Q. Please tell us about your team.
I run a small client-centric real estate, architecture and development services business and I don’t have a large team so I’m involved in every aspect of the business. I pull in resources for specific needs on a project-by-project basis, but by being the sole proprietor, I can remain nimble, which gives me more flexibility and a stake in the outcome of each client’s interests. To that end, I only take on a few design projects each year, and these are with clients who value our relationship.
Q. What was the most significant influence on your decision to enter the architectural field? Or was it always your calling?
I’ve always liked to create, and solve problems, but I don’t think I was one of those people who knew my calling right away. I walked onto the University of Kentucky’s campus for a college visit, not knowing I would study architecture. When I walked past the architecture school, and the entrance exam was the following week, I thought, “I’ll give it a shot!” I ended up making it in, but it was hard work and I don’t know if I was ready for it. My first year was rough and I almost quit, but I applied myself and I’m glad I stuck with it.
Q. Are you developing property now?
When I started my business in 2016, I was interested in development but always looked at it as the “third leg of the proverbial stool.” My background in design helped get the business off the ground and my interest in real estate helped provide a value-add service to allow it take off. Now that the first two legs are in place, development is where the business is headed.
Q. You and KLH Engineers donated your services to the Freestore Foodbank renovation. How did you get involved?
All of my projects have resulted from a client’s need to solve problems. This particular project was born out of a relationship with the Freestore Foodbank and our team’s interest in giving back. They had an operational and customer service challenge in their existing facility on Liberty Street in Over-the-Rhine. The project involved small changes to help their whole process work more efficiently.
Q. How important are sustainable products in your renovation projects?
I am a big advocate of sustainability and environmental design and construction solutions. Our industry, in general, has a significant role to play because approximately one-third of construction waste goes to landfills. It’s easy to overlook, but that is going to be a problem for our children and grandchildren.
The Midwest may be slower to adopt sustainability measures, but the interest has grown significantly in recent years. We have differing regulations in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, which influence sustainability efforts on both sides of the river. Financial incentives in places like Hamilton County have allowed Cincinnati to become a leader in sustainable development and construction, but it also influences property values on both sides of the river. So, we have some work to do to figure out a way to balance the scales of education and mindset, along with incentives.
Q. What sets The Pfeiffer Group apart from the other firms in the area?
My value comes from my varied backgrounds, fresh vision, customized solutions, and the one-on-one service that I give my clients. There aren’t many architects who understand a true real estate sales and development perspective, and similarly, I’m not aware of any real estate agents who understand how to design and construct a building. To that end, I like to think that I’m the only full-service, vertically integrated firm with a truly different and unique perspective.