1) What’s your full name and where are you from?
Josh McDonald, from Oldsmar, Florida.
2) What is your position here at PLA and how did it come about?
I am a designer here at PLA. It all came about because Paul sat in as a guest critic for my master’s thesis project at USF and reviewed the work I had done for the past year. He took an interest in my work and I was offered a position up here in Somerville, MA.
3) How did you get into the field of architecture and design? What intrigued you about it?
My initial fascination in architecture occurred during junior year of high school where we were asked to design and construct a small scale model of a wood frame house built on a lake. The process of design and construction enticed me to explore architecture and I began to develop an appreciation for space and material building.
4) What drives you to continue in this field?
Architecture is in a constant experiment, testing and analyzing the built environment to understand its relationship with society and the human body. Understanding this relationship is what intrigues my mind to continue to pursue the field and its infinite possibilities.
5) What is the hardest part about being in design? The long hours/days, constant changes to the projects?
The toughest aspect of design is to constantly push the limits of the typical train of thought. Architecture offers numerous problems that can be solved in multiple ways. Deciding on the best solution is not always the most obvious one. This way, architecture constantly challenges you to rethink things.
6) So, how do you relax? What hobbies do you participate in?
I relax by watching all types of sports, with a heavy emphasis on the Boston Red Sox. I also enjoy playing computer games with my friends back in Florida. As someone who works on 3-dimensional modeling, I appreciate the effort to put in to create a modern day video game and the level of detail put in a given environment. I also really enjoy getting outside to hike and explore nature. Boston has seen a historical amount of snow this year, which has made exploration as simple as walking outside.
7) Who are some of the people who inspire you?
Some of the people who inspire me in the architecture field are: Glenn Murcutt, who continues to create inspiration not only for his design, but also his philosophical principles that govern his work and life. Beyond architecture, Bob Burnquist, a professional skateboarder, who pushes the limit of what is considered conventional skateboarding.
8) What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Tokyo, Japan by far! It was my first trip outside of North America that was filled with numerous experiences I’ll never forget. The trip provided me with a new perspective of culture I had never really experienced before. The food was incredible and it was truly a world I had never seen or experienced before.
9) Looking forward, where do you want to go and what do you want to do?
I would love to someday travel through South America to visit the rain forests, especially The Amazon. All the hiking, white-water rafting and being able to see the animals only native to there would be amazing.
10) What’s your take on the future of the architecture industry?
More and more projects these days are being designed with the environment in mind. Anywhere from off-grid housing, solar housing, passive house, LEED, CHP Schools, etc the architecture field is constantly pushing the boundary on designing more efficient and eco-friendly projects. The future of the architecture and design industry will have to continue to push this idea into the next level as the concern for global climate change continues to rise.
11) Any lasting advice for those going into design, or are already in it?
My best piece of advice would be to not be afraid to explore unconventional ways of thinking, they begin to unveil the new trains of thought.
12) How do you like it here at PLA so far?
My experience at PLA has been very rewarding, filled with knowledge at every corner. I look forward to continuing my growth and expanding my knowledge here at PLA.
