Brian Stonelake
DIRECTOR OF HEALTHCARE AND SCIENCE + TECH
Brian is a Studio Director with extensive Healthcare and Lab design expertise. He effectively leads project teams and is dedicated to generating creative and dynamic solutions. From project inception to closeout, Brian continuously communicates with clients to deliver their project goals. His healthcare experience consists of an extensive background in laboratories, rehabilitation, health education, and ambulatory care facilities. As an Emerging Leader in the Northeast Ohio Cogence chapter as well as an executive board member for AIA Cleveland, Brian keeps tabs on the latest insights in the design and construction industries and how the current business environment affects large healthcare and science+tech projects in the region.
INTERVIEW
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Broomall, PA. It’s basically a census area within Marple Township about 10 miles west of Philly. It started a long history of me living in towns that start with the letter B.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY OR PASTIME?
I really enjoy improv comedy. I don’t perform any longer, but I did improv pretty regularly for 10+ years Boston, MA and Birmingham, AL. It’s a great way to connect to people and good exercise for listening, collaborating and public speaking.
IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
I think I’ll go with an otter. The swimming on your back and eating off your stomach thing really speaks to me.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?
Most recently, I’ll say Vacationland by John Hodgman. It’s a hilarious description of summer vacations generally and Maine specifically. His humor is right up my alley.
WHAT SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU HAVE?
Telekinesis. It's got Star Wars and X-men to look for precedent, and it basically includes flight since I can just telekinesis myself around.
Two for one super power!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE 90’S SHOW?
Mystery Science Theater 3000 is a personal favorite.
WHERE DO YOU MOST HOPE TO VISIT?
The Alhambra palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain.
IF YOU HAD TO EAT ONE THING FOR EVERY MEAL GOING FORWARD, WHAT WOULD YOU EAT?
Gnocchi carbonara would be the death of me.
WHAT MOVIE OR TV SHOW TITLE BEST DESCRIBES YOUR WEEK?
I’d have to say The Big Lebowski. Occasional external chaos is met with a calming chill ethos and “The Dude Abides”.
WHAT DOES ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE MEAN TO YOU?
To me, architectural excellence is all about the end-user and civic experience. How does the building function in its role in society? Is it able to improve efficiency, move people through it, allow for respite, or encourage introspection depending on the program requirements? Buildings need to serve people, and architectural excellence is achieved when that is done beautifully.
