RON BENE' WOODS
Woods Group Architects
SAY IT LOUD - Arkansas Exhibitor
Arkansas Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I have always been inspired by the creative works of other architects. We don’t design in a vacuum. I see visual forms in the built environment and give them my own interpretation. I am inspired by seeing my “finger print” in the built environment.
RON BENE' WOODS
Bio:
The great designer, Ron Bene’ Woods founded his own architectural practice in 1992 after serving as Project Architect for ten years with some of Arkansas’ largest architectural firms, including one firm where he spent 5 years as a Project Manager taking control of all projects from start to finish and from programming to construction administration. Mr. Woods has more than 35 years of specialized project experience in planning, design and production of various building types.
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 the 7th grade. I was preparing to do a career thesis on artists when my English teacher encouraged me to do it on Architects. After learning about architects, I was intrigued and knew I wanted be one after high school.
What do you do?
I am a hands-on President of an Architecture Firm. I like doing it all, from design to building information modeling (BIM), renderings, and construction documents.
What excites you in the work you do?
It’s all about the joy of being creative. Architecture is a vehicle for me to express my creativity. The creative process keeps me excited and in love with my profession.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I have always been inspired by the creative works of other architects. We don’t design in a vacuum. I see visual forms in the built environment and give them my own interpretation. I am inspired by seeing my “finger print” in the built environment.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My proudest professional accomplishment is the creation of a minority architectural firm that has recognition in a profession that is predominantly white and a firm that can compete with and team with the top firms in Arkansas.
Featured Project Name:
UAPB STEM Building
Featured Project Location:
University of Arkansas @ Pine Bluff
Featured Project Completion Date:
2017
Role in Featured Project:
Architect of Record
Featured Project Description:
The STEM building is a signature building for the UAPB campus. The building was designed around sustainable principles and state-of-the-art infrastructure. The building optimizes daylighting using over-sized storefronts and curtain walls. The exterior envelope is a proprietary construction system designed to maximize the insulation performance of the shell. The HVAC system is managed by computer programming to optimize efficiency. This is a flexible state-of-the-art teaching machine.
