Mark has been with Pinnacle since 1997 and is the firm’s longest-tenured employee. He began his career in construction having worked for a home builder in Las Vegas before making his way to Pinnacle. Today he works on a variety of project types from a psychiatric hospital in Hermiston to a new trampoline park in Bend. We recently caught up with Mark for a little Q&A.

Tell us how you got started in Architecture?

I started early with Lincoln Logs and Legos and moved into building tree forts. My grandpa built the family cabin and watching our ideas take shape really inspired me. I also had family members who worked in construction so design and building were always part of my life.

Do you have a favorite project?

After being in the business for 20+ years, I’ve designed many different project types. My favorite are those that fill a need in the community whether an affordable housing complex or medical clinic for a rural town.

You grew up in Coos Bay, graduated from the University of Montana in Billings, worked in Vegas, and made your home in Bend. What’s your favorite thing about living in Central Oregon?

Location, location, location. It’s not far from rivers, mountains, the desert, lakes, and the ocean. The variety of outdoor activities from fishing and hunting to camping has kept me here for almost 20 years.

Pinnacle is a small firm that values its company culture. We asked Mark a few fun questions to get to know him a little bit more:

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Fly-fish all around the world!

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

An architect or…professional football player.

What is your favorite game or sport to watch?

College football…go Ducks!

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Anything with cheese!

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

And yes, many of us at Pinnacle would definitely agree.

What’s your ideal vacation?

My wife and I try to go somewhere tropical every couple of years for the warm water and sandy beaches. Plus, we just like seeing somewhere new.

Have a question of your own about Mark? Ask! Mark@parch.biz