featured in Northern Nevada Business Weekly - Reno architect Ken Bartlett on his work, in his own words
NNBW: How did you get started in this business? Bartlett: It helped that I’d lived here all my life and had ties in the community. My first job came from word of mouth.
NNBW: What natural talents did you bring to the study or architecture? Bartlett: Building things with my dad; building decks and fences. Wanting to know how things go together.
NNBW: What did you have to learn? Bartlett: Having to sell yourself and your projects. Having to stand up in front of people and talk to them about the architecture.
NNBW: How has the industry changed since you started? Bartlett: Technology is probably the biggest change. When I first started, we were drawing on plastic mylar. Now it’s all done in 3-D. You get to see it in the computer before its built.
NNBW: What do you find most satisfying about your work? Bartlett: Seeing the built form. Driving around town and thinking I helped get that piece of architecture onto the street.
NNBW: How do you spend your time away from work? Bartlett: I keep a journal of ideas; sketches of new products, inventions and what-could-be’s. Also hunting and hiking.
NNBW: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Bartlett: My dad always told me: “It’s who you know.”
NNBW: Of what project are you most proud? Bartlett: The Joseph residence. The private home is a contemporary pueblo style. We realized quite a bit of the initial design and incorporated some stunning views.
NNBW: If you had a do-over in life, what would it be? Bartlett: I would have taken the art side more seriously. I do painting and sculpture as a hobby, but there’s not enough time to do both that and architecture.
