Andrew Manuel grew up singing and dancing in a lively artistic family. He was also interested in math, science, and history. Professionally, he wanted to do something that could mix his talents together. With architecture, he could be a jack-of-all-trades.

Andrew’s passion is to design buildings that bring people together – civic buildings, aquariums, museums. Growing up in Detroit, he saw too many of those places disappear. “You end up sitting on your hands, because there’s nowhere to go, and on top of that, it’s snowing,” he says. Although he’s happy in Berkeley, he muses, “Maybe, one day, I can be the guy who helps bring back Detroit.”

Sustainability is one of his passions. He sees the opportunity to revitalize whatever city he is living in. Revitalization and resiliency are possibilities in every project.

Andrew ran track for Wisconsin: the 400 and the 800, so he knows how to stay the course. He sings with the UC Berkeley alumni symphony, attends the ballet, and loves to travel. Every day we’re impressed with his enthusiasm and varied talents.