Leadership Spotlight – Rob Beusan
Rob Beusan, AIA, NCARB – Principal, Director of Design
Rob Beusan joined Hummel Architects in 2013 and has since taken on the role of Director of Design, leading the creative direction and conceptualization of client projects. With a track record of innovation and commitment to excellence, Rob has guided his design team in delivering compelling and visionary architectural solutions. Rob is crucial in effectively communicating vision and goals for planning and design projects. His recent achievements include overseeing the development of designs for St Luke’s Center for Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, Desert Sage Health Center, Alpine Academy, Treasure Valley Community College, and the College of Western Idaho’s Boise Campus.
What do you see as the core values of Hummel that we want to celebrate?
Design is a high priority for us, Hummel’s legacy of design is why I took the job here, and our continued pursuit of great design is why I am still here over a decade later. Hummel has nurtured a legacy of exceptional designers, some of whom I wish I could have worked with longer, but all of whom paved the way for our current generation of design leaders.
Our designs are not only about standing out but also about responding to the relative context, creating a design that is representative of the time and place. A balance between creativity, innovation, and the right design. That may mean a statement signature building, or that might mean something that blends seamlessly into its context. Either way, we ensure that a quality product is delivered.
Quality is key. We focus on designs that use the right materials and are precisely represented in the drawing package to ensure successful project outcomes. We look at each project for today and tomorrow, ensuring it will be a lasting asset for the client and community. Our talented team, from seasoned industry experts to recent graduates, is united in their commitment to delivering the best possible results.
Client management. Building strong relationships with our clients is important to us. We work hard to manage these relationships well, which helps us earn repeat business and showcase our proven ability to deliver great results. In the design process, we work with clients to develop their projects, making sure their needs are met, and the vision comes to fruition. We take pride in consistently meeting and exceeding our clients’ needs.
You work closely with the architects and architectural designers; how do you approach mentorship?
With mentorship, it is important to be approachable and create an environment where people are comfortable sharing ideas—right or wrong, practical or farfetched. Even if a thought or suggestion is not the right answer, we can still learn a lot from it. It becomes a part of the process. We want creative suggestions to be brought forward and tested, encouraging experimentation and design thinking.
Sometimes this happens in group charettes, using whiteboards, digital media, and anything you can draw on. Other times a one-on-one desk charette is the right answer.