Today, we learn about Steven Mott, our Manager, Production and Technical Services; working out of our Calgary studio. Steven recently celebrated his five year anniversary with S2 – congratulations Steven!
What is your role with S2; how long have you been with the firm and what is your favourite part of your job?
I’m the Manager of Production and Technical Services, as well as an Associate with the firm. I just celebrated my 5th year with S2 Architecture in October. My favourite part of my job is mentoring people and providing them the support they need to take their career as far as they want to take it. My mentoring extends beyond the walls of the office, as I take any opportunity to get involved with students looking to make Architectural Technology their career.
What do you like most about design and architecture?
I love the fact that the world of Architecture follows the same principles no matter where you are in this world. This industry has given me the opportunity to move to the Scotland and work in Architecture over there. The transition from working in Architecture here in Canada to the Scotland was very smooth, obviously I just needed to learn some of the local terminology, like Noggin, Dwang and Slappings, as well as be able to understand the accents.
How did you get into the field and how did you come to work at S2?
I found my passion for Architecture and drafting from my high school teacher, Mr. Norm Cleveland at the age of 13 (we used the DOS version of AutoCAD, as well as drafting boards in those days); from there I took a drafting course at the local college (now TRU) and moved to Calgary once I graduated. I’ve now been doing this job for the past 25 years, both in Canada and Scotland. I came to S2, based on a conversation I had with Genevieve Giguere over lunch. Gen and I worked together when I was a young Tech and she was a young designer. We reconnected 20 years later and she convinced me to come to S2 and work with the team here, which was a great decision.
What work are you most proud of thus far in your career?
I’ve had some amazing projects in my career, but the stand-outs are the Balm Residence in Pumphill Close, which was a $32 million private residence, as well as the Chimpanzee enclosure at the Edinburgh Zoo. It’s not everyday you get to work on projects such as those. But I really do enjoy every project I’ve worked on, as each has its own challenges and that’s the fun part, as I enjoy problem solving. The feeling you get when you find the solution to the issue is very rewarding.
What or who inspires your work?
My team and peers inspire me. They give me back as much as I give to them and it feels really good when you have all that support around you. Even though I manage the Technical Team I still from time to time lean on them to help me with things, as we all don’t know everything and we need to rely on the strength of the team to help us through. I also had an amazing mentor very early in my career – Tony Gegunde – who helped make me the Technologist I am today. I take the mentor role very serious and try to give back as much as I can, everyday.
What is your favourite restaurant in Calgary?
Without a doubt – White Elephant (Thai Restaurant). It’s my go-to for birthdays and anniversaries. I love the Green Thai Curry.
What do you do in your spare time?
I spend a lot of time with my family. I love to bake, so I’m always trying to pull my kids into the kitchen with me to make cakes or cookies. It’s one of the cherished memories I have with my mom, as we spent many a weekend baking and we still do, every time she comes to visit.
What do you like best about working at S2?
I like the people. You spend more time with the people you work with, than you do with your family, so it’s very important to like the people you work with. I’ve met some great people at S2, some are still there and others have moved on, but I try to keep in contact with everyone I’ve met throughout my career, they’re kind of an extended family to me.
