an architect is a conductor and an artist but not one that works alone. Much as a conductor, you realize that you must rely on the many different parts and pieces that make a symphony. No one part is less important than the others. While I have been driven to conduct, I have also realized early on that a climate of collaboration and respect must be nurtured throughout the design, construction and delivery phases. Each and every client is a participant in every design. The relationship that is created and nurtured between an architect and a client is essential. Even the best designers and technicians can't make a poor relationship turn into a good project.

I appreciate each and every opportunity to be involved in a design project. Whether it is small coach house or a multi-million dollar healthcare center, I get equally excited and recharged each and every time. I think most architect are this way. Design projects are our life blood. As a painter, I have most of the control but I don't get the satisfaction and enjoyment of working with people that I do as an architect. That is my soul and my being.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

LandsHope Studios LLC, Owner/ Senior Designer

Managing my own firm. We specialize in small commercial, residential and religious architecture. We emphasize personal interaction with the client to ensure satisfaction with the finished project.

Mar 2009 - current
 

BSA LifeStructures, Designer/ Project Architect

This postion revolved around healthcare design and I was repsonsible for designs in surgeries, radiological suites and patient room design. I was responsible for on site construction interaction and the issuing of ASI's in response to RFP's from contractors as well as the specialized writing of custom specifications relative to highly technical areas such as radiology.

Sep 2005 - Mar 2009
 

Myler Church Building Systems, Project Manager/ Project Designer/ Project architect

This position required the design, marketing of and management of numerous religious projects. The company worked both as a Construction Management and a Design/Build company. This required all of the client interaction throughout design as well as the transition to construction documents. After the project were in construction it meant monitoring progress as well as interacting with clients to ensure satisfaction with the work.

May 2002 - Aug 2005
 

Cripe Architects and Engineers, Design Associate

This job was with a multi-disciplinary firm that specialized in institutional, educational and commercial design. The firm as both architects and civil engineering. The ability to integrate site analysis and engineering early in each project since they were an in-house service allowed the prevention of mistakes that often happen to projects. This job exposed me to large K-12 educational projects as well as servicing clients that used the firm for day to day and year to year maintenance/renovation projects. Large correctional projects were also designed and allowed the extensive site administration experience.

Feb 1997 - Apr 2002
 

RATIO Architects, Inc., Design Associate/ Graduate Architect

This position required exposure to designing large scale hopitality as well as high end design for commercial and institutional clients. Historic renovation and research were also a part of this position. Extensive work was afforded to completely produce large document packages. This position included work on large transportation hubs such as Fed Ex and distribution centers such as the Indianapolis Star Newspaper. Argosy Casino and Hotel were also large jobs requiring multi-phase design and construction.

Dec 1994 - Feb 1997
 

The InterDesign Group, Design Associate/ Graduate Architect

Primarily designed and produced construction documents for K-12 educational buildings.

Nov 1993 - Dec 1994
 

A-Architectural, Graduate Architect

This postion was primarily spent helping the managine architect to design residential with some commercial buildings. Residential remodeling was a primary part of this job. Most jobs were handled by me with assistance only needed in terms of engineering. This job also involved multi-unit housing, both high-end as well as assisted living and housing for AIDS patients.

May 1992 - Nov 1994
 

Education 

Miami University, MArch, Architecture

Full disciplinary curriculum. Heavy emphasis was placed on design, but all technical and engineering courses were required. This degree emphasized and required on-site, hand-on projects and direct involvment with real world projects and architects.

Jul 1986 - May 1992
 

Miami University, Masters, Fine Arts

MFA program required a rigorous curriculum of painting and drawing studios while developing with my "Design Committee" my thesis. This was a two year process that developed me both intellectually and creatively.

Sep 1980 - May 1982
 

Franklin College, Bachelors, Bachelor of Arts/ Fine Arts

Complete Bachelors program with a major as well as emphasis in painting and drawing.

Sep 1973 - May 1977
 

Areas of Specialization