Since 2010, Associate Architect and Studio Manager Wade Thompson has been instrumental in the development of quality control procedures and intern mentoring here at WBA. He leverages his nearly 20 years of overall experience in Design and Contract Administration to help build our team and serve clients. Today, we’re diving deeper and getting to know Wade.
What inspired you to become an architect?
I’m very fortunate to have been raised by two selfless, wonderful parents who continually encouraged me to explore my creative side and taught me that I could do anything I put my mind to. My mother was a math teacher and instilled in me a strong appreciation for mathematics.
From an early age, I was fascinated by drawing and making things. At an early age, I wanted to be some sort of artist. But, as I grew older, I wanted to do something that could contribute to the world around me in a more permanent, tangible way. Becoming an Architect seemed like a way to combine my artistic and rational tendencies.
What has been one of the most rewarding projects you’ve worked on?
Being a graduate of Mississippi State University (class of 1999), I am very fortunate to have been involved in many projects on campus over the years. It is a special feeling to be able to give back to my alma matter by directly using the tools & abilities that were seeded by my experiences at MSU. However, no other project has been as rewarding me as the Additions & Renovations to Dudy Noble Field.
No project has been anticipated by the fan base like the “New Dude.” With this level of exposure comes a commiserate level of scrutinization. Our design has been under the magnifying glass of the Bulldog nation since we began in 2015. Re-shaping such an iconic facility, tied to a deep sense of history and tradition is no easy task.
Construction on the facility will not be complete until January 2019. However, many in the media already refer to the incomplete facility as the “Carnegie Hall of College Baseball. I think this speaks volumes about what has been accomplished to date. Simply put, the best fans in collegiate baseball deserve the best facility in collegiate baseball. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone into the fully-completed facility for the 2019 season.
What’s your favorite building in Jackson and why?
The Bennie G. Thompson Academic & Civil Rights Research Center at Tougaloo College. It has great sculptural qualities and use of form, light, and materials.
When you aren’t at work, what can we find you doing?
I’ll be spending time with my dogs, cycling, playing bike polo, or painting.