What led you to a career in architecture?
Garett: The spark ignited early, and it was a series of events, not just an ‘aha moment’. My parents self-contracted and built the house I grew up in. I remember helping on site and specifically getting to stay up until 2 am on a school night to help them finish tiling the kitchen. Then, during an 8th-grade research project on future careers, I wrote a paper on landscape architecture. Finally, in high school, I was torn between architecture and engineering. A friend’s mom suggested that I apply to UW-Milwaukee, and I ended up applying on the day that applications were due. This nudge helped solidify my decision to follow architecture instead of engineering.
How has your work in architecture influenced the way you view the world around you—cities, people, or even nature?
Garett: It has given me a greater appreciation for the intersection of nature, design, and community.
What advice would you give to young designers just starting out?
Garett: Be patient and take the time to really listen. There’s an incredible amount to learn in this field—so much, in fact, that no one ever truly knows it all. When I started, I was eager to design buildings and structures like I had in school. But I quickly realized there’s a lot more to it. Understanding how a building comes together and how people use and experience it should deeply inform both its design and appearance. While many people see designers as creators of beautiful or visually interesting things, the truth is that’s only a small part of what makes a design successful. Over time, you’ll find that how a space functions, how it’s lived in and interacted with, is a much more meaningful measure of good design.
What is one noteworthy project you have worked on at JLA?
Garett: There are actually a few that come to mind. First, The Current 2 because it was a large project right next to our Madison office. The second is Grand Park, on the far east side, because of the view from the building and I lived in the building for a year. Finally, the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park is noteworthy because of the unique typology and exterior design of the building.
What are you currently working on?
Garett: I am finishing up JFS Woodale Crossing in Brown Deer, WI, in the next couple months. Then I’ll help move the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park into CA and seeing it built, which is exciting. I am also looking forward to getting my feet wet and starting to help manage some projects.
Garett Tomesh is a Senior Project Specialist and an emerging Project Manager in JLA’s Madison Office. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has been with JLA since 2019.
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.