Spotlight on Staff | Mike Cantrell, Principal

The business cliché of “starting in the mail room and working your way up” describes the story of Mike Cantrell, a Principal here at WHA.

Q. Can you tell us about your journey toward WHA?

My cousin worked in the marketing department for WHA and offered me a job as an office clerk. After six months, I wanted to be taught more about the business. I took the path of apprenticeship and learned from some talented designers including Don White and later Fernando Laullon. I had a great mentor when I first started at WHA, Roland Fournier who is now our client. WHA is the only architectural firm that I have worked for and I have been here for over 20 years. There are many of us with more than 20 years at WHA and I think that says a lot about this firm.

Q. When did you realize that you wanted to be an architect?

Growing up, I always enjoyed drawing and was curious about how things worked and what makes them work. When I started here at WHA I did many other things besides architecture and I realized drawing was something that I would like to try. Designing homes is like solving complex puzzles, but they are fun to figure out. I ended up loving it.

Q. What sort of “other” tasks did you perform in your early years at WHA?

I was a graphic assistant, a planning assistant and even spent some time in the Color Studio before finally becoming a junior designer–and ultimately a Principal.

Q. What’s your favorite thing about working at WHA?

I enjoy the creative studio atmosphere. When you spend most of the day with your co-workers it helps to be in an innovative, productive and cool environment. We are able to start new projects, all the time, and they can be very different from one another so that variety keeps the process fresh and active.

Q. So, with that variety, do you have a favorite project or project type?

There have been so many projects that I have been able to work on from single-family dwellings, apartments, townhomes, custom homes and stacked flat type buildings. It’s hard to say if I have a favorite. Most of my work has been in single-family but being able to work on other product types has allowed me to become a better-rounded designer.

Q. Do you have any advice for young people who are interested in architecture and want to join this industry?

Yes, don’t be afraid or intimidated to take chances and try something new. You have to be willing to fail in order to get better. Be prepared to fall flat, but take these opportunities to learn how to do it better the next time. Don’t get down on yourself; pick yourself up and try again. Before you know it you will learn and grow and then there is no looking back. Always be willing to learn; I learn new things every day. WHA has always encouraged the staff to improve and grow to the benefit of you and the firm. So, if you come across that opportunity, you need to make the most of it.

Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?

My wife and I have three boys so we are always busy. Right now all three are involved in sports, baseball and flag football. There are practices every day of the week and games on weekends. My kids are already 6, 9 and 11, so I make sure I’m involved as much as possible knowing they won’t be kids forever.