Interview with Architect Kyle Jensen from Apopka, Florida

Industry - Interview

by Meryem Aksoy

In an architectural project, it is necessary to choose between an almost unlimited number of alternatives and to determine the most suitable materials. In order to manage this process successfully, an architect have to be aware of all developments. Architect Kyle Jensen likes to draws on technology and the opportunities it provides as soon as he starts to prepare models for projects. In his projects, he develops innovative construction elements using machines like CNC routers, Laser, and Water jet and reflects himself on his projects. I talked with Architect Kyle Jensen about Architecture.

Kyle, before talking about architecture, could you tell us about yourself? Who is Kyle Jensen?

I'm interested in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines. I like to broaden the disciplinary diversity of consultants I deal with. One example has come from association with several world renown biologists. This has enabled me to make significant advancement in building envelopes that can improve surface water quality in a big way.

Postal Credit Union - Orlando, FL - Architect Kyle Jensen

When did your interest in architecture has begun? What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?

Before High School. I always liked to build things and I could draw well. I had reading comprehension issues that made the visual nature of Architecture easier for me to get through.

Could you tell us about Kyle Jensen Architect and your team?

I'm a 60-year-old architect, love to travel especially for continuing education requirements. I have my hands into a lot of projects. The Firm has a large CNC router and we pocket foam concrete forms using Basalt reinforcing. I like to build prototypes and can weld, machine and fabricate almost anything. I introduced Ornamental Metal cut with the Laser and Water jet in the US. I strive to “Put the art back into architecture” See administration Parking Garage project on my website kylejensenarchitect.com. We are working on a church with precast concrete components that have natural leaves and woven textiles lining the forms. We re developing a component-sized 1650 SF Prototype house that we plan to build in a factory in multiples for fast efficient site erection.

I have a super competent and talented Partner, Chase Lackey who concentrates on the Permit Drawing efforts.

What type of projects does Kyle Jensen Architect specialize in?

We do all types of projects but our talent shines when it is one of a kind, never been done before the type of challenges. We manage a lot of construction for the projects and the basis of this is my time early on in the Military managing large complicated military and industrial construction.

Could you tell us about the cutting edge technologies and projects you are working on?

Floating Neighborhood concept uses the development of sovereign submerged land for economically sustainable water quality improvement.

Periphyton Roof deploys shallow algal culture on roof top enhancing thermal isolation form sunlight while providing wetland filtration lost during development.

What is the importance of communication between the architect and the client in the process of developing an architectural project? How do you manage this process?

We document projects with detailed spreadsheets at the start and on through to the construction. I frequently reduce GC profits and overheads to 10% with a Cost Plus delivery method based on very detailed estimates. We use Sketch-up and model all of our projects. This allows us to walk through the house and experience it before we pick up the first tool.

Rainforest Exhibition, Smithsonian Institution - Washington DC - Architect Kyle Jensen

What kind of services do you offer your clients?

Architectural Design, 3D Modeling, Permit Drawings. There is a tab on my website that lists the specialties.

How does your construction management experience help you to offer advantages to your clients?

I can eliminate the GC on Residential projects and reduce the Profit and Overhead to 8-10% of construction cost saving tens of thousands on even a small project.

What are the main steps of residential projects?

Program characterization, Modeling, presentation, permit drawings.

What are the most important factors that affect the project cost?

Area, material selections, a region of construction

What should your clients decide before contacting you? What is your first question in your first meeting with a new client?

They need to decide if they care about design and costs or if they already know exactly what they want. No sense hiring a superior designer if you not going to listen to his ideas.

You have lots of completed and in-progress projects. Which one is your favorite?

Administration Parking Garage, IMAX Relocatable Theater, and Postal Credit Union

In your opinion, what is the relation between Low Budget - Short Project Time - High Quality? Is it possible to combine all in one project?

I only have one standard for quality and I won’t compromise it. That means we can choose cost or time to try to manage on a priority basis.

What is the best advice you have received, and what advice would you give to young architects?

Sometimes It’s the best result when you don’t get a job!

Concentrate on quality and excellence in design and execution and the other elements of success will follow.

How can our readers follow Kyle Jensen Architect?

Read my work and help me find opportunities. The ideas I have shared here are revolutionary and way more advanced that most all other architects, worldwide! I am challenged to find opportunities to deploy them.

What is coming up next for you?

First million dollar house in Windermere Florida. Really Clean ultra-modern aesthetic.

Thank you Kyle for your time.

For more information, please click here to visit the website of Architect Kyle Jensen

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Friday, February 8, 2019. All photos are the property of their respective owners.