Bio:
The great designer, Lou Switzer is the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Switzer Group, one of the most prestigious interior architecture companies in the nation and consistently ranked among America’s 100 Design Giants in annual revenues. A business leader, cultural trailblazer and acclaimed interior designer, he singlehandedly established one of the first minority-owned design firms in the country. Lou has steered The Switzer Group’s reputation for excellence.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Since the fourth grade, I have been fascinated by design, and my focus and inspiration has always been to be a design professional. At 17 years old, I began working in the mail room of a design firm and was quickly promoted to draftsman.

What do you do?
I am the founder of The Switzer Group, an Interior Architecture firm

What excites you in the work you do?
I have a worldview about work. I operate on a high level of commitment. I work hard every day to make The Switzer Group one of the most respected design firms in the country and I do so by showing up will full capacity, energy and dedication

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Be courageous. Strive to be a visionary but never abandon the traditional values that have remained tried and true, such as hard work, dedication and quality.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
To have achieved and sustained a successful, prosperous firm with talented staff for 48 years.

Featured Project Name: 
Vice Media
 
Featured Project Location: 
Brooklyn, NY
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2016

Role in Featured Project: 
Interior Architecture
 
Featured Project Description:Vice media need new headquarters. The design sought to express the existing structure where possible, while opening the space to daylight through a series of skylights creating an industrial feel drenched in light. The two buildings respectively brought forth the existing aesthetic components of exposed wood beams and columns and structural steel and concrete, which combined with sleek and minimal lighting, contributed to the feeling of balance between clean modernity and Brooklyn grit.

Photography Credit:
Colin Miller Photography