Brian grew up in Ohio and completed his architecture academics there, but like the rest of our staff, he has a strong desire to travel and experience all the variety of the world’s cultures and designs.
Architecture drew him in as a great combination of many interests, which makes Brian perfectly suited to take on all our various project types. Always on the move and ready for a challenge, learn more about Brian and his travels below!
Name & Title at Emerick Architects
Brian Apple – Architect
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on at Emerick? Why?
That’s a tough question, I’ll give a few answers.
-
-
- Currently Most Excited About
- We have a project in the existing Yale Union Building that’s pretty cool. I really like working in existing buildings because the end product just feels more grounded to me. Not to mention the building has some incredible spaces.
- Favorite Detail
- On the second floor of Overland Warehouse there is a detail where portions of the much darker, old floorboards remain, infilled with new flooring as necessary. The old floorboards act as a negative showing where the walls were before we opened the space up. It serves as an interesting record of the building’s past that’s not immediately obvious at first, but once you get it, it adds a whole layer of detail and narrative that can be appreciated.
- Most fun design
- The Alberta Lookout Residence has some amazing connections between interior and exterior as well as a ton of fun, graphic patterns in wallpaper and tile work.
- Currently Most Excited About
-
What’s your favorite thing about being an architect?
The endless opportunities for learning, and the perspective you gain for appreciating the built environment. There really is a lot to be inspired by if you’re able to remain present.
Why did you become an architect? Was it something you always wanted to do?
I like the challenge of organizing many, potentially disparate pieces, into one cohesive whole. I never felt strongly about what I wanted to do but I was always curious about Architecture.
What’s one type of project you’ve never worked on but would like to?
Maybe a high school. I think it would be interesting from a programmatic perspective fitting all the different pieces together while providing an engaging environment to aid in learning.
What’s the first thing you would buy for yourself if you won the lottery?
After accepting the prize incognito (#lotteriesruinlives), I would probably buy a few acres of land and spend some time designing my own home, while simultaneously trying to lure friends and family to visit under the guise of an all-expenses paid vacation.
What’s the next place you would like to travel to?
A trip through Spain. Parc Guell and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, The Great Mosque in Cordoba, The Alhambra, and wherever else I’d end up along the way.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Brush my teeth, coffee, and read some of whatever book I’m working on, currently The Count of Monte Cristo.
What’s your spirit animal?
Hmm maybe a doe. I often have a caught-in-the-headlights expression. Although I’m also quite curious so perhaps a monkey.
If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tacos!
Beach or mountains?
Mountains, too easy.
What’s the number one place you recommend to eat in Portland?
At the moment, I’d say Tusk but I’m always on the lookout.
What’s one thing you think everyone should try in their lives?
Travel abroad. Get outside your comfort zone and broaden your perspective.
How do you relax after a long day at work?
Go for a run, read, play a game, or watch tv.
Bike or car?
Bike
Favorite curse word.
Shit, Hell, Damnit. Like seasonings for sentences, take your pick.
