Mitch
was a local AIA member we had hardly heard of.
His focus was interiors, international interiors with offices in South
Pasadena and South America. He’s a
designer with a strong understanding of what it is to own your own firm, establishing
RSA with Mark Rothenberg in 1979. Recognized
for his exceptional leadership, he has been honored by IIDA (International
Interior Design Association) as a fellow, and has served in various posts culminating
as International President in 2008-09.
The
Pasadena-Foothills Chapter Board could also see his talents, enthusiastically
supporting his election and rise to 2015 President. His is a leadership of collaboration. The rich, diverse programs we have each month
are testimony to what he brings to the chapter.
“His is a leadership
of collaboration”
Like
the rest of us, as an architect Mitch was hurt by the recession. He and his partner split and Mitch founded
Sawasy Studio Partners Architects in 2012. Mitch missed the large, complex projects and
the collaborative spirit of energetic teams.
Challenges diminished.
Events
conspire to change our personal and career directions. I remember Mitch’s installation as VP at the
Altadena Town & Country Club. His
wife and father joined in the celebration.
I learned his dad was living with them and in failing health. A year later he was gone. The impact of losing a loved one forces us to
think of our own legacy and end game.
Mitch was ready for a change. Well
timed, the international firm of Harley Ellis Devereaux called him and quickly recognized
Mitch’s many talents. When HED offered
him a job as Studio Leader for their Corporate Commercial group, he couldn’t
say ‘no’.
After
35 years as the boss, our Chapter President is working for someone else. My May interview with him revealed many
insights.
Getting
to know Mitch before making the offer, HED had him thinking about what he
really likes to do, like…
- Enjoying people
- Collaboration
- Nurturing young people
- Working on large projects
- Stability.
His
office had become small and specialized, doing residential and commercial
interior tenant projects. He didn’t like
doing proposals and preparing contracts.
Mitch
faced a paradox. He says “to me, it’s
hard to give up freedom. But you don’t
have freedom if you can’t hand off work.”
Small firm leaders often fail to delegate. In a large firm you can expect stability and a
steady paycheck.
LANCE BIRD, FAIA
