Justin Chang, AIA, LEED AP, is the Director of Design for the San Francisco office and brings over 15 years of experience as a Project Architect. He joined Walker in 2006 and has experience managing projects from conceptual studies and design documentation through to the construction of large scale mixed-use buildings. Justin’s responsibilities include: client interface, technical consulting, coordination of architectural design, and budget/schedule management. He is experienced in parking functional design, parking alternatives development and analysis, complete design, and construction administration of parking structures. As a LEED Accredited Professional, Justin has an understanding of the rating system and the current practices for attaining sustainability in parking structure construction.
Interview:
Q: Tell us about your favorite styles of Architecture?
A: Modern design, some of my favorite architects include Renzo Piano, Richard Nuetra, and Brian McKay-Lyons.
Q: Why did you want to become an Architect?
A: I wanted to do something creative and found an interest in the design of buildings and structures.
Q: How did your path lead to Walker?
A: I was working at the time for Thornton Tomasetti in New York and met Jim Davis golfing at an IPI conference. Since I happened to be heading to San Francisco afterwards, he encouraged me to come in for an interview during my vacation. A few weeks later I accepted an offer to join the San Francisco office.
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Q: What is the most exciting and unique project you’ve worked on while here at Walker?
A: Some of my favorite projects have been working with WRNS Studio. Since they really focus their energy on designing contextual architecture unique to each of the building sites, these projects typically have some interesting and striking architectural design features.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
A: Collaborating with our Walker team to exceed our client’s expectations.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about working for Walker?
A: Having the freedom to focus in areas that benefit the company while also fueling professional growth.
Q: What do you find most challenging about working in parking?
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A: Keeping it interesting. Laying out 9′ x 18′ stalls can be a little dry sometimes, but learning new skills, like BIM and Sustainability trends, are just some ways I’ve tried to keep growing professionally.
Q: What trends do you see now in the parking industry?
A: Automation both from driverless vehicles and mechanical parking will impact how we adapt our services to meet future needs. In urban areas, we’re seeing many alternative transportation services being offered such as, car sharing, bike sharing, even scooter sharing, that will put pressure on our core services.
Q: In your downtime, what might we find you doing?
A: Spending time with the family, playing guitar, seeing live shows, and snowboarding.
Q: Tell us about your family?
A: Alice and I have been married 15 years and we have two sons, Dylan (13) and Logan (10).
Q: What do you love about living in San Francisco?
A: The weather is great most of the year. You can drive 3 hours and be skiing one day and on the beach the next. The diversity of activities and people make this area unique and fun to be a part of, also Napa is just an hour away as well!
Thank you, Justin!
If you’d like to get in touch with Justin, you can reach him here. Please note, the San Francisco office has a new address effective April 3rd. You can find them at 601 California Street, Suite 820, San Francisco, CA 94108.