Steven Puchek - Biography Sketch
Steven has always held a grand fascination with buildings. From Lincoln Logs® and Legos® to models and renderings, architecture has remained a passion of his for 20-some years. It was through a contact in middle school that Steven realized his future path in Architectural Engineering. It was his aspiration for greatness that led him to The Pennsylvania State University.
Steven is currently in his fifth year of study in the highly-regarded Architectural Engineering program, with his emphasis in Lighting and Electrical design. He will graduate in May 2006 with a concurrent Bachelor’s and Master’s of Architectural Engineering, and a minor in Architectural Studies.
Steven has distinct interests in architecture, electrical systems, and mechanical systems with a focus on architectural lighting. His belief espouses that knowledge and understanding of a building’s architecture, form, and design is the foundation from which great lighting and electrical systems design can be accomplished. Further, the integration of those systems with the building and each other distinguishes good practice from excellent design. And of course, that no exceptional lighting design can be accomplished without the awareness of an architect’s design intent.
A heavy curriculum of lighting design and a few design competitions have honed his skills in architectural lighting, while internships at Girard Engineering and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill have given him a depth of knowledge in both small- and (very) large-scale electrical systems. It was at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill that he had the greatest exposure to integrated architecture, lighting, electrical, and mechanical design. His technical expertise was improved significantly within the MEP department, while his aesthetics and creativity skills were improved at architect-dominated intern functions. It is his interest in developing technologies and drive toward maximum efficiency that keep all of these interests piqued.
When he is not working or studying, Steven participates in the Illuminating Engineering Society PSU student chapter, Tau Beta Pi - PA Beta Chapter, Phi Alpha Epsilon, and just recently ASHRAE. His unfortunate sedentary love for video games and computers is well offset by remaining active in Intramural Softball and Flag Football, strength training with friends and roommates, and the occasional pick-up volleyball or racquetball match.
Steven completed and passed the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam in April
2005, and plans on taking the LEED certification exam before graduation. With
this relatively broad background, he looks forward to implementing his knowledge
and experience further in real projects and design schemes. His progresses
towards a Professional Engineering licensure and/or Lighting Certification
are a few of many motivations for his future and continued career in architectural
engineering.