Meet James Wisniewski, Associate Principal and Project Manager for the Renaissance Project for Don Bosco Prep and a residential high-rise tower for The Tata Group in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Learn why he has always wanted to learn to play the piano.
If you were not an architect, what would your alternate career be?
JW: Lawyer. I was always fascinated by criminal justice system and how a case is collected, put together, and thesis argument made.
What do you believe is the most valuable trait as an architect?
JW: Communication with the team and client. The client will follow you along the journey but they require leadership and solid communication.
You just won a free trip, where would you go?
JW: Anywhere warm with a beach.
If you could make one significant change in the world, what would it be?
JW: Too hard to answer but I think attempting to help others come together through communication, dialogue and compromise is the key to solving many problems. Accepting that all have different views and trying to meet in the middle.
Who is your design idol?
JW: Le Corbusier, (and Michael Graves)
When you need inspiration where do you look?
JW: All around me and nowhere at the same time. I try not to force it…I try to let my mind relax enough to think clearly.
When you are away from work, what can you be found doing?
JW: Spending quality time with my family.
What songs are most listened to on your playlists?
JW: Depending on mood or activity….it really can be anything. Except the band “Rush”, I have never been able to listen to them.
What new skill would you like to learn and why?
JW: I have always wanted to play the piano. With ‘W’ as my last name, in school I was last to pick instruments, and got stuck with the baritone and it did not excite me.
How would your friends describe you?
JW: Outgoing and I try to not take myself too seriously.
What was one of your most defining moments in life?
JW: I participated in a high school design competition and was one of the winners. It sent me to a great architecture school and the rest is history.
If you had a chance for a “do-over” in life, what would you do differently?
JW: Never. It’s taken too much work and dedication to get here, could never go back.