Nathan Taylor
Building Envelope Consultant at DTR Consulting Services, Inc.
Image: Sculpting Artwork by N. Taylor
Nathan Taylor, CSI, CDT
Nathan Taylor, Building Envelope Consultant, is an accomplished international professional with extensive architecture and building envelope experience. He earned a BFA in Sculpture before moving to China. During his 12 years in China, he worked as a teacher, designer, and urban planner. He earned a Master of Architecture and Urban Planning degree from Nanjing University. He promotes the need for architects to spend time on-site and the transfer of knowledge between technical designers and the trades. He is an advocate for developing hand-drawing skills for everyone in the A&E field. He currently lives in Northern California with his wife and two children.
In Nathan’s spare time, he maintains his platform Buildingscape. The Buildingscape Project began during his time as a graduate student at Nanjing University. It was a simple challenge of trying to “see” more of the architectural elements around him each day. He challenged himself to photograph buildings, building elements, construction materials and to post them on social media … one photo a day. More recently, and partly due to his involvement in the building science industry, The Buildingscape Project has evolved into discussions with coworkers and other people in the design fields and venture well past the limitation of a single daily photo. The Buildingscape has a blog, podcast and Instagram presence. Check it out!
Educational Background
Master of Architecture | Nanjing University
Chinese Language | Nanjing University
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Sculpture | Radford University
Q&A …
Many architecture students have an initial interest in art but don't maintain that interest once the degree program starts, or afterward for that matter. How have you maintained your interest in art over the years?
I had a strong affinity for art growing up and through undergrad. I was happy to carry that on through my graduate program and into my career. I still draw daily and keep several sketchbooks.
Learning in China, wow! What sparked your interest to learn Chinese?
I studied Chinese while in undergrad as part of a scholarship program and was able to study there during the summer also. While I was there, I decided that it would be a great opportunity to develop myself both personally and professionally if I stayed and put the work in to really refine my language skills. In the beginning, this meant putting in the time and studying. Once I had a good grasp of the language, a lot of doors opened. I ended up getting a full scholarship for grad school and job offers that allowed me to speak both languages and continue working on design projects.
Maintaining a level of work-life balance with small children is always a hot topic. How have you been able to maintain the balance while pursuing professional opportunities and managing a professional development platform?
My son was born while I was in grad school, but as I was also working full time. My wife was able to focus on the little one, which was a blessing. It also meant that she had a lot on her plate as well. I would take night feedings, while studying so that she could get some sleep. She handled everything while I was in class or at the office. Children add a different element to your life and change everything. Our daughter was born after we moved to California. Having a second child really upped the level of energy in the house. We have been learning on the fly about how to balance baseball, soccer, and everything else that comes with kids… It’s a constant lesson in continuing education that most parents get to take part in.
From art to building envelope consulting, very different career paths. If you could envision the perfect career path for yourself, what would it look like?
I never thought about building envelope consulting back when I was studying art. In fact, I didn’t even know what it was. The path to where I am not has been filled with so many strange and wonderful opportunities that I can’t even imagine what the next 10 years will bring. There is no way of knowing what opportunities may arise and where those may lead. And I am perfectly ok with that.
Do you have other hobbies outside of art and architecture?
Outside of art and architecture, I spend time with my family. My wife has an amazing backyard garden and we spend time working out there. We also like to spend time outdoors together, hiking and kayaking. Having time as a family is a big part of how we organize our weeks. If I am not working, we are together doing something.
My Advice …
You've taken a lot of big leaps in your career. What would you say your life motto is?
“Opportunities are everywhere as long as you keep an eye out for them. Once you find one, don’t be afraid to run with it… it may turn into something even bigger and better than what you were expecting.”
What advice can you give young professionals who are struggling with the traditional career path of architecture? (Ie. Feeling like creative outlets are limited.)?
“Remember to take some time for yourself. Do something on the side that you enjoy. Knit scarves, woodblock print, journal, read (and read more).”
- Nathan Taylor, CSI, CDT