Although I was not looking for a job, an opportunity to do something I love doing, working with community groups and not-for-profits who are trying to make their way in the construction world, found me. A good friend sent me the Pratt Center’s advertising for a lead architect and if ever there was a job meant for me, it was in that job description. I applied and the rest, as they say, is history.
This position officially started on April 7, 2008 and I am loving it. Already I am exploring the possibilities of libraries and housing, youth ministries in decommissioned convents, supportive housing above churches, and more.
As this is a full time position, it means my ability to service clients in my own independent practice will be more limited. Those of you with whom I currently have contracts need not worry as Pratt fully understands that I will need to devote some time to bringing your projects to a timely and successful conclusion. Fortunately, all of you are in the finishing stages of the work we are doing together, so this should be a pretty smooth transition.
I will keep my independent practice open, but I will be limiting the projects I take to projects that meet the following criteria:
* The project must clearly not be eligible to be brought into Pratt.
* The project must have sustainability, in the fullest sense of the word, at the center of its aspirations.
Have a look at Pratt Center’s mission here. If you know of a community group or not-for-profit pondering how to get themselves into that abandoned warehouse building around the corner, I would love to talk to them and see if the center can be of any help.
It is my intention to continue to utilize this website to let you know what I am up to and as a repository of information relevant to construction and sustainable living. So I hope you won’t mind if I occasionally post something here and let you know about it.
Thank you to all past and current clients, I hope our paths will be crossing soon, be it around an important community project done through Pratt, or something new and sustainable through my continuing private practice.
With warmest regards,
Michael Bogdanffy-Kriegh
Owner, MBK Architect
Lead Architect, Pratt Center for Community Development
