What led you to a career in architecture?
Adam: I have always loved to draw, and, as a kid, I was obsessed with Legos and building things… I still am. One of my first trips to Chicago inspired me to pursue Architecture at a pretty young age. I was impressed by the huge buildings and the urban environments defined by them.
How has your work in architecture influenced the way you view the world around you?
Adam: I think of architecture as the amalgamation of art, science, nature, materials, technology, and, most importantly, the human condition. Architecture is placemaking, it influences our experience in everyday life. To quote Frank Gehry, “Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.”
What are some of the challenges you are seeing in architecture and design right now?
Adam: The biggest challenge I see is figuring out how we can best utilize AI for efficiency, while maintaining confidentiality and protecting intellectual property. The speed at which things are evolving continues to present new tools that can streamline our workflow and eliminate some tedious processes.
What do you think differentiates JLA from other firms when it comes to our approach to design?
Adam: JLA is a unique firm founded on principals of client satisfaction, collaboration, mentorship, work / life balance, and choosing humility over arrogance. We lead with compassion. Although other firms may claim to do these things, it is common for firm leadership to overlook them while focusing on the bottom line. JLA practices what we preach.
What advice would you give young designers just starting out?
Adam: Aesthetics are important to Architects, but there is so much more to learn. I would tell young designers to make sure they keep a focus on construction and how contract documents go together. We can imagine some cool stuff, but your success could be limited if you don’t understand how to put buildings together.
What are some noteworthy projects you have worked on at JLA?
Adam: As the lead designer for The Current, I oversaw both the individual buildings and the master plan, which includes a hotel and Grand Crossing Park in Monona, Wisconsin. This project transformed a once-dilapidated collection of riverfront properties into a vibrant, park space that is embraced by the architecture, and offers riverfront access to the community. The park also hosts an ice rink in the winter and community events in the summer, as well as skate rental facility and ice cream shop. I was also fortunate to be able to design some of the commercial spaces within the Development, including JLA’s Monona office, Buck & Honey’s Restaurant, a salon, cigar lounge, and office space for the building owner, Galway Companies.
Adam Fredendall is JLA’s Senior Vice President and Director of Architectural Operations. Most of Adam’s career has been as a designer and architectural team leader, but he began as a framing carpenter and has also worked as an owner’s representative and construction manager for a real estate developer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies with a minor in Urban Planning from UW-Milwaukee, and began his tenure at JLA in 2016.
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.