Ones to Watch Fall 2022: Sebastian Coles, MdeAS Architects

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?

Penn 1, for which I am project manager, is a tremendous accomplishment. The repositioning of this 2 million s/f class A office tower in midtown Manhattan serves its tenants and community with three floors of amenities, 1+ acre of public plaza, new storefronts, and high performing triple-pane vision glass.

Tell us about a mentor or role model that has influenced your career choices?

The principals at MdeAS have been huge role models for my career development. Through witnessing the mark they’ve made on the urban fabric of cities, in particular NYC, it’s exposed me to a dynamic, complex, and everchanging experience in the architectural profession.

What is one lesson that you had to learn the hard way?

Retaining a consistent team on the entirety of a project has been an important lesson learned. This nurtures the project’s progress as well as the team member’s growth and development. Without this consistency, faults emerge in all phases, specifically in CD and CA.

What 3 skills do you consider the most important to be successful in your industry?

1. Desire to learn and grow.

2. Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team.

3. Capability of creative and critical thinking.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I enjoy making art (painting, drawing, etc.), frequenting museums/galleries, visiting architectural sites, running, biking, cooking, traveling.