ROBERT SOTOLONGO
DTW Architects + Planners
SAY IT LOUD - NORTH CAROLINA Exhibitor
North Carolina Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Frank DePasquale one of the Architects who founded DTW Architects was a friend and a mentor when I first started at the firm. Over the past 20 years I have been fortunate to able to mentor many young Architects at DTW Architects.
ROBERT SOTOLONGO
Bio:
Bachelor of Science in Architecture University of Virginia – 1975 Master of Architecture Clemson University – 1979 Registered Architect in North Carolina – 1986 LEED Accredited Professional - 2003 North Carolina AIA Chapter Board of Directors 1991 North Carolina AIA Durham – Chapel Hill Section President 1991 North Carolina AIA Energy Committee U.S. Green Building Council North Carolina Chapter CEFPI President 2011-2012
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I learned about Architecture in my first year at University of Virginia. I was in the general college but had friends in the Architecture School and became interested based on some visits to the school. I then applied for a transfer.
What do you do?
I am a partner with DTW Architects + Planners in Durham. I have been with the firm since 1985. I work on all aspects of our projects from design thru construction.
What excites you in the work you do?
Starting new projects with new people which leads to new understandings, perspectives and insights into our local community. I have been fortunate to work on numerous community projects in the Triangle over the past 36 years.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Frank DePasquale one of the Architects who founded DTW Architects was a friend and a mentor when I first started at the firm. Over the past 20 years I have been fortunate to able to mentor many young Architects at DTW Architects.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My work in sustainable Architecture. I designed a passive solar house for my family in 1987 and was the LEED AP for the City of Raleigh's first LEED certified project. In the past 5 years our firm has won 4 sustainable design awards.
Featured Project Name:
Latino Credit Union
Featured Project Location:
4251 North Roxboro Road Durham, NC
Featured Project Completion Date:
December 2018
Role in Featured Project:
Architect of Record
Featured Project Description:
2019 Golden Leaf Small Commercial Design Award Design for a complete renovation of an existing branch bank into a new North branch for the Latino Credit Union. Exterior renovation included a new entry canopy incorporating the Latino Credit Union branding logo. Exterior renovation also included a new contemporary exterior façade including new windows, wall panels and entry portal. Interior renovations included colorful accent walls and graphics adding a warm an inviting environment.