Meet the Team: Alan Theobald

Your name: Alan Theobald

How do you fit in at Iconica?
I joined the architectural department in 1994 and have since had a number of different roles. My favorite part of my job is working with our field staff to tackle any construction issues. Sometimes details look good on paper but are not easily buildable. I like problem-solving and I work hand in hand with our designers (whose primary focus is aesthetics) to make sure our resulting project is practical, long-lasting and cost-effective.

What led you to the design field?
I grew up around construction. My dad was a superintendent for construction projects and then started his own small business doing residential remodels. I studied drafting in school, and it continued from there.

How has design/ architecture/interior design changed since you started?
When I started my career, we drew with pencils on paper. There were no computers. I was out of school at my first job and my employer got their first computer and they put me on it because I was the new kid. With computers, it’s so much easier to change things, and you can copy details over from one plan set to the next. We duplicated drawing sets by using a blueprint machine, and you had to hand feed each sheet through to get a copy. It used ammonia and was quite smelly.

Which famous person would you like to interview or meet?
Ryan Reynolds. I think we could have a very funny, sarcastic conversation.

Favorite song to sing in the car?
Christian rock or classic rock

What would you say to someone considering working for Iconica?
Iconica is a fun place to work. Every trade works for our company, so you’ll have access to engineers and construction personnel. You can get your questions answered quickly. I think that makes this job easier than working for a traditional architecture firm.

Dream vacation?
Golfing at some famous golf course, like Pebble Beach.

Best advice your father gave you?
My dad told me that if I were to work in the construction industry I should get a job that is indoors, as I always complained about cold hands when I worked with him in the field.

If you weren’t in the design field what would you be doing?
I would probably be in accounting.

Favorite snack food?
Twix. I love the cookie crunch.

Favorite cereal?
Frosted Mini Wheats

Are you a morning or night person?
Both. I’m up at the crack of dawn and tend to stay up late.

Do you have a design idol?
Frank Lloyd Wright

What is something most people don’t know about you?
I was a cheerleader in high school.