Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company.
Pete Dube: I founded my firm with the belief that my best client was my current one although we are always looking at new clients and project types given the nature of our business, I am fortunate that our existing clientele has been with us since the beginning and we value those relationships. We specialize in public works, commercial and institutional design, and historic preservation. There aren't too many building types we haven't done and each aspect of our practice is exciting and fulfilling.
NNBW: What role do you play in the company?
Dube: As a sole practitioner, one minute I am the janitor and the next minute I am the chief operating officer (I can also brew a mean pot of coffee!). There isn't any role I don't play! Seriously though, I am responsible for everything from marketing, client relations, design, to paying the bills.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Dube: As an Army brat, I grew up living throughout Europe and the U.S., with my family. I was able to travel throughout North America, Europe and North Africa I think my early exposure to different cultures and how the architecture reflected culture and climate stimulated a desire to become an architect from a very early age. And my favorite toys were Lego!
NNBW: What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
Dube: As architects, I think we need to listen to our clients because we are trying to develop a building environment that works for them. Whether you are designing a house, a professional office building or a manufacturing facility, you have to translate their requirements into a building form that fosters and sustains their needs. So definitely, you have to be able to listen and hear! Beyond that, you have to work hard. This isn't an easy profession, whether you are in school learning, doing your internship in pursuit of licensure, or practicing it on a daily basis. So if you are afraid of hard work, long hours, and non-CEO pay, this might not be a good career choice.
NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been?
Dube: I have wanted to be an architect for as long as I can remember I still feel that way.
NNBW: What are some of the important trends you see in your industry?
Dube: I think we are beginning to see better values reflected in design brought about by the Great Recession. Oversized, elaborate and ostentatious is out; "right-sized" and sustainable is in. If architects are allowed to lead by design, you will see more "live-work" communities that integrate homes, businesses, gardens and parks so we can finally reduce our dependence on the automobile. I think we'll all get tired real quickly of paying $4 a gallon for gas and begin a national dialogue on sustainable communities.
NNBW: What do you like to do when you're not working?
Dube: Outside of the office, my favorite thing is gardening and home improvement projects. I like to build things, and I am trying to grow more food for my family and otherwise develop a more sustainable lifestyle.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Dube: Get some hands-on construction experience! We aren't artists painting a picture our projects have to be built and meet a budget, so you need to know how buildings go together.
NNBW: What are five things you can't live without?
Dube: My morning coffee and reading the newspaper, definitely! After that, I am pretty flexible.
NNBW: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why would you want it?
Dube: If I could have one superpower, I would like to be able to slow down time. It seems like we never have enough time to do all the things we want to do.
NNBW: What does the content of your refrigerator say about you?
Dube: I am an eclectic cook! You'll find ingredients for Italian, American, Asian, German and Latin food. Cooking is a lot like architecture putting a meal together is like designing a building and I enjoy doing it.
The basics:
Name: Pete Dube, principal, Dube Group Architecture, Principal
How long have you been in this job? 15 years
How long in the profession? 25 years
Education: Bachelor's of architecture, 1986, University of Arizona
Best book you've read? "Game Change." What an insightful look into campaigns and elections!
What's on your iPod? I don't have one! But I love my Android phone!
The best movie ever? I am not a movie buff!
