Bob Varga

The Michigan chapter of the American Institute for Architects named Bob its "Young Architect of the Year" in 2010, and no wonder. Before the age 40, he had already designed a long list of award-winning and memorable projects, including The Christman Building, the rehabilitation of a 1928 office building on the National Register of Historic Places that earned three LEED Platinum certifications. He's as grateful for the opportunities and the collaborative efforts of his coworkers as we are for his talents. It wasn't so long ago he worked on his first project, an auto parts store. "Now I'm doing $100-million hospitals," he marvels. "I'm excited about the work we are doing-the level of effort, the quality, and knowing that the end product is going to become an incredible experience for the people using it." Bob tells us his hidden talent is that he's "a pretty good short order cook." No wonder he handles complex projects so well.