CREATOR OF SPACE

John W. Myefski, AIA, President and Founding Principal

Myefski Architects, Inc.

Chicago, Illinois

Why and how did you become an architect?

I wanted to shape the future built environment. I feel that architects have such a profound impact on the way we live that I thought it would be great to create. I also had the chance to work for an architect as a high school senior. This experience really set the stage for my future.

Why and how did you decide on the University of Michigan to attend for your architecture degree? What degree(s) do you possess?

I grew up in the upper peninsula of Michigan, and the idea of going to a school that was in the Midwest was important because of cost; cost was a strong consideration when selecting the University of Michigan. I was fortunate to have one of the best public schools in my state. I attended the pre-architecture program at Northern Michigan University for my first two years. All of my credits transferred to the University of Michigan. This saved me money and allowed me to flourish in a small university before graduating from Michigan with my bachelor of science. Because I really enjoyed the architecture program, I stayed to graduate with my master of architecture two years later.

After receiving your master of architecture, you had the opportunity to study abroad in Denmark as the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship. Please describe this experience and how it shaped your career as an architect.

Because I received both my degrees from the same school, I felt that my education needed a boost or outside shock to complete my studies as a well-rounded student. My solution was to attend a program in Europe; the Fulbright provided me that opportunity in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Royal Danish Academy was a great chance to study abroad and spend the time traveling throughout Europe. I cannot tell you how this changed my life as an architect and person. The exposure to living in Denmark and what I saw enriched my soul and improved my work. Travel is the most important part of your education!

1220 J St., San Diego, California. Architect: John W. Myefski, AIA, Myefski Architects.

What has been your greatest challenge as an architect?

Waiting to peak! Now that I have turned 50, architecture is just beginning to be fun again. With an encouraging amount of activity in the profession, it is clear the recession is behind us. The Great Recession was clearly a step backwards for anyone interested and working in architecture, but for those who prevailed through the troubling times the future is bright. The demand for architectural services has been growing and we are seeing an abundance of clients requesting new work. Architecture students graduating within the next five years will become an integral part in this increased demand for work.

It takes time to build a practice and even more dedication if you want your work to be substantial, and not a momentary flash in a magazine. Starting your practice is similar to constructing a home from the ground up. At this point, I feel I have laid a solid foundation and have reached the second floor… I cannot wait to get to the roof! I think most architects hit their stride at age 55–60, so I have plenty of time to improve.

What are your primary responsibilities and duties as the principal of your own firm?

Everything! In a practice of 15 architects with two principals you really do everything. That is the best part. I find the work, do the design, oversee the building of the project, maintain contact with the client, fix just about any problem that exists, and run the day to day of a business. Most people do not understand that it is the architect’s job to solve problems. Life is a series of logjams, and I am constantly trying to keep the water flowing.

Why did you decide to open your own firm?

I had been working for Helmut Jahn and loved my job but needed to look to the future and develop my own work. I started the firm because I found a historic home that I was saving by literally moving it to a new site; it went so well that the owners of the home asked me to take over the new home they wanted. This was my first job, and saving the home made me a hero in my small community—the rest is history.

When designing a project, how do you begin? What is your inspiration?

I pull the pen out and sketch on whatever I can find. The ideas are created from inside but they are influenced by the program, client, site, locale, history, etc. I love to feel and experience the site and its surrounding context. Buildings do sometimes have a metaphor but mainly it comes from someplace within. I think if you could discover the exact point, you would unlock the future.

Who or what experience has been a major influence on your career?

My childhood was key and that is because I spent much of it traveling. The exposure opened my eyes and I have a hard time closing them to this day. My education was a strong second and that is because I had great professors and a wonderful facility to explore at the University of Michigan. It is simple; you need pen and paper; the rest comes from your exposure and professors. My first position at Murphy/Jahn was the best and gave me the chance to work on wonderful projects.