Ryan DeLaura RA, CPHC (he/him/his)

I’m from  Chesapeake, Virginia

List your education  North Carolina State University: Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture and a Bachelor of Architecture

Any notable accomplishments/awards?  At my first job, I completed a Net Zero Energy single-family residence, where I was responsible for managing the project from Schematic Design (SD) through Construction Administration (CA).

Why PCA?  PCA brings together two priorities that are important to me as an architect: sustainability and helping address the housing crisis. After earning my CPHC certification, I wanted to build on that foundation by pursuing Passive House Certified Multifamily Projects, making PCA the ideal next step.

My earliest design memory  When I was a child, I loved playing with Bionicles and Transformers. Although they weren’t buildings, I was fascinated by their components, construction, and transformation. I believe that early interest fostered my innate curiosity about how things fit together, which later evolved into a passion for architectural drawings and design.

I’m excited about building technology that  Enhances the building envelope’s control layers—air, water, vapor and thermal—to create resilient and durable assemblies that respond appropriately to the climate in which they exist.

My favorite aspect of working with clients is  Being surprised by their ideas and perspective while reviewing design options.

What building or place do you wish you designed, why?  The Palace of Versailles and its surrounding gardens would be an incredible project to work on. It would be fascinating to have King Louis XIV as a client given his ambitious vision and influence in shaping the architecture of France. I’m especially drawn to the extraordinary range of scale—from the expansive forests and formal gardens to the highly detailed and unique interior spaces, such as the Hall of Mirrors.

I’m inspired by  Nature because of its ability to maintain balance and adapt over time. I believe there is much we can learn from natural systems to create a more symbiotic relationship between architecture and the environment.

What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?  I enjoy playing video games, particularly role-playing games (RPGs) set in fantasy and science fiction worlds. One notable game I played recently was Expedition 33, which stood out to me for its immersive world and storytelling.

Cats or dogs?  Cats

SketchUp or Revit?  Revit

Favorite book  Dune by Frank Herbert

How do you think your colleagues would describe you?  My Colleagues would describe me as diligent and attentive.