Bio:
The great architect, Gerrod Winston is the founder principal and owner of Winston Design + Development, a Pittsburgh-based architectural design and real estate development firm. Gerrod is a licensed architect with more than 20 years of experience in the profession. Mr. Winston also holds certifications as a LEED Accredited Professional and is a Passive House consultant. Gerrod maintains a strong interest in environmentally-conscious design and contributing to the well-being of the community through design.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My first exposure to architecture came in high school where my fine arts classes presented me with some architectural design-related projects. I founds that I possessed some natural design sensibilities that led to architecture as an interest.

What do you do?
We provide architectural services ranging from owner representation/project management to full-service design and construction administration. I regard to real estate development projects, we will self-perform the architectural design services.

What excites you in the work you do?
What excites me most about being an architect is that we help design and form the environments that people live, work, learn and play within. Architects have an integral role in the shaping the spaces and places that people experience daily.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
I find inspiration by looking at both the pioneers that came before me with my appreciation for all of the handwork and dedication to the field as well as well as my unwavering optimism for the future.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Without a doubt, my single proudest accomplishment is starting my own architecture and real estate development firm.

Featured Project Name: 
CCAC (Community College of Allegheny County) - Workforce Development Training Center
 
Featured Project Location: 
Pittsburgh, PA
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
In Progress (Estimated 2021)

Role in Featured Project: 
Senior Architect & Project Manager
 
Featured Project Description:
To meet the current and future needs of a range of high-demand jobs, CCAC commissioned the design of a 90,000 SF workforce training center. The jobs include those in the STEM fields such as cyber security, autonomous technology, process and plastic technology, and additive manufacturing; EMT; nurse aide; and the creative arts, as well as a new culinary school. The College set high-performance goals for the project, with the primary target being certification as a Net Zero Energy Building.

Photography Credit:
Desmone Architects