Spending just a few minutes with Joe Redar, Project Architect with Schmidt Associates, and you will recognize the intensity with which he approaches life. From his days in architecture school to his time at Schmidt Associates, Joe has known what he wanted and hasn’t hesitated to pursue it. Not so long ago, we had a chance to get to know him a bit better.

 

Tell me about your background.
I grew up in Lake County, but was ready for a change of scenery so my future wife and I relocated to Columbia, South Carolina. Though I was pursuing a career in education at the time, I got the itch and switched paths to pursue Architecture as a profession. I chose to go to the University of Kentucky because they had a competitive exam as part of the requirements into the program. That really impressed me; it seemed they were going to attract people with similar drive to me. I completed a 5-year bachelor’s program and immediately started working in the field.

Why architecture?
While I was in college studying education, I managed a camera shop and developed pictures. We oftentimes got professionally shot architecture and engineering photos. Seeing those projects coming up and out of the ground inspired me. I had always been a Lego kid with an interest in drawing. Those photographs rekindled the interest in architecture and engineering from my childhood.

What makes you tick?
I try to get the most out of every moment I can—whether home or work, I try to make each minute count. I get up with the mindset that I am going to use every minute of my day, or as much as is reasonable, anyway. I recognize that downtime is important, but I enjoy being pushed to expand my abilities. That is part of what I love about Schmidt Associates, they encourage my growth, both personally and professionally.

What do you do in your free time?
Music is really big in my life—contemporary bluegrass to be exact. Going to school in Kentucky, there were a lot of free bluegrass festivals.  My wife and I attended them often and still try to get to a couple a year.

Do you travel?
When I was in architecture school, my professor thought it would be an interesting experience for us to go to Cuba. He was right. I was fascinated by the way they maintained their buildings, cars, everything. Because the government was hindering their economic growth, the area was a faded glory of the 1950s, perfectly preserved in a time capsule. I imagine if I were to return now, it would be totally different.

Otherwise, I have been many places, but I think my favorite vacation is spent hiking.

What’s your favorite place to go in Indy?
Heidelburg Haus, a German bakery and café off Pendleton Pike. It is such a cool spot. The whole place is packed with things—beer steins and other weird, interesting German stuff. And they have excellent coffee too!

Joe and his wife, Julie have been married 19 years and have two kids—Ben, 16, and Liv, 12.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also learn about Sarah Hempstead, Tricia Smith, Charlie Wilson, and Tom Neff