2024 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Nicholas Bottari, Gienapp Architects

“It has been an honor to watch Nick grow and develop in his architectural career since he first joined us as a summer intern. Nick is a talented, creative, and dedicated individual who excels not just in design but in all aspects of architectural practice.” - Imelda Barnhurst, Principal-in-Chief at Gienapp Architects.

How do you balance your rising career with your personal life? In a word, scheduling. Recognizing the most significant priorities at the start of each week allows me to dedicate time effectively and focus on the most pressing items. It’s equally important to set boundaries. Although it’s always tempting to check work email after hours, I find separating work from personal time helps maintain a healthy balance. Due to scheduling, my wife and I can reserve time for our immediate family (and great food) on Sundays.

Who are the key people in your life that have contributed to your success? The most instrumental in my career growth have been my recently retired firm principal, Dale Gienapp, and our newly appointed principal, Imelda Barnhurst. Not only did they welcome me into Gienapp Architects years ago, but they also set the foundation for my professional journey in architecture. Their past experiences and inherent expertise in the field have been a substantial contributor to my current success.