February 15, 2019
Eric Bowen, AIA, joined JAI in 1999 and is vice president and a partner in the firm.
What is your role at JAI?
To manage projects, people and myself. Each with varying rates of success and lack thereof.
What three words best describe you?
Curmudgeon. Does that count as three? If not, it should.
What is your favorite aspect of being on the JAI team?
We have a great group. There is a nice mix of experience and youthful enthusiasm. And the cool uniforms.
What three words best describe the culture at JAI?
Fun, diverse, friendly.
What has been your proudest moment to date working at JAI?
Probably the opening of the Maryville Municipal Center. We had worked on the project for over three years with a fantastic project team, and the City of Maryville was such a great client. It was a true team effort and very satisfying to see the building open and occupied.
How has working at JAI enhanced your professional development?
The firm has allowed me to reach so many goals I had set for myself in the profession. I like the fact that I can have an influence on the direction of the firm and the culture that we have created.
What or who is your go-to source for work inspiration?
A walk around the office. Whenever my day heads in the wrong direction, I walk around and see what everyone else is working on, and it never fails to provide a positive effect.
If you could switch places for a day with any JAI team member, which one would you choose? Why?
Linda Mollica. I think it would be great to see the look on everyone’s faces if they saw me greeting them at the front desk.
Before joining JAI, what was the most unusual/enjoyable/challenging job you held? What made it so?
Most unusual was spending summers trimming trees at a Christmas tree farm. Most challenging was working on the grounds crew at Fox Den Country Club. Spending eight hours in the heat laying sod or on a weed-whacker will quickly convince you to get an office job.
What do you look most forward to at the end of a workday?
Grocery shopping … wait, most or least?
If you were stranded alone on an island, what three material possessions would you hope to have with you?
A fishing pole, a knife and a frying pan. And maybe a book on how to use the fishing pole if I can have a fourth.
What is your secret talent?
Clogging.
What is your favorite place in the world?
The North End of Boston at dinnertime. Best-smelling place I have ever been.
What are you currently watching or reading?
Several different books on baseball, basketball and hockey analytics. You know, light reading.