Sven Shockey
"My journey to architecture began with an undergraduate degree in Cognitive Science," says Sven. "Where I explored the biological and computational foundations of cognition." Ultimately, architecture became the perfect medium to unify his interdisciplinary interests. Sven believes that “to fully explore architectural potential, it's essential to broaden the discussion to include various disciplines, technologies, and a deep understanding of place. When executed well, an interdisciplinary, synergetic approach can result in projects that not only exceed client expectations but also resonate with their aspirations.” As National Director of Design at SmithGroup, Sven has led the planning and design of higher education, science and technology, federal, mixed-use, commercial office, and planning projects across the United States and internationally. He is passionate about a rigorous, idea-driven process that incorporates research and cutting-edge computational analysis methods. His design leadership "focuses on site-specificity, placemaking, and sustainability, earning numerous awards in architecture, historic preservation, sustainability, innovation, and planning." Sven's work has been featured in Architect, Architectural Record, Metropolis, and other prestigious publications.
Building design reflects vision of Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus
Sven discusses being a part of the design process for the Innovation Campus and how principles of sustainability, health and wellness, green and social spaces, accessibility, connectivity, flexibility, and integrated technology played a key part in the design.