Employee Spotlight – Scott Focht

In our Employee Spotlight feature, we ask a few questions to different employees each month in order to highlight the talented individuals who work at MKSD.

Scott joined MKSD in 2016 and since has shown to be an invaluable member of our office.  He works on many diverse projects in the office from commercial shell building design/detailing to healthcare fit-outs and renovations.  Scott has tackled anything we can throw at him and never backs down from a challenge.  We are grateful to have Scott on our team and hope you enjoy getting to know him a bit more!

Give us a quick rundown of your resume.

I worked for a firm in the Lehigh Valley right out of college.  In April 2019 I passed my final ARE exam to become a registered architect (one month before my son was born, thank goodness I didn’t have to retake it!).

What made you want to stay in the Lehigh Valley?

I grew up in Emmaus and always enjoyed the sense of comradery around town.  I got married shortly after college and it was a no-brainer to move back home.   

Where did you go to college and what was your favorite class?

I graduated from Philadelphia University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s in Architecture.  Design studio was always my favorite class because of the challenging nature and creative freedoms. 

Who is your favorite architect/designer and why?

I don’t have a favorite architect, but I love 17^th-19^th century traditional Japanese architecture.  The simplicity, organization, and creative design solutions are flawless.

What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

I had always thought I was going to be a mathematician.  I thoroughly enjoyed doing complex math, but after taking design classes in high school I decided to pursue a career in architecture.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it that influences the way you work today?

I worked for the Emmaus Public Works department for 5 years.  It helped me develop foundational skills across all trades.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Golfing, playing baseball, & spending time with my dogs in the backyard. 

What is the last tv show you binge watched?

“Grant” on the History Channel.  It recounts Ulysses S. Grant’s rise from poverty to general during the Civil War.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.” -Les Brown

What keeps you motivated and/or inspired?

I aim to learn new skills whenever possible to better prepare myself for when problem solving is needed.