Sacramento, CA—Please meet Brie Gargano, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CDT, Client Leader and Associate in our Sacramento Studio. With more than 20 years of architectural experience, Brie’s career has been largely dedicated to educational design and facilities planning. In her role, she is responsible for managing the firm’s portfolio of projects for East Side Union High School District, Fortuna Elementary School District, Humboldt County Office of Education, Washington Unified School District and Winters Joint Unified School District. This includes day-to-day oversight of project metrics such as budget, schedule and funding, as well as managing the staffing resources committed to the design and documentation efforts for the projects.
As a new mom, Brie spends most of her free time with her daughter, but also really loves photography and crafts. She was inspired to become an architect through a junior high school wood shop course, and now finds inspiration through travel, international architecture and her hero – her father! Learn more about Brie …
Winters High School New Construction & Modernization | Winters Joint Unified School District
What is your hometown, or where do you live currently and what do you like about it?
I was born in upstate New York, but I’ve lived a lot of places. I have lived in Folsom for 20 years. I love the “small town feel” and that it is close to San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and even the coast.
What is your favorite restaurant or food?
I’d have to say Italian or Greek.
What is your favorite song, movie or book?
Mystery is my favorite genre, whether it’s in book form or movie form. Some of my favorite authors are Lee Child, David Baldacci and Tom Clancy.
Who is your hero or a person that inspires you?
My dad is my hero. He waited a long time to become a grandparent, but every time I see him with my daughter, I am thankful for all he has done for me and will do for me in the future. He has taught me to fix things and build things – to really love woodwork. He is also there for me when I need someone to hold my photography equipment so I can get the perfect shot!
- Westmore Oaks School Modernization | West Sacramento, CA
- Westmore Oaks School Modernization | Washington Unified School District
Westmore Oaks School Homecoming Project | Washington Unified School District
What is a typical weekend for you (i.e. what are your hobbies, interests, etc.)?
With two young children in the house, right now it is all about them. But, I love photography. My family has a running household joke about the “Craft de Jour,” as I like to craft and what I’m working on is always changing.
How did you find architecture as a career?
Amongst one of my family’s many moves, I was placed in a wood shop class in junior high school. There was a drafting component and I fell in love with it. On the next move, I started four years of architectural drafting classes before going to college.
What is a building and/or destination that inspires you and why?
London and St. Paul’s Cathedral. I studied abroad there in college, and we had a behind the scenes tour with the maintenance staff and went to all the places that typical patrons can’t go. I’ll never forget it.
What is your most memorable project and why?
I’ve worked with school districts for the majority of my 20 years in the industry, so there is not a single project that is the most memorable, but rather the rewarding feeling of seeing the faces of the children when a project is complete, and they come back to a school which has been totally transformed. Children are so curious and giving them a space to learn and grow has always been such a pleasure.
What is your favorite aspect of working at Studio W Architects?
The people. We are a diverse group with a lot of opinions and experience but really come together to get projects completed.
What project have you worked on at Studio W Architects that made you grow the most professionally? Why?
My growth since joining Studio W has come from my role working with clients and seeing their projects realized, more than a particular project.
Chabot College Baseball Complex | Chabot-Las Positas Community College District