Last November, Philip Briggs joined our team as our newest Architect. With him, he brought a vast amount of experience and expertise. Take a moment to learn a little about this Texas transplant!
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Join my family – my wife Kathleen, and my two sons, Evan and Henry, - for a day trip along the Mississippi River towards Lake Pepin – I enjoy all of the towns along the way, and the vistas from the bluffs. We do this trip at least once a year – it is especially nice in the autumn. Lots of good food and some architectural & historical points of interest too.
What's the tallest building you've been to the top in?
The Empire State Building in New York – while a student intern, I lived just a few blocks away. I have always been interested in city life and urban design, so having the chance to explore such an amazing place, and be a part of it, was a great experience.
What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
I moved to Minneapolis from my hometown of Houston - without a job - after graduating from college. A few months later I experienced my first Minnesota winter, the Halloween snowstorm of 1991 – 30 inches of snow fell in two days: quite an introduction! I have lived here ever since. Ironically, at one point I thought about moving someplace else, but what kept me here at the time was the desire to have at least one more winter to cross-country ski!
Do you collect anything?
Since childhood I have been a coin collector. My parents gave me very old American and British coins, and whenever I travel abroad I intentionally save at least one of each type. Once I was an adult, I began buying US Mint sets of uncirculated coins for each year, as well as some very old coins from all over the world. Most of these are just common coins of no particular value – I like the idea that these coins were used by ordinary people, decades or centuries ago.
Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?
According to Ancestry, the actor Ed Begley Jr. – I haven’t reached out to him yet, but maybe someday. I have traced both sides of my family back to the early 1700’s.
What's your favorite zoo animal?
Without a doubt, the red panda! I love their amiable temperament, quiet determination, and industriousness.
What's your favorite family recipe?
I am the family cook – I really enjoy doing it, most of the time. I particularly enjoy our sausage basil lasagna, but I have also developed my own variation of seafood gumbo that I am quite proud of. I grew up near the Texas coast, so I do love seafood and miss having it freshly available.
What did you think you would grow out of but haven’t?
LEGO – This probably isn’t surprising considering my career! I think my late teenage years was the only time I didn’t have some nearby. This appreciation has been passed onto both of my sons, so we often do it together. I would build all sorts of things, from cities to airports to castles.
What’s the best single day on the calendar?
Boxing Day – the day after Christmas: All of the preparations are over, and you can just enjoy the season - relax with the family, read a good book, listen to new music, have a nice whiskey. If the weather cooperates, get outside for a winter walk or cross-country ski.