ENR Texas & Louisiana
Good talent breeds talent. For the 2012 edition of ENR Texas & Louisiana's annual Top 20 Under 40 list, we feature young professionals who represent a broad spectrum of the industry. Brian Richard turned his long-time interest in science into an architectural career, designing high-performance laboratories and mission critical spaces. At Kirksey, he gained expertise in carrying out projects in which integration of technology and applied science and coordination across disciplines were vital to success. "I find it fortunate I practice architecture on a daily basis that has something to do with that area of the world I am most interested in—science," he says. Richard aims to be a good steward of the environment and holds a U.S. Dept. of Energy-ASHRAE Data Center Energy Use certification. He graduated from the Harvard School of Public Health with training in lab design and has become an expert laboratory planner. Richard also is a valued resource at the firm for projects in the petrochemical, oil and gas, industrial and light manufacturing sectors. He stays active in the community and mentors young people in his profession, instilling in them a passion for knowledge and leadership.