Robbie Ferris

While in high school, Robbie dreamed of designing airplanes, boats, spaceships, and a new house for Superman. Shortly thereafter, he realized that he could impact people and their lives to a much greater extent just by designing great communities and great buildings and have just as much fun. He has made this fledgling dream a concrete reality as CEO and co-founder of SFL+a Architects. A LEED accredited professional and recognized educational facility professional (REFP), Robbie believes that “building communities that are healthy on their own merits makes them even better when plugged into the world around them.” SFL+a has/is working with nearly 30 percent of all public schools in the state of N.C. This vision of creative collaboration has led to Firstfloor, Inc., a North Carolina development company pioneering public/private educational and institutional projects throughout the Carolinas. Robbie was named a 2008 Impact Entrepreneur by Charlotte Business Leader magazine. Professional Affiliations American Institute of Architects CEFPI NCEFP, board member REFP LEED AP Robbie Ferris, AIA, REFP, LEED AP CEO, SFL+a Architects Co-founder, Firstfloor K-12 Solutions, LLC Charlotte, Raleigh and Fayetteville, North Carolina www.sfla.biz

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	Who are some of your personal heroes?
	My personal heroes are men and women of the Bible who have shown great faith in the face of great adversity.
	Which personalities influenced you as an architect?
	Both Frank Lloyd Wright and John Lautner probably shaped my understanding of what makes great architecture. Also, Jim Collins, who wrote Good to Great, has influenced my view of the world and how I can add value.
	Tell me about Firstfloor? It’s a unique approach to building schools.
	Firstfloor is a company born out the desire to develop the highest quality public buildings that reduce the total cost of ownership for public clients. The company has developed a business model that allows it to develop public buildings that generate twice the energy they consume while saving the taxpayers money. www.firstfloor.biz
	Tell us about a Firstfloor success story?
	The development of our prototype school, Dragonfly, is without question our biggest success. It is the culmination of a four-year effort on the part of our team and has the potential to change the way public buildings are delivered. www.firstfloor.biz/Dragonfly.html
	What is your personal definition of “green building?”
	It may sound corny but it’s just about the intent. It’s about expressing your values through your actions. I don’t know how to separate the built environment from the natural environment, or why anyone would want to. For me, there is no other kind of building.
	What are some of your favorite projects? What makes each special to you?
	My favorite projects are projects that solve complex problems in unique ways. Dragonfly is clearly at the top of the list. I am also very fond of our high schools and many of our additions and renovations.
	What elements make for a “healthy school?”
	A healthy school can be defined in many ways. A healthy school must increase student performance. The building can be a tool to increase student performance by providing day lighting, improving IAQ, and by providing added temperature control to the greatest extent possible.
	How would you describe your design style?
	I have had others describe our work as contemporary or modern, but I would prefer to describe it as responsive to the relevant issues.
	Describe your management/leadership style?
	I tend to be very inclusive. I spend most of my days dealing with the immediate issues and most of my evenings dealing with the future. I enjoy helping others understand why we do what we do. I am energized by the future and I am sure that impacts how I lead.
	What do you see for the future of school buildings in the U.S.?
	As communities begin to understand the link between vibrant communities and strong schools the schools we build will be linked to the community in new and exciting ways. Schools will parallel the strengths and weaknesses of a community. The building will become an educational tool about environmental sustainability and how to create a sustainable economy. Schools will become a tool for social and economic reform.