The 1828 Project is one of our signature programs at IndyHub and each year it’s full of incredible leaders between the ages of 18 and 28. Brian is a part of 1828’s Class VI. We sent him some questions. He responded. Keep reading to learn more about Brian!
Tell us how you spend your days.
I spend my days designing. I am the founder and owner of NEON Architecture, an architecture and development practice focusing on urban infill housing in Indianapolis, exploring issues of scale, efficiency, and alternative methods of construction.
Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Columbus, OH but moved to Fishers as a young child. I found myself back in Columbus for both undergraduate and graduate school before returning to Indianapolis.
Where is your favorite Indy spot?
My favorite spots seems to change and shift based on the time of year, mood I’m in, or new experiences I’ve had. I would say, however, within the past year, I’ve really grown to love Garfield Park. I’m a huge believer in public parks, specifically parks that integrate into the neighborhoods around them. It’s just a short walk along the Pleasant Run trail and is a perfect place to relax and unwind.
How do you typically get around the city?
I both live and work in Fountain Square, so my first method of travel is by foot. The rest of the time I get around through a combination of driving, biking (often on the Pacers Bikeshare), and an occasional BlueIndy.
If you could have coffee with anyone, living or not, who would it be and why?
Again, I think this answer is always shifting, dependent upon what I’m currently focused on. Being an architect, I’d have to say, right now, Bjarke Ingels. Bjarke is the founder of BIG, a Copenhagen and New York based architecture practice that is on the cutting edge within the field. It’s truly inspiring to hear Bjarke speak and to see his desire and ability to push limits.
Thinking forward to the next 5 years in Indy, what are you most excited about?
I think I’m most excited about Indy’s continued evolution and seeing where NEON fits into it all. Still being a relatively new resident, Indy is a really big swath of land, and there are always new and unexpected experiences. As cities grow and change, there are always pros and cons and I’m excited to see how our city negotiates these, especially the younger generation.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with your winnings?
I’d be a little selfish first and pay off all my debts and the debts of my family. Then, I’d probably take a good chunk of that money and invest it into research and development within NEON, exploring new ways of building. Then, I’d buy some agricultural land in Indiana and re-forest it. Then, I’d donate to numerous environmental causes. Oh, and I’d probably build an off-the-grid house on the re-forested agricultural land. And…I’m sure there’d be lots of other like-minded ideas.
Would you rather visit the world 100 years in the past or 100 in the future and why?
I’m going to cheat a little bit on this one and say 150-175 years in the past. I love the natural environment and want to see and experience the eastern half of the United States prior to the Industrial Revolution and Westward Expansion. Indiana used to be almost entirely forested with trees the size we now only see in pockets out west. I want to experience that, to feel the magic of that place. While it honestly would likely break my heart, I still think it would be an incredible experience.
What is your favorite family tradition?
I can’t say that there’s one specific tradition that stands out, but, more importantly for me, we are all close, both in proximity and in our relationships. As families grow up, it becomes increasingly challenging to spend as much time together, but when you do, you are always reminded of why it’s so special.
