Name: Brian Skripac, Assoc. AIA , LEED AP BD+C
Firm: Director of Digital Practice at Astorino
Family: Wife – Jennifer; Children – Nate & Abbey
Years in practice: 17
Education: Bachelor of Science in Architecture, The Ohio State University
Your first job: Clearing tables at Bob Evans. First architectural position was as an Intern Architect at Fanning/Howey (Columbus, Ohio).
Project you’re proudest of: The ongoing BIM Implementation Project at The Ohio State University (Buckeye BIM Initiative). Leading this project, the University has already converted more than 10,000,000 sf of the total 34,350,000 sf existing building space on campus from 2D to intelligent 3D building information models. In addition, I’ll be working to develop the BIM Standards & Guidelines for the University that will impact all future projects and delivery methods on campus.
What’s the best part of your job? Being able to transform the firms’ design and business processes through the adoption of BIM and other new/innovative technologies.
What’s the next big architectural trend? The further adoption of digital design technologies. Our ability to share our design ideas three dimensionally, correspond via mobile apps, communicate and learn through social media, all while engaging in augmented reality will continue to change our practice.
Favorite architecture book: Refabricating Architecture: How Manufacturing Methodologies are Poised to Transform Building Construction by Stephen Kieran & James Timberlake.
Favorite Pgh neighborhood: TBD, still working on getting around the city, which I’m really enjoying so far.
Favorite tool (can be digital, drafting, physical,…): I have to go digital – an iPad.
If you hadn’t become an architect, what would you have been? I probably would have gone into construction. My Dad was a carpenter and my Uncle was a contractor, I’ve always been around somebody who is building something.
What’s on your iPod/Pandora/Spotify? Everything from Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, James Brown, Beastie Boys to the Black Eyed Peas and the Black Keys.
Architectural quote to practice by: “In every field of industry, new problems have presented themselves and new tools have been created capable of resolving them… If we set ourselves against the past, we can then appreciate the fact that new formulas have been found which only need exploitation to bring about (if we are wise enough to break with routine) a genuine liberation from the constraints we have till now been subjected to. There has been a revolution in methods of construction”. – Le Corbusier, Towards a New Architecture
Advice to young architects: Embracing technology is only half the equation…share your digital expertise with the senior practitioners in your firm and look to them to reciprocate. This type of mutual mentorship will be invaluable to both you and your firm.
The secret to my success: Work hard and keep on learning, you’ll never know it all.
Brian Skripac, Assoc. AIA

Post Category | Member Dossiers