Newest member of the Mitchell family
Say Hello to
Anthony Combs
Anthony Combs joins us as an Architect and Project Manager and will be bringing his skills and experience to help us continue delivering exceptional work for our clients. We’re thrilled to have him on board, as his strong communication and problem-solving abilities will play a key role in design and management at Mitchell Associates.
Go Beyond the Bio –
Get to Know Him in This Q&A Feature!
What inspired you to pursue architecture?
I took drafting classes in high school & enjoyed the creativity of designing buildings. Shortly after high school graduation, I decided that I wanted to be a teacher & went off to college for education & became a certified art teacher. When I moved from Virginia to Delaware, I started drafting for a developer & was convinced to join the evening Architectural program at Drexel University where I graduated in 2005 & became a registered architect shortly afterwards.
How do you plan to ensure that a project stays on track and meets client expectations?
Communication as I mentioned – it’s important to listen closely to the client, share progress with them along the way, talk with the staff working on the job to monitor daily tasks, and work together to take advantage of everyone’s strengths.
How does it feel to be a part of Mitchell Associates?
I’m thrilled. In 30 years, I’ve never felt so welcomed with such creativity & enthusiasm.
How would you describe your approach to project management?
Communication, I try to make the process simple to understand for everyone from the design team, to the client, to the contractors.
The most valuable lesson he has learned in his career:
“Every line means something. Learn what that is, so you can communicate your intention the best to everyone involved in the project.”
Can you tell us about your journey in the industry so far?
Along the way, I’ve hand-drafted decks and gazebos, used early CAD programs for civil projects, and been involved in the development of Wilmington’s Riverfront, designed the Lancaster baseball stadium, and helped build many schools in Delaware & Pennsylvania.
What do you enjoy most about being both an architect and a project manager?
When I was drafting back in 1997, I would see how much the architects and project managers needed to know, and all of their responsibility & I was scared. But over time, all of those scary tasks & information became easier to manage & actually useful in creating anything you can imagine. I enjoy a challenge.
How do you see your skills and experience contributing to the firm’s success? and what will your role focus on at Mitchell Associates?
I hope that being a teacher will help foster a learning environment & that with each thing we do, we become a bit better & more knowledgeable. I look forward to leading many exciting projects into fruition.
He believes that:
“Variety is the spice of life. Each client brings some fun new challenge that we can work on together.”
Do you have a favorite architectural style?
I love sculptural buildings, especially the work of Santiago Calatrava. Being an architect and an engineer, he’s been able to push the boundaries of what we expect walls, ceilings & fenestration can be.
If you could design your ideal workspace, what would it look like?
For my own workspace, with a really nice budget, I’d include a quiet comfortable office environment where most of my architectural work would take place. Then I’d have a workshop space for sculpting and pottery, and a nice large north-facing window for natural light which is best for painting.
“Involving everyone. Architects, Designers, Engineers, Contractors, Clients.
Whether it’s collaboration in the office, talking on the phone, meeting on site; listening to what the needs are & guiding the expectations. Collaboration is everything! ”
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I’ve enjoyed performing on stage. In high school, college, and community theater, I love making people laugh with many productions.
If you weren’t an architect, what career would you have pursued?
Teaching, of course. Or possibly voice acting.
How do you spend your time outside of work? Any hobbies or passions?
I enjoyed golfing with my dad & brother, and spending comfortable afternoons on the beach with my mom. I also look forward to watch my daughter perform Shakespeare at her college. Sometime soon, I want to see spring blooming with my fiancé at Longwood Gardens.