Ann Arbor architect David Lewis makes an effort not to specialize in one type of building, and that may be a major reason for his success, despite a tough time for the construction and housing industries in Michigan.

"Unfortunately, a lot of architects do specialize," he said. "It gives them a big edge in getting jobs of that type, but it's a disadvantage when the economy slows down and people don't want that kind of building anymore. Firms that have diversity can manage the changing times."

Lewis, who recently received the Emerging Architect Award from the Huron Valley chapter of the American Institute of Architects, weathered changing times himself. He was successful in his career as an architect in California but after having children, he moved to Michigan to be closer to his wife's family.

Then, in 2006, he was laid off from the architecture firm where he had been employed. He went into business for himself that same year, and in 2007, he landed a large commission with a former California client. To this day, he continues to survive by doing more than half of his work in California.

Although Lewis has worked on diverse projects from community recreation centers to courthouses, he said the one thing his favorite project have in common is that he feels they are part of doing something for the greater good.

"I really do enjoy projects that I feel benefit society," Lewis said. "I feel that, as an architect, I'm in a position to literally make the world a better place." Lewis cited his work on low-income housing and housing for seniors as work he feels makes a difference.

"I feel I'm directly participating in making our country a better place when everyone - including the poor - have a good place to live," he said.

Background

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo.

Family: Wife, Sonya (married 12 years), daughters Sarah (8) and Rachel (5).

Residence: Ann Arbor.

Business Insights

Best business decision: Starting my own business.

Worst business decision: Ask me again in a few years.

Best way to keep a competitive edge: Creating and maintaining good relationships with clients, potential clients, and colleagues.

Personal hero: Thomas Jefferson.

How do you motivate people? There is no “one-size fits all” way to motivate people. I find there are several techniques, and it is important to match the right technique with each person. However, I always do it in a positive way.

What advice would you give to yourself in college? Get an undergraduate degree in history and then a master’s degree in architecture.

Word that best describes you: Level-headed.

First Web site you check in the morning: Not on the Web much - other than for research.

Confessions

What keeps you up at night? Literally - my kids when they are sick or have a bad dream. Figuratively - trying to meet all my deadlines and keeping my clients happy.

Pet peeve: Closed-mindedness.

Guilty pleasure: Watching football.

First job: Delivering pizza while in high school.

First choice for a new career: I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Treasures

Favorite cause: Public education.

Favorite book: “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan.

Favorite movie: “Cinema Paradiso.”

Favorite hobby: Anything involving my kids, though reading a good non-fiction book comes in a close second.

Favorite restaurant: In Ann Arbor, Jerusalem Garden.

LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter? I’ve never been on Twitter. I’m not a big fan of either Facebook or LinkedIn, though I do have a page on both.

Typical Saturday: Cooking breakfast for the kids, doing some yard work (or tending to our garden in the summer) and then coaching my daughter’s soccer team.

What team do you root for? U-M volleyball and football.

Wheels: 2001 Acura TL.

Who would play you in a movie? Tom Hanks (not that I look like him, but I think he is a good actor).