October 8, 2019
Brian Pittman, AIA Assoc., joined JAI in 2016.
What is your role at JAI?
Designer.
What three words best describe you?
Avid, affable and loquacious.
What is your favorite aspect of being on the JAI team?
JAI doesn’t guilt me into playing the other firms in volleyball.
What three words best describe the culture at JAI?
Kind-hearted, calm and expeditious. Though those last two seem to be opposites, we are both somehow.
What has been your proudest moment working at JAI?
Any time a client after seeing our work says, “That’s exactly what I want.”
How has working at JAI enhanced your professional development?
Even at my age, I’m enjoying learning new things and becoming more well-rounded.
What or who is your go-to source for work inspiration?
Daryl Johnson. Our “hand” and style of design are decidedly different, but we both appreciate and enjoy the actual craft of designing. He allows me my hand and style and it feels like trust; it’s very nice.
If you could switch places for a day with any JAI team member, which one would you choose?
No, thank you! I could never do what my peers can. I’m always impressed by their various talents and skills and just hope what I bring is useful to the team trajectory as well. Though Marley’s (the Pekingese) job looks very enviable, I’ll stick to my own. It’s the job I’ve always wanted.
Before joining JAI, what was the most enjoyable and unusual jobs you held?
I was lucky enough to stumble upon a job as an arts and crafts director for the Vestal Boys & Girls Club. I adored that job – the work, the challenges, the fun, and most of all the kids. They could give you a run for your money, but often they could make you smile no matter how overwhelmed by life you might feel. Not much thrills me more than getting unsolicited messages on Facebook from previous club members telling me they remember me in some kind or supportive way; then I revel in hearing about their jobs, spouses, children. Makes me feel old but also very content about the work I did when young and struggling myself.
Oddest, for me, was probably being a dorm counselor for students attending the Marine Science Consortium for the National Science Foundation for gifted science students who are hard-of-hearing. I got to pet an octopus; yes, it was slimy.
Boy, were those two awfully cool summers.
What do you look most forward to at the end of a workday?
No matter how stressed or tired I am, walking in my front door to my pups who act like they’ve not seen me in four years. Every. Single. Day. Then my peck on the cheek, and I’m ready to come down from the day and just “be home” with my family.
If you were stranded alone on an island, what material possession would you hope to have with you?
A hat.
What are your secret talents?
Topiary and annoying Shehara Hapuarachy, though the latter isn’t exactly a secret!
What is your favorite place in the world?
I’m kind of fond of my house and garden. It’s the child I can’t have, so I tend to dote on it.
What are you currently watching or reading?
I’m watching “Fleabag,” created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and reading “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison.
