Lab Manager spoke with Joseph Rufrano of Svigals + Partners in New Haven.

By Marybeth Didonna

Joseph Rufrano, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, is an associate with Svigals + Partners in New Haven, CT. Lab Manager recently spoke with Joe about his career, experience, and personal interests.

Q: How did you get started in your career? Did you major in your field in college, get an internship, switch careers mid-stream, etc.?

A: I have always enjoyed drawing, especially in tandem with conceptualizing how physical pieces fit together. Of course, as a child I didn’t realize the importance of this, or that I was connecting the two at all. World history and architecture were companion interests as well, in part because I had direct family located in America and Italy. By the time I began thinking about college, architecture was the clear and only choice. So, what began as an informal learning endeavor evolved into an ongoing professional pursuit.   

Q: What is a typical day at work like for you?

A: My day usually begins the night before with organizing the tasks for the upcoming day. The typical morning starts with reviewing and responding to emails—often I will call people in addition to responding via email. Next come office meetings with the project team, utilizing a task list as a kind of storyboard, to direct or adjust production focus throughout the day. The day’s efforts are also supported by allowing time for moments of relaxation and play, such as a coffee break with coworkers or some fresh air.    

Q: If you weren’t in this profession, what job do you think you’d be doing instead?

A: Aircraft pilot. Naturally, I assume I would be good at it, but really, who knows? Assuming I would make a good pilot, the job seems like it would be enjoyable while offering a perspective on, and relationship with, the world that most other professions do not.   

Read the full Lab Manager article here.