My name is Andrew Engelhardt. I am an alumnus of the University of Illinois at Chicago and recently received my Master’s of Architecture Degree from Kean University. I have years of experience as an architectural technician/designer, a gallery host for an art museum, and a consultant for a cabinetry showroom. I consider architecture a lifestyle; I’m not simply looking for a job…or a paycheck.

I enjoy working in this industry because it allows me to incorporate my broader interests into multi-disciplinary work and engage in discourse with other specialties. I have an interest in teaching at the college level someday. While that may be far in the future, it’s relevant to my work today as I believe the role of the architect and the teacher overlap. The architect acts as a mentor to colleagues but also must communicate with clients and distill the wealth of knowledge we have for the layman who does not visualize space on paper like we do.

I have a deep appreciation for technical details and the entanglement of building systems. I enjoy door schedules and plumbing riser diagrams but also enjoy abstract conversations about architectural design. I have an interest in theory and curation/exhibition and I spend free time collecting Michael Graves objects scattered across thrift store shelves. I’ve nearly completed my AXP experience hours and studying for the licensing exams is underway. I’m also finishing up work as an editorial assistant for a book with a former teacher.