Tony Patterson (B.Arch. ’00) is a founding partner at Patterhn Ives in St. Louis, Missouri. Raised in Kansas and Missouri, Patterson said it was an easy decision to attend the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas. Following graduation, Patterson worked at Cromwell Architects Engineers and Marlon Blackwell Architects, both in Fayetteville. He completed graduate school at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
When did you become interested in architecture and why?
I was attracted to architecture and design at a very early age through a love for sketching. Around fourth grade, I began spending many hours copying floor plans from architecture books. During the summer after eighth grade, I applied to the pre-architecture program at Drury University, in Springfield, Missouri, and was accepted based on a youthful portfolio full of graphite drawings. At the time, I was the youngest person to ever participate in the program intended for incoming college freshmen. It proved to be an amazing introduction to studio-based architectural education. At 14-years-old, my trajectory was set. Thirty years later, I feel the same love every day that I work in the design studio.
Why did you choose to go to the University of Arkansas and/or the Fay Jones School?
Raised in Kansas and Missouri, I always loved the idea of continuing my education in the region. After a quick visit to the University of Arkansas campus with my dad in 1996, the decision to come to Fayetteville was an easy one. I vividly recall walking through campus on a spring afternoon. I was immediately impressed by a deep sense of history without pretense. The historic buildings were well cared for, but not too precious. I remember touring Vol Walker Hall, seeing an array of compelling drawings, and speaking to a few students. Without exception, they were extremely warm and welcoming to complete strangers. The school left a very strong impression.
What has been your career path so far?
I stayed in Fayetteville after graduating in 2000 to work with Cromwell Architects Engineers for a year before starting work with Marlon Blackwell Architects. For a short time, it was Marlon, Meryati (Johari Blackwell) and I working in a small office on the northwest corner of the downtown square. The opportunity to gain early experience beside them was extremely rewarding and inspiring. Their mentorship had an immeasurable impact on my path in architecture.
After I completed graduate school at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, I worked with Mackey Mitchell Architects for a year. Then, I relocated to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to join MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects. There, I gained valuable experience over a focused two-year span. Soon after, my wife and I moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I taught design studio and construction technology for five years. We returned to St. Louis, Missouri, in 2013. Patterhn Ives was founded just one year later.
What has been your favorite project to work on?
I have been very fortunate to work on a wide range of truly fulfilling projects throughout my career. My favorite has been the creation of Patterhn Ives alongside my business partners. The act of starting a practice and continually working to shape it has fundamentally changed the way I think about architecture.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
It can be challenging to keep pace. In design, I enjoy moving slowly and spending time to make well-considered decisions. The challenge to maintain focus is compounded by all the other hard work that must happen to maintain a well-organized practice.
What unique perspective does Patterhn Ives bring to architecture?
Making meaningful contributions to the cities and communities where we work is a primary motivation for Patterhn Ives. We share a belief that architecture is a team effort, and the best solutions arise through collaborative work toward project goals and aspirations. We strive for elegant design solutions to the inevitably complex conditions of every project and its context.
What are your interests or involvements outside of design?
Family and work keep me fully engaged. I spent a large portion of my youth playing basketball, so it has been fun to revisit sports with my 7-year-old son, Joe.
Who have been your biggest supporters?
The list is long. Outside of my amazing family, I’ve been lucky to have numerous advocates and mentors throughout my career. Many faculty members at the Fay Jones School and Washington University in St. Louis come to mind. It is impossible to overstate the impact that passionate, caring instructors can have on students.
For all the energy, hard work and sheer will it takes to sustain a practice, I am forever grateful to my business partners, Anna Ives and Eric Hoffman.
What’s the best part of working at Patterhn Ives?
The team. I am constantly motivated when surrounded by people who truly care about what they do. It has been very rewarding to help build our team and to work together. One of the joys of a small office is that everyone has a direct impact that is immediately felt.
Anything else you would like to add?
Thanks to everyone at the Fay Jones School! Go Hogs!