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Architect shapes look of northern Colorado |
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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Wednesday, 04 October 2006 |
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 Matthew Poncelow of Fort Collins has his hand in shaping the ever-changing look of nothern Colorado. As a designer/architectural intern for Vaught Frye Architects, the 28-year-old helps bring bike shops, senior centers and innovative buildings to the community.
“It’s actually something I’ve always wanted to do, ever since I was a teenager,” Poncelow said.
But make no mistake, this intern is no coffee-getter. After completing his under-grad and grad school programs, Poncelow is three tests away from getting his license in architecture.
“It’s a long process,” he said. “It’s definitely a job you don’t go into unless you love it.”
Poncelow grew up in Greeley and attended school in New Mexico. When his wife was accepted into the veterinary program at CSU, Poncelow applied to Vaught Frye.
“The way they do architecture is really great,” he said. “Vaught Fry is on the cutting edge in technology. A lot of companies still do things all by hand.”
In fact, the company uses one of the computer programs used in the making of Pixar animated films. Another program allows designers to draw walls, not just a line, so the model is instantly three dimensional, Poncelow said.
Being young and just entering the industry, Poncelow is grateful to work for a company with so much experience under its tool belt.
Vaught Frye Architects is celebrating its 20th year in the business. One of its more well-known projects includes Skyline Medical Center in Loveland.
Seeing a small company experience so much success is inspirational for people like Poncelow. He hopes to some day open his own firm.
“It makes me realize it is possible to start your own and put out really good work.”
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VITAL STATS
Name: Mathew Poncelow
Company: Vaught Frye Architechts
Title: Designer/Architectural Intern
How long have you worked there? One year
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IN HIS WORDS
What is it about this job that makes it challenging?
In architecture challenges come in many forms. That is the main reason I was drawn to this profession. Not only must I be an artist, but I have to look out for the best interest of my clients and meet a multitude of code and other building requirements.
Things that impress you? Things that don’t.
I am impressed by people who know what they are talking about and unimpressed by people who act like they know what they are talking about. Always remember, there is no shame in not knowing the answer. You just have to take the initiative to go out and find it.
How do young/new employees get ahead?
Hard work. Not only working hard for your employer, but constantly striving to push yourself. We live in an Information Age. If there is something that you don’t understand take it upon yourself to learn.
Did you ever think in a million years you’d work here?
It was a surprise to return to Colorado, but I specifically chose to apply at Vaught Frye Architects, partly for the work they are doing and mostly for the programs/technology they are using.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you do?
If ever I decided to stop doing architecture, I would probably go into Web design or possibly animation.
What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done while at work? Smartest?
Stupidest.... Showing up hung over. Smartest... catching a critical issue that saved the day.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever done to make money?
Given plasma.... and I don’t recommend it.
What’s the one thing you wish you could do on the job that you can’t right now?
Show up in my pajamas.
What do you do during your breaks?
When I do get the chance to take a break, I make sure to clear my mind and relax. Sometimes when things get overwhelming the best thing to do is to take a moment and re-center yourself.
What’s one thing about your job you would do, even if you weren’t paid to do it?
I love to design and hope that it will be a lifetime passion.
Name one thing in your life that really prepared you for your job.
I have been incredibly lucky to have been surrounded by truly ambitious people in my life. Beyond that, I played with Lincoln Logs and Lego’s as a child. It helped me to understand things in 3 dimensions.
What’s the biggest payoff in your job?
The satisfaction of a project done well. Building relationships and a reputation.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
I am a bit of a computer geek. I spend a lot of time at home “playing” with my computer; making Web sites, music, and of course surfing.
Pets? Family?
My wife is a student at CSU in the College of Veterinary Medicine. We have two dogs and two cats.
Favorite TV shows. Movies. Books.
I have a lot. Movies... “Momento,” “Requiem for a Dream,” “Snatch,” “28 Days later.” Books... “House of Leaves”, “A Natural History of the Senses,” “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. “
What Web sites do you have bookmarked?
Google (of course), evoc.us, cgarchitect.com, cgtalk.com.
Where do you play? Go out to eat?
I spend as much time as I can in the Rocky Mountains up at my cabin. I am a lover of good food, Coppersmiths and Tiger Lily are my favorite places in Fort Collins.
Favorite spot?
I actually have many spots I would consider my favorite, but I’ll mention a small forgotten castle on a hill just outside of Vico Morcote, Switzerland.
Are you the boss? Do you think you should be?
I am not the boss, but I have been before. Being the boss comes with many benefits, but it also comes with a great amount to responsibility. Currently, I am happy to be an employee where I can focus on design and honing my skills.
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