Ron Stang, AIA, LEED AP, is chairman at architecture firm, Stevens & Wilkinson, based in Atlanta, Ga. He began his career working with a small firm for six years and then started his own that eventually merged with Stevens & Wilkinson.
Stang studied at Georgia Institute of Technology, specializing in urban mixed-use, adaptive reuse, hospitality and higher education. After more than 100 designs, Stang relies on this guiding principal:create a good building, but more, strive to accomplish solutions that are stimulating.
Recently, W&C sat down to talk to him about his career.
W&C Architect: How many years do you have in the profession?
Stang: I have been in the profession for 33 years.
W&C Architect: What is your work history in this field?
Stang: I worked for a small firm for six years. In 1984, I began my own firm, Stang & Newdow. After 19 years, we merged our practice with Stevens & Wilkinson in 2003, where I now serve as Chairman.
W&C Architect: Where did you go to school?
Stang: Georgia Institute of Technology.
W&C Architect: Did you have a specialization?
Stang: My specializations include urban mixed-use, adaptive reuse, hospitality and higher education.
W&C Architect: Do you approach architecture from an artistic or functional starting point? Are the two concepts exclusive?
Stang: Functionalism is paramount, but on every project we do, we endeavor to incorporate creative and unique design solutions.
W&C Architect: If any, who are your role models?
Stang: I have always appreciated the life and work of Le Corbusier.
W&C Architect: What projects, other than your own work, do you find inspiring?
Stang: I have a broad appreciation for quality architecture by many.
W&C Architect: How many buildings have you designed?
Stang: More than 100.
W&C Architect: If you had to choose one to represent your work, what project would you choose?
Stang: I especially enjoyed working on the new law school for Georgia State University (GSU) in downtown Atlanta. Stevens & Wilkinson is serving as architect and engineer on record, while also in association with SmithGroupJJR. We oversaw the construction of the new, state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot facility for GSU, due to open in May 2015.
W&C Architect: What are your guiding principles when designing a structure?
Stang: Beyond creating a good building, I strive to accomplish solutions that are stimulating.
W&C Architect: If you could have any building to redesign—anywhere in the world—which would you like to address?
Stang: I designed and built a modern house for myself at the age of 29. I wouldn’t mind giving it another go with a small, contemporary lodge on a bluff.
W&C Architect: What types of products interest you?
Stang: I am most interested in products that are authentic and timeless with a proven life-span.
W&C Architect: What types of products in the wall and ceiling industry really interest you?
Stang: I am most intrigued by the products that are unique, yet simply functional. On the GSU College of Law project, we specified several specialty ceiling products for signature public spaces in the building, including acoustical wood panel and linear systems. Given that the project is for a publicly funded institution, the bulk of ceiling areas are 2x2 lay-in with GWB accents.
