Eric Roberts, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP Named Principal

We are thrilled to announce that Eric M. Roberts, AIA has been named a Principal at Knit! Eric grew up in Salt Lake City before attending the University of Idaho where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Architecture. During Eric’s last year as a Vandal, he interned over the summer at Knit and the rest is history. He graduated in 2005 and joined Knit full time. Since his arrival, Eric has continually shown an unwavering commitment to our clients and community. His leadership style and creative approach to problem-solving set him apart from his peers. We are proud to have Eric directing the next generation of Knit.

Eric is an AIA Nevada Silver Medal Award-winning architect and has served on the AIA Las Vegas, AIA Nevada, and Western Mountain Region Executive Board for the American Institute of Architects. In addition to Eric’s service to his profession and the AIA, Eric spends much of his spare time with his wife and five children. Eric is a passionate advocate for wilderness areas and also serves his community and profession as a Board member for Friends of Nevada Wilderness. He can often be found sketching and water-coloring some of his favorite places promoting Urban Sketchers throughout Nevada.

1.  Why architecture?
I have always been attracted to architecture as a functional art form. As I have experienced various projects in my career, I find that designing facilities that build and strengthen families and communities is very inspirational to me. Every day as an architect seems to be replete with opportunities to impact real, positive change on the world.

2.  What is your design philosophy?
I think architecture is a communal art form. The critical balance of the artistic and the technical drives my creative process. I believe all buildings have a responsibility to their community to not only “improve the neighborhood;” but also to further the architectural dialogue. No project is unimportant in regards to the narrative arc of community.

3.  What are some of your favorite buildings (non SH)?
I have been in love with the work of Renzo Piano and Santiago Calatrava for an incredibly long time and they always seem to make my list of favorites. However, if I had to name one or two I would have to say the United States Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial, and Piano’s Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Center in New Caledonia.

4.  You’re known for always wearing a bowtie; how did that start?
In a funny way it started in Design School as I was trying to stand-out from my peers during critiques. Once I started wearing straight ties they all soon followed. However, once I started wearing bow-ties there were not that many people willing to go that far. After that it didn’t take long for the bow-tie to become associated with me. Now I am really tied to it (no pun intended) because if I try to wear a straight tie I usually get a lot of sideways looks and questions about my health. I think it is here to stay.

5.  You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be?
New Gamboge. It’s my favorite color on my watercolor palette. I use it in everything. It looks great alone and it always seems to make every other color more dynamic by association.