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Architect Transforms Dreams Into Reality

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By DEREK MAUL

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 26, 2008

Bert Thomas, an architect in Brandon for the last 24 years, is a quiet man whose thoughts run deep.

His work reveals his attachments to the greater Tampa community, and his life in Brandon speaks of the commitments that define his relationships.

Building and design have been his passions since he was a child in Hyde Park, playing in construction sites and salvaging discarded plans from behind an architect's office down the street.

"Realistically," he said, "it's the only thing I ever remember wanting to be. The most gratifying thing - even now - is a rainy day, some jazz music on, and drawing."

His family moved to the Tampa area when he was a baby, and he attended elementary, middle and high school. After high school, Thomas earned his bachelor's degree in design from the University of Florida. He then committed several years to real-world work before returning to UF to earn his master's degree in architecture.

"One of my professors told me not to let school get in the way of my education," he said. "I listened, and it took 12 years to earn a six-year degree."

It was time well spent and included apprenticeships with Tampa architects J. Priede-Rodriguez, Harry MacEwen, Jim Robbins, George Hoover and Joseph Caltagirone.

One detour took him to Thomasville, Ga., where he helped build the Cornerstone Church of Christ. A civil engineer there, James Anderson, took the young architect under his wing, and he learned the practical side of construction.

In 1984, when he finally set up his own shop, Thomas had a variety of experience under his belt.

"I was a contractor before I became an architect," he said. "So I understand how contractors think. When you have to build something you've designed, you have to think twice."

Brandon, he said, has been a great fit. "It's a rewarding and a constant learning experience. This is a great community. Brandon is open, growing, unpretentious and optimistic."

Thomas has deliberately kept his business small, preferring to cultivate an intimate relationship with clients and pursue well-defined, manageable projects. The firm engages work that values creative design and embraces a commitment to environmentally sound construction.

That work ranges from a $500 pole barn in Seffner to the $20 million - in 1993 dollars - LazyDays RV Super Center north of Brandon.

But what Thomas enjoys most is listening, and helping clients articulate their hopes and dreams in ways that make architectural sense.

"I translate what they are saying," he said, "into physical space."

Whenever possible, Thomas incorporates into his work elements that speak of place and history. One South Tampa project, for example, included architectural detail from a historic building that once existed across the street, plus a motif borrowed from Plant High School.

"An old Tampa person may not know why they like the building," he said, "but it seems familiar to them. I try to put myself in their shoes."

Another favorite feature for Thomas is some kind of tower, even if represented by a small cupola.

"I want people - when they arrive at a place I built - to know they've been there," he said. "When you've traveled from one point to another, you want to know that you've been somewhere."

Like many Floridians, Thomas is concerned about the environment. He put his convictions into practice by gaining the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation, known as LEED.

"We're taking huge leaps in the right direction," he said. "I think it's important for this region. We've got to do better with natural resources, and water resources are critical. We can design buildings that are much more responsible."

Thomas is a member of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, a board member at Foundation Christian Academy - where he also plays Santa - and teaches young adults at the Bay Area Church of Christ in Mango.

"I also take care of the church grounds," he said. "They call me the deacon of dirt."

He remains bullish about life and future.

"Brandon has a great community," he said. "People are hard-working and fair. And I'm optimistic about the country; we have divergent views, but we move forward together. Then my faith keeps me optimistic; I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future."

MEET BERT THOMAS
BORN: Alexandria, Va., 1953

MOVED TO TAMPA: 1953

EDUCATION: Gorrie Elementary School, Tampa; Wilson Junior High School, Tampa; Plant High School, Tampa; University of Florida, Gainesville, 1975 and 1982

PROFESSION: Architect

MOVED TO BRANDON: 1982

MARRIED: Jeannie Rodriguez, 1980

CHILDREN: Angela, 27; Reagan, 24

NOTABLE QUOTE: "A sense of place is important; that's what architects can give to a community."

Derek Maul can be reached at derekmaul@gmail.com.

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