Meet the two newest members of the BRP team! On September 8th, BRP welcomed Architectural Intern Brian Vanne and Student Architectural Intern Nick Rispoli.
Brian, from Mountain Grove, MO, graduated from Drury University in May 2016 with a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting. While a student, Brian studied abroad in Spain and Portugal. Prior to joining BRP, Brian worked as the Design Fabrication Coordinator at Drury University for the Hammons School of Architecture where he supervised the woodshop and the digital fabrication lab in addition to being an Adjunct Instructor.
Nick, from St. Louis, MO, is a fifth-year architecture student at Drury University. He will graduate next May with a Master of Architecture and minors in Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience. While attending Drury, he studied abroad in Aegina, Greece. He has also been involved in many student organizations on campus such as the Student Government Association, Drury Ambassadors, Panther’s First, Allies, Black United Independent Collegiate (B.U.I.C), American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), and was an orientation leader.
Let’s get to know them better:
Brian:
What is your favorite restaurant in the Springfield area?
“Café Cusco, the Blackfish there is my go-to recommendation, also their chocolate torta (Torta de Askinosie).”
Best concert you’ve ever attended?
“Elder Island in Chicago, IL at Lincoln Hall.”
Favorite place you’ve been?
“Sintra, Portugal, the Sintra-Cascais Nature Park was the largest highlight for me. The whole cultural landscape is a UNESCO Heritage site – within it is the Pena National Palace, the Castle of the Moors, and several other features.”
Tell me something unique about you.
“I spend too much time and money on coffee.”
You said you love coffee, where’s your favorite place to get coffee locally?
“I love Kingdom Coffee, also Coffee Ethic and Travelers.”
What’s your favorite piece of architecture in the world?
“The Great Mosque of Córdoba.”
If you could give your past self advice, what would it be?
“To try things out more.”
Nick:
Favorite show to binge watch?
“There’s always a special place in my heart for SpongeBob.”
When did you know you wanted to be an architect?
“Probably in fourth grade when we did a block exercise. That year my teacher gave us her guess of what she thought we would be when we grew up and she gave me architect.”
Fall is finally here! What’s your favorite Fall activity?
“All the events…haunted hayrides and carving pumpkins.”
What’s your go-to gas station snack/drink?
“A Pepsi and peanut M&M’s.”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
“Save your energy for when you need it.”
In the next ten years what is on your bucket list?
“Definitely going back to Greece!”
