What do you specialize in, what are you most known for? I’ve been asked the question if I specialize in residential or commercial design a lot. I specialize in making my clients dreams a reality and changing communities for the better. Some of our project types have included single family residential, churches, restaurants and medical offices. Our Clients project construction costs range from $150,000.00 to $60,000,000.00. Everyone has a story about why they started, what’s your’s? I developed a passion for architecture at an earlier age growing up in New Orleans. When I was 8 or 9 years old my grandmother use to take my brother and I to ride the street car on St. Charles Street. I was fascinated with the homes on the street. When we made it back to her house I use to try to draw some of the homes. After she passed a few years ago I found out she kept a lot of my drawings. Being in business can be hard and difficult sometimes, what keeps you motivated? Two things keep me motivated. I enjoy bringing people dreams to reality. Many times when I meet a Client for the first time they have a sketch on a piece of paper of their idea. I have to now make that sketch become a reality. The second thing that keeps me motivated is my passion for architecture. Anytime someone ask me “Why did I got into architecture?” because they are doing something they are not happy doing. I always say “do what you are passionate about and it will never feel like work”. What can we look forward to from you in the upcoming year? In 2020, Kenneth Robinson, APC will continue growing our design team. We also have a couple of ventures to be on the look out for. What has been the hardest thing about being in business? At one time the hardest things for me about being in business was separating work from personal. Because of my passion for architecture I found myself working 12 plus hours a day, since it did not feel like work, only to go to bed and wake up and do the same thing the next day. Now I understand I have to step away from work and focus on family and other things that make me happy. What are the failures that you most cherish? I don’t look at things as failures. I have always looked at the bumps in the road as lessons learned. Those lessons have made me a better person, a better architect and a better entrepreneur. What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a successful
Architect when I grew up. What do you do in your free time? I like to spend time with my wife in my free time. It doesn’t matter if we are traveling or going out to eat or just sitting on the couch watching television. How would you describe yourself in one word? Observant What sets you apart from others who are doing the same thing? People have told me the thing that sets me apart from others in my field is because I take the time to educate them on the design and construction processes. I feel its important for the Client to know whats going throughout their project. What is a philosophy or quote that you live by? As long as I can remember I have lived by Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. If you could offer one piece of advice to someone wanting to follow your path, what would it be? If someone wanted to follow my path to become an entrepreneur I would tell them to find what they are passionate about and do it. Also get a mentor. I’ve had several over the years. My Mentors have been in my field and outside of my field. They are that person you can bounce an idea off of or that person who will tell you when you are doing something wrong. At the end of the day your Mentor wants to see you succeed. For more information visit www.kraarch.com; or email krobinson@ kraarch.com. Check out Kenneth Robinson on Facebook at @kraarch.
W W W. T H E A V I D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
|
11
