Al Roberts, RA, DBIA, CDT

Al has been a Senior Project Manager at Fentress for over two decades.  He brings a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen to this role. Growing up with a father who was a mechanical engineer at Boeing, Al developed a natural talent for math and science.  While he initially pursued an engineering degree, he soon realized he was drawn to the holistic nature of architecture.  He enjoys working at intersection of creativity and science, and continues to draw on his engineering strengths.

Al excels at understanding clients’ needs. He is also very good at identifying the driving forces behind their project goals. He is equally adept at helping clients make an architectural statement as well as support practical business functions. This attention to detail and strategic insight have earned him the trust of both clients and colleagues.

For Al, the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine stands out as an especially notable project in his career. The collaborative design-build process allowed Al to work closely with the client and contractor.  The result is an iconic and economical design that complements the adjacent Salk Institute as well as the overall UC San Diego campus. Al views this project as a reflection of the Touchstone™ “Use Context to Create Identity,” where culture, environment, and place define each project. This approach ensures no two designs are alike—each one is a reflection of its unique context.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Al enjoys craftsmanship and woodworking, often building furniture or custom-made fly rods for friends and family. His rural Colorado home allows him to stay connected to nature and his community, where he works with his local church to provide firewood and other survival necessities to those in need.