This Q&A is part of a series of interviews with BRP architects, designers, and others in the firm about their career journey, and the impact that architecture and design can have on our communities and the collective human experience. Today, we sat down with Jacob Nentrup, who shared how his early curiosity for understanding how things work evolved into a lifelong passion for architecture. Jacob’s journey highlights his commitment to creating buildings that not only meet practical needs but also contribute to the beauty of the built environment, a value he carries into each project he undertakes.
1. What motivated you to pursue a career in architecture? Were there any specific influences or experiences that led you down this path?
Growing up I was always extremely interested in how things go together, how things work, and the puzzle of why things were the way they were. Even to this day this curiosity is still a big part of who I am. But as I got older, I started to gain more interest in the built environment and design. It was during this time that I started to play around with designing houses and other structures and knew I would do something in the construction industry. It wasn’t until I learned how much of an impact architects play on people’s environment that I knew that’s what I wanted to do. For me architecture is all about solving the puzzle on how to make a building do what the people need it to do will still contributing to the beauty of our built environment.
2. Can you share some highlights from your professional journey in the architecture industry? Any particular memorable projects or milestones?
While at BRP I have had the privilege of working on a number of projects and a variety of project types. Three built projects stand out as my most memorable project. They are Cambria Omaha, Cambria Louisville, and Ceasars Republic.
Cambria Omaha will always be one of my most memorable projects not because of what it is or the design but because it is the first project I worked on from beginning to end. It is my first built project. My first site visits and taught me so much about how to work and how buildings go together.
Cambria Louisville is easily the most complicated building structure that I have worked on to date. It is a 6-story hotel with a roof top patio that has just about every construction method from post-tensioned concrete with metal stud framing to full load bearing wood construction with brick, limestone, metal panel, and EIFS as exterior finishes. All on a complicated site that required the parking to be under portions of the second floor. With how complicated this building was, it taught me a lot about building science and how buildings should go together while still being able to design a building I believe blends in and betters the built environment of downtown Louisville.
Caesars Republic in Scottsdale Arizona is my most recently finished project and the one that allowed the most freedom to think about the design, layout and aesthetic to create something unique. It also allowed me to work with a number of consultants that we don’t get to work with on a daily basis, such as lighting designers, which allowed me to learn about how their skills and expertise can truly affect the beauty and how a building is seen.
3. What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job as an architect? What keeps you motivated and passionate about your work?
For me there are two aspects I find rewarding as an architect. The first being the puzzle that is architecture. I always find a great enjoyment when I solve a difficult problem, whether that’s how to get a clients program squeezed onto a difficult site or the design of a particularly complicated piece of millwork. The second thing I find rewarding is getting to see people use the building that I have helped create and bring to a reality. I always enjoy going to grand openings of the buildings I have worked not for the recognition for my work but to see people enjoy the spaces and to hear the feedback on what works and what people don’t like so that my work can always progress.
4. Are there any sustainable or environmentally friendly practices that you integrate into your architectural designs?
While I don’t have any particular sustainable or green practices I integrate into a project I have worked on a number of LEED rated buildings. Both of the Cambrias I mentioned earlier have a LEED Silver rating and several other projects I have worked on have been LEED rated as well. Because of this exposure to LEED many of the ideas that come from going after these ratings have made an impact in how I practice and how I approach envelope design and other aspects of a buildings design.
5. What do you believe sets your architecture firm apart from others in the industry, and what advice would you give to potential employees who are considering joining your team?
There are two things that I think makes BRP stand out from other firms when it comes to people looking to join our team. The first being our culture. We have a great culture that is focused on the growth of the individual while creating an atmosphere where we can have fun while doing our work. The second being our approach to teaching and training. As a firm we do a great job of exposing our employees to a wide variety of project types, construction types, and job duties. Because of this we truly receive a well-rounded exposure to architecture that directly benefits our employees when they are taking their licensing exams.
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