Steven Barrett

What might overwhelm others intrigues Steven—namely, Byzantine code requirements, which Steven applies to building designs to ensure their safety. "Because the amount of code knowledge is so vast and is constantly evolving, you'll never be done learning," remarks Steven. "However deep you think the well is, it is so much deeper.” Steven shares his knowledge and experience as adjunct faculty at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Interviewing students, he says, helped him express/realize what he appreciates most about SmithGroup. As an engineer and "binary thinker" he explains, "My brain is wired to look for a singular solution. But architects see the world in such a different way—they see spectrums of solutions. I enjoy working on integrated designs with people I respect and where each perspective is equally valued." Steven is also an accomplished baker and dreams of spending a week in France perfecting his French breadmaking techniques.