BERESFORD PRATT
Ayers Saint Gross
SAY IT LOUD - MARYLAND Exhibitor
Maryland Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Clients play a huge role in my inspiration of the project design. From a designer perspective the work of Carlo Scarpa and David Adjaye inspire me to explore new ways of looking at architecture from detail then zooming back out to the bigger picture.
BERESFORD PRATT
Bio:
The great architect, Pratt is an architect and associate with Ayers Saint Gross. He focuses on higher education design with a specialty in active learning spaces and co-leads multiple J.E.D.I based architecture pipeline initiatives with Baltimore, Maryland K-12 students. He is the Bmore NOMA board member and communications director. He serves on the board of the Baltimore Design School. He is past Young Architect Regional Director and is the current the AIA Young Architects Forum Communications Director.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
In junior high I was exposed to technical education courses that introduced me to woodworking, graphic design, and fabrication. I was encouraged explore an CAD architecture course which was a marriage between many of my interests, and I fell in love!
What do you do?
I practice as a licensed architect and designer. I specialize in academic spaces focusing on active learning. Over my career I developed a deep knowledge of exterior design, envelope technical detailing and coordination. I also lead as a BIM Manager.
What excites you in the work you do?
Every space has the opportunity to be a teaching tool. I enjoy knowing that spaces I create help develop lifelong learners. The process is so fascinating because no two days are the same. I am constantly stretching, growing, and learning.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Clients play a huge role in my inspiration of the project design. From a designer perspective the work of Carlo Scarpa and David Adjaye inspire me to explore new ways of looking at architecture from detail then zooming back out to the bigger picture.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I was extremely proud to get licensed after practicing and studying for roughly 3 years. To be able to accomplish my dream at the age of 26 was a tremendous deal, because it was a family celebration. My parents were with me every step of the way.
Featured Project Name:
Sagamore Spirit Whiskey Distillery
Featured Project Location:
Maryland
Featured Project Completion Date:
2016
Role in Featured Project:
Architect, Designer & BIM Manager
Featured Project Description:
The 60,000 GSF facility rests on five-acres of revitalized brownfield waterfront property. The campus is comprised of three buildings: a distillery building for making whiskey; a processing building for bottling, barreling, tasting, and retail; and a restaurant with a whiskey bar. It marries the sophisticated whiskey production with an interactive visitor experience. The architecture boasts floor-to-ceiling glass to allow visitors to see the production, outdoor courtyards, and waterfront.
