BEHIND THE HARD HAT: JOHN R.
ARCHITECT | DESIGN-BUILD ADVOCATE | POP-TART AFICIONADO
For John, architecture isn’t just a career—it’s a lifelong passion built on curiosity, collaboration, and the satisfaction of seeing ideas take shape in the real world.
He knew he wanted to be an architect in seventh grade after a few class projects sparked something that never went away. But it was the collaborative side of construction that drew him in even more. “No one builds a building alone,” he says.
That belief in collaboration is what led him to Richard. “I came to Richard through a shared belief in the power of design-build and its ability to bring ownership, design, and construction together to deliver a superior designed and built project, under budget and ahead of schedule,” he explains.
Bridging Design and Construction
With more than 30 years in architecture, John has seen how much stronger projects become when construction teams are involved early. “The best designs are those in which the construction team is engaged early to provide constructability and cost analysis on an ongoing basis throughout the process,” he says. “That’s how the design is realized at the highest level.”
His leadership style follows the same philosophy: communicate constantly and keep the team moving forward together. On complex projects like the Cheyenne and Oklahoma City VA Medical Centers, that focus on alignment made all the difference. “When design schedules went off track, keeping everyone informed and grounded was essential,” he says. “Leadership is about making sure everyone is pulling on the same end of the rope.”
Advancing Quality Through Technology
John believes technology is reshaping how design and construction teams work together. He’s particularly passionate about Building Information Modeling (BIM), which brings both groups into a shared digital environment where potential conflicts can be identified and resolved before construction begins. The result is greater efficiency, fewer surprises, and stronger coordination from concept to completion.
He also values Richard’s investment in Matterport scanners, which capture existing conditions and document construction progress in detail. These tools allow the team to maintain precision, transparency, and accountability throughout each phase of a project.
Driven by Problem-Solving
After more than three decades in architecture, John still approaches every challenge with the same determination to find a solution. “I have been practicing architecture for over 30 years and have always been able to find solutions to any design or construction challenge,” he says. “I’m always available to engage in a conversation about potential solutions to any building challenge.”
Seeing It All Come to Life
For John, the real reward comes long after the design work is complete. “Seeing a successful project in use and working as intended is an absolute thrill,” he says. “People come to us with a challenge to make their built environment better, and accomplishing their goal with them is the best way to honor their request.”
Quick Hits with John
Secret Weapon on the Job: His SuperNote A6 digital tablet. “It keeps everything in one place—notes, to-do lists, and even PDFs for field reference.”
Snack of Choice: Frosted Pop-Tarts in berry flavors. “Probably not the healthiest choice, but certainly an enjoyable one.”
Fuel of Choice: Water and an occasional Cherry Coke Zero. “I made it through six years of architecture school without coffee or tea.”
Words to Work By: “Isaac Newton listed his Three Laws of Motion. Had he lived long enough, I’m certain his Fourth Law would be that mechanical stuff breaks and gravity sucks.”
The Bottom Line
With more than 30 years of experience, John turns great ideas into lasting spaces built with integrity and care. His work embodies Richard’s mission to build with purpose and deliver lasting value.