Celebrating 30 Years - Class 1989/1994

After 30 years, we returned to where it all began. Each of us has taken a different path, but we're all still the same, yet different: "aged." It's a privilege to celebrate something we all love. We're all marking this achievement in various ways. I've decided to mark this incredible milestone to show the world how I see architecture, especially Industrial Architecture. It hasn't been an easy journey, but I wouldn't have had it any other way; from the early days of struggling to find clients to the late nights spent on complex designs, all those obstacles got me to where I am today. It's been a fantastic journey.

Architecture is a vast field encompassing various types of design—residential, commercial, hospitality, landscape, etc. However, I've dedicated 99% of my career to INDUSTRIAL.

People often question why I chose the least "glamorous" type of architecture. "It's just a box," they say. But they're not just boxes. I call them my "Sleeping Giants"; these structures are where communities begin. Take, for instance, Project "Quickstart" in central Illinois. It started in a distant field, but as the industrial complex grew, so did the surrounding community. As you drive by that same field, you begin to notice that these giants are silently creating jobs, and as a result, communities start to develop around them.

Those communities need other types of architecture, like the ones I mentioned above. That's why Industrial Architecture might not be the most glamorous type of architecture, but it is the one that helps the world become a community. These communities become towns, then cities, and so on. These communities make the world go around; to me, it is and will always be the best type of architecture—the one that makes the world—Industrial Architecture!

I did it before the world recognized the importance and impact of Industrial Architecture. I saw these structures' potential and beauty long before they became a trend. I'm proud to have been a pioneer in this field!

Let me take you back to those early days. Picture this: a small, cramped office, a team of passionate individuals, and a whiteboard covered in sketches and ideas. A shared vision drove us—transforming industrial design from mere functionality to an art form. Our first project, a small warehouse on the outskirts of town, tested our resolve. The budget was tight, the client skeptical, and the timeline almost impossible. Yet, we poured our hearts into that project, working late into the night, fueled by coffee and determination. When it was finally completed, it wasn't just a warehouse; it was a testament to our belief that industrial spaces could be practical and beautiful.

Over the years, projects have grown in scale and complexity. One was a manufacturing plant in the Midwest that became a model of sustainable design, incorporating green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems long before they were industry standards. Another was the logistics hub on the West Coast, a massive structure that seamlessly blended with the surrounding landscape, proving that industrial buildings are those "Sleeping Giants" that create communities.

One of my proudest moments was being commissioned to design an entire industrial park in the Midwest. This project wasn't just about creating functional buildings but about designing a space that fosters innovation and collaboration. We included communal areas, green spaces, and even an art installation by a local artist. It became a vibrant community hub, attracting local businesses and talent.

Through all these projects, my passion for Industrial Architecture only grew. I've always believed that these structures are the backbone of our modern world. They're where things get made, ideas become products, jobs are created, and communities flourish. They may not be as flashy as skyscrapers or as charming as residential homes, but they are the most crucial part of our communities.

As I look back on these 30 years, I am filled with gratitude—for the opportunities, the challenges, and the incredible people I've met along the way. I'm grateful for the clients who trusted us with their visions, the team members who worked tirelessly by my side, and the communities who welcomed our designs. And I'm excited for what the future holds. There are still so many "Sleeping Giants" out there, waiting to be awakened.

I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with Industrial Architecture in the comments below. Let's celebrate this incredible journey together.

Remember, there is always a way, Alba G. Colavitti, International Assoc. AIA

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