Brett Leavitt

“The impact a space for learning can have on a student is immeasurable,” says Brett. “Playing a small role in a student’s development as they become the person they were meant to be brings me great joy.” Along with designing for higher ed, Brett devotes time to mentoring youth of all ages—from speaking at a K-8 school career day to teaching a design studio at Cal Poly Pomona’s School of Architecture. Brett names the Salk Institute, designed by Louis Kahn in 1965, as one of his favorite buildings, “a powerful example of how to link people to place so distinctly you cannot imagine it existing anywhere else,” he explains. “It changed the way I view architecture forever.” A one-time rock band guitarist, Brett would also pick the 1960s for time travel, “so I could see The Doors, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix play live,” he responds.