Q1: How did your career path lead you to MSKTD?
Interestingly enough, my path to MSKTD started through Craigslist. After graduating from Ball State in 2010, I was working as a graduate architect in Cleveland, Ohio and planning a move to Fort Wayne. In the midst of selling some old furniture online, I was also updating my resumé. These two tasks converged when I spotted the “Fort Wayne Jobs” link on Craigslist. I hadn’t reached out to any firms in the area yet and thought to myself, “Am I really starting my search here?”
I laughed as I clicked the link, expecting very little, but I was stunned to see an actual architectural position listed. Even more surprising, it was for a firm I knew well from my days at BSU — one I had admired since my first job fair. It felt almost too good to be true, but something about it compelled me to call the number and set up an interview with a guy named George Bachnivsky. Thankfully, the posting was legitimate. After confirming neither of us were scammers, I came in for an interview and the rest is history.
Q2: What can you be found doing in your free time?
Sophia (my better half) and I keep ourselves overly busy with various events and personal projects. We love attending Fort Wayne’s art events whenever we can. Recently, though, most of my free time has been taken up by our two adorable Cocker Spaniel puppies, Fig and Stella — I can’t stop talking about them! I also enjoy going to the gym in the mornings. It helps clear my head and sets me up for the day.
Despite our full schedules, Sophia and I make time to travel as much as possible. We love seeing new places and having new adventures. Our most recent trips were to Ireland and the Galapagos, both stunning in their own unique ways. Next up is the UK — we’re planning to spend time in London and then head to Scotland. A good portion of my family hails from Ireland and Scotland, so I’m excited to discover more about the Lindsay clan’s history.
Q3: What does a normal day look like for you?
Every single day is different. Flexibility is the name of the game, which is a bit of a challenge for me since I naturally prefer routine and tradition. But being able to adjust and adapt is key. It’s really about balancing those two approaches.
My days often start with an attempt at a routine, but plans usually shift as the day goes on. I typically have set or recurring client meetings to discuss design and project progress, which provide some structure. Still, the need for flexibility keeps me on my toes, and that’s definitely a good thing.
Q4: What do you love most about working at MSKTD?
While I really enjoy architecture, the design process and working with amazing clients, the best part of MSKTD is the people I get to work with every day. We’re great at what we do, we work hard and we have a good time doing it. It’s how we collaborate that makes it special. Everyone is so different and unique, bringing their own expertise and style to the work. Projects aren’t a lockstep march to the finish line — they’re more of a choreographed dance. So even when we’re not working on specific projects together, there’s just a great friendship across the office.
Q5: What is most rewarding about the work you do? The most challenging?
The rewards and challenges are actually one in the same. My specific expertise is in Food & Hygienic Design, but I also oversee other projects, such as historic preservation. Those can be vastly different and yet, regardless of industry, each project comes with a curveball or two requiring their own unique solutions. We draw on our past experiences and knowledge, so we’re rarely starting from scratch, but it always requires critical thinking and creativity, which keeps things fresh and novel.
Q6: What do the next five years look like for you?
I anticipate a lot of growth over the next five years. I think it’s going to be an interesting time for everyone as the industry grows and evolves. It'll be about preserving tradition while finding the best path forward. When we’ve thrown convention out the window, we experienced negative consequences. And yet, we understand that sticking too rigidly to tradition will leave you behind. There's a balance to walk, and I'm up for the challenge.
Q7: Of all the places to practice architecture and design, why Fort Wayne?
While initially, I didn’t exactly “choose” Fort Wayne, I’ve really come to enjoy it. The people here have a genuine desire to keep improving. Fort Wayne is a great place to put down roots because it's clearly growing in all the right ways.
I also get to work on projects across the country, so living in the middle of it all — the crossroads of America, makes sense. It's a great place to come home to after traveling. Fort Wayne hits the sweet spot between big city and small town. You get the best of both worlds here. It’s good people and a good place.
Q8: If you could give one piece of advice to someone pursuing a career in architecture, what would it be?
Make sure to refine your communication skills. You might be the best designer in the world, but if you can't successfully and clearly communicate your ideas to a client or contractor, it’s a domino effect and everything becomes much harder. Successful projects are often about more than just a building or its design. Sometimes the whole project can hinge on relationships or a single conversation. It's good to be prepared for those moments.
