Culture Corner : Thomas Jardim

In an effort to recognize our outstanding employees and provide a glimpse into our values-based culture, GuernseyTingle will periodically post about the individuals that make our firm a truly exceptional place to work. This time we sat down with an amazing Architect, Thomas Jardim, and asked about his experience at GuernseyTingle.

What do you do at GT?
Architect and Project Manager mostly working in the Themed Entertainment sector.

What do you like the most about your job?
All of the random things that come up during the course of a project, whether it’s discovering the history of a building, visiting a food cart fabrication shop, riding roller coasters, reading up on the Air Force’s lactation room policy, or getting to make up German names for our themed projects. GuernseyTingle has a very diverse array of projects, so there is always something new to learn.

What’s been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Getting to ride InvadR at Busch Gardens Williamsburg after more than 2 years of design and construction on the project. It was my first major Themed Entertainment project that really delivers a lot for a modest budget.

What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
Coffee! Jk. Design is motivation. The role of architects is really essential to having a well-functioning space to live, work, and have fun! Taking the various needs and wants of a client and synthesizing them into a building (or a theme park attraction) can be quite enjoyable.

What was your dream job as a kid?
Sneaker or car designer – I was always sketching them in my school notebooks!

How would you describe your job to a bunch of five-year-olds?
I draw pictures of buildings so other people can build them. I figure out where all the rooms are supposed to go and make sure there are enough windows to look outside. And, I make sure everyone is comfortable when they’re inside.

What advice would you give to people who hope to follow a career path similar to yours? Or What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?
Work hard and don’t worry about things too much. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you have a career goal in mind – go for it! On the other hand, a more organic career path can be just as rewarding and fulfilling. In either case, keep learning and building on past experiences.  

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I eat reeeeeeeeally slow.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Playing basketball (well mostly watching basketball now), spending time with my wife and two girls, cooking, hiking, DIY projects.

What is your funniest/most memorable/most embarrassing moment at GT?
Most embarrassing: forgetting a co-worker’s name right in the middle of a meeting with the entire firm. That’s bad!

What is the coolest thing you’re working on right now?
Renovation of a historic 1930’s building in Colonial Williamsburg.