In the Spotlight - Roberto Fayad

Meet Architectural Project Manager Roberto Fayad and learn what he thinks about MWA’s culture, his fondness for plants, and his evolving stance on wallcoverings.

You’ve been at Morgante Wilson for nearly two years now. Thoughts?

I love working at MWA. The culture and the people are the best. Everyone is welcoming, engaged, and treats each other like a big family. In my experience, it’s very rare to find companies with the kind of culture we have, which makes working here so much smoother and vibrant.

What kinds of things have you learned since you came to MWA?

Coming from the education architecture sector, I’ve learned anything and everything entailed in building or renovating a home. Typically, architecture school will teach you what I believe to be the first twenty percent of basic construction. Being a project manager in the residential sector allows you to learn everything from the minute details to the grand scheme of design – on top of engaging with client needs, budgets, and negotiations.

Name one thing you think every house should have.

Every house needs a place to practice one’s hobby. Whether it be a greenhouse, reading nook, woodshop, or art studio, I think it’s crucial. As our lives become repetitive or chaotic, we all need an area to help recenter ourselves with things we enjoy doing. It becomes like a reset button by boosting creativity and happiness.

Speaking of hobbies, what’s something you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’m an avid woodworker. I love designing and building tables, lamps, and necklaces, out of wood and resin. I also collect and grow succulents for my upcoming new online business called “Haworthia Heights.”

You must love plants.

I do! I developed a great interest in plants while I was growing up. If I wasn’t in the architecture field, I might be doing something in the botany or horticultural fields instead.

Did you ever study either?

I have a Bachelor of Architecture , a minor in Social and Environmental Justice, a minor in Landscape Architecture, and a Masters Certificate in Sustainability. So in a sense, yes.

What else might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I’m originally from Beirut, Lebanon, making me Middle Eastern. That may surprise some people since Roberto is such a Spanish/Italian name.

What’s one thing we’d never find in your house?

If you asked me this six months ago, I would have said you would never find any wallpaper in my home. But now I’m warming to the idea. Still, I don’t see myself putting any in my house any time soon.

Staying on the subject of your house, what would you say is the most meaningful thing in it?

That would have to be one of my grandfather’s rings. He gave it to me after my engagement to my fiancé. My grandfather helped raise me as a child and is like a father to me. Having something passed down from him makes it that much more special.

Last question about your house: what’s on your coffee table?

A succulent arrangement I made in a decorative ceramic planter.

Okay, that’s not surprising! One more thing: what’s one of your favorite new building products or materials?

I’m not sure I can say I have a favorite, as part of my passion for architecture is based on the idea that we have a near-infinite selection of materials that’s available in this day and age. That being said, I’ve been impressed recently with the idea of heavy timber construction, especially as it’s being explored as a building method for future mid- and high-rise buildings. It can have greater strength and flexibility than concrete and ironically can withstand fires by charring its surface to prevent excess damage.