What led you to a career in architecture?
Sal: I was always artistic as a kid, constantly sketching cartoon characters and superheroes throughout grade school. That creative spark soon shifted toward drawing houses— whether it was my own, a friend’s, or a neighbor’s. I even dabbled in car design, sketching supercars I dreamed about as a kid. For a while, I thought I might want to be a car designer. I even sent my sketches to Chrysler Automobile Corporation and received an inspirational letter in return.
Everything changed in high school when I took my first AutoCAD class (version 14!). Since then, AutoCAD has been replaced by Revit, a more advanced 2D and 3D computer-aided design software. But that was the turning point; I was instantly hooked on drafting and designing structures. It felt like all my creative interests finally found their place in architecture. I enjoyed my time studying architecture at Ball State. The program had a great balance; it combined environmental design with a real focus on how the built environment works and affects people’s lives.
How has your work in architecture influenced the way you view the world around you—cities, people, or even nature?
Sal: Working in a dynamic field like architecture changes the way you see the world. You’re constantly aware of how spaces are designed – what works well and what doesn’t. Every experience, whether it’s a beautifully planned space or one that missed the mark, shapes the way I approach each project. For example, it’s not just about maximizing the number of apartments on a site – it’s about creating opportunities to thoughtfully integrate design into the surrounding context and improve the way people live and interact with their environment. That’s a powerful responsibility; one I feel very proud of.
What do you think differentiates JLA from other firms when it comes to our approach to design?
Sal: At JLA, I believe everyone has a voice in the design process. It’s not just the lead project designer; those of us working on construction documents are also making important design decisions every step of the way. While there is a team structure in place, we truly collaborate as a team. I believe everyone involved in the project should have a say in how the project takes shape, and JLA is successful at providing that avenue.
What are some of the challenges you are seeing in architecture right now?
Sal: One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—facing our industry today is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Like many others, we’re still exploring how to harness its potential in the most effective and meaningful ways. But how much influence AI will have, ultimately depends on how we choose to implement it. My hope is that it enhances—not replaces—the human elements of our work: designing, shaping environments, and building meaningful connections with people. Ideally, AI can help reduce errors and omissions in our technical documents and lead to more successful project outcomes. I believe the future lies in delivering intelligent Revit models directly to contractors—replacing traditional drawing sets—and AI will be a key driver in making that shift a reality.
What advice would you give young designers just starting out?
Sal: My advice to anyone starting in architecture—whether you’re fresh out of school or transitioning into it as a second career—is this:
“Don’t hold back. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Don’t let others define the direction of your career—take ownership of it. And, most importantly, carry what you learn from one project into the next. Your growth in this field depends on how well you absorb both the successes and the missteps, and how you use those lessons moving forward.”
What is a noteworthy project you have worked on at JLA?
Sal: Over the past eight years at JLA, I’ve been fortunate to work on some truly special projects. When I joined the team, we were a 13-person firm primarily focused on multi-family work. Since then, JLA has grown into a team of 70+, tackling a wide range of complex projects across multiple sectors. It’s been exciting to be part of that evolution and contribute to the firm’s growth and expanding capabilities. With that said, the MOSH Performance Center in Franklin is the project I’m most proud of. It is part of the larger Ballpark Commons Master Plan that JLA helped develop.
What makes MOSH so unique is its combination of a single-story indoor turf facility, capable of hosting full-size soccer and baseball games, with a connected three-story office building that includes sports support spaces, outpatient clinic facilities, and a fitness component. At the time, there was nothing like it in the area. The project came with its share of challenges, from navigating complex code requirements to bringing a bold client vision to life. It has been incredibly rewarding to see it become a reality and know it’s now a place that impacts lives across generations.
What are you currently working on?
I recently finished a mixed-use project in Madison (LiveMcKee Apartments) with a client who was developing this type of project for the first time. Their trust in our team and JLA’s expertise in mixed-use design allowed us to successfully bring their vision to life. Since then, the project has been adopted as an “example set” within the firm, serving as a reference for other team members to help deliver consistent, high-quality work. I’m proud to contribute to JLA’s growth and help shape the standards that guide our future projects.
Sal Impellitteri, CDT, NCARB, is a Senior Project Architect in JLA’s Milwaukee Office. He is a graduate of Ball State University and has been with JLA since 2017.
About Eye for Architecture
Welcome to Eye For Architecture, a blog series that brings you behind the scenes and into the personal journeys of professionals shaping the built environment. From early inspirations and academic challenges to pivotal projects and lessons learned on the job. Eye For Architecture offers a candid look at the journey, the passion that drives their work, and how each team member found their own eye for architecture.