Professional Profile: Frank Valdes

Education: Cornell, B Arch; MIT, Masters in Urban Design 

Years in business: 20 years

What does your firm do and any plans for the future?: DiMella Shaffer is a privately owned, Boston & Seattle-based architectural planning and design firm whose talented staff of architects, planners, and interior designers create innovative, inspiring designs for a wide variety of institutional, residential, and commercial clients.  We are passionate about architecture and believe that buildings can positively influence our environment and the people who live in, work in, or simply experience them. At the same time, we recognize that architecture is a business and a craft, and that success is ultimately achieved through the right balance of both.  Emphasizing a pragmatic approach, we focus on teamwork, strong management leadership, and innovative thinking to ensure our architectural vision meets each client’s needs, goals, and budget.  

How did you get your start in this business and why?: My mom! She asked me to draw her a house

Keys to success: One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.
If you had to choose a different profession, what would it be?: A chef!

Favorite novel: 100 Years of Solitude

Favorite film:  The Godfather

Hobbies: Cooking, golf, my family – in no particular order