Someone who believes that “a good idea can come from anywhere or anyone,” is an obvious fit for the Somerville team.

As Project Architect, Justin Marquis is the point person who ensures not only that the client’s desires are heard and needs met, but that the team bringing the vision to life has the tools they need for success.

It’s what drew Justin to this field: The opportunity to dig deep with the designers and engineers on the technical aspects of the work, then step back and walk alongside the clients in the big picture process of the project.

Justin comes from a family of engineers and craftsmen and has his own experience in the construction field. He was drawn to the design and presentation side of things during school and now values the opportunity to fuse the left brain and right brain functions, meshing the technical and analytical with the creative and artistic.

The empathy in his approach ensures that whatever project he is working on, he’s putting himself in the mindset of those who will experience the space day to day. Whether its an office worker sitting at a desk all week, or a churchgoer settling into a pew on a typical Sunday, Justin thinks about how they will move through the space and how they will experience it. He likes to ask the questions and do the listening that it takes to address their needs and wants.

That curiosity shows up in his personal life too, where he picks up new hobbies – from woodworking to making his own wine – whenever the mood strikes him and the education is accessible. An avid outdoorsman, he loves to downhill ski, sail, run, play team sports and go on hikes, especially with his fiancé and their canine companion.

Always looking to learn new hobbies and skills, Justin has valued the team approach at Somerville that exposes him to the vast expertise of his colleagues when they come together on projects, welcoming new perspectives and suggestions.

After all, a good idea can come from anywhere or anyone.