Renee French!  Welcome to BRW, Renee!

BRW Office – Dallas

Degree/University – Masters of Architecture from UT Arlington

Favorite piece of Architecture and/or Architect? Why? Shigeru Ban is my favorite of the week. The work he does is not only pushing the boundaries of design but creating a more conscientious approach to architecture by placing an emphasis on context. His designs focus on the user experience.

If you could travel back in time, what era would you travel to? 1700’s. I would LOVE to see Versailles at its peak with all the grandeur of the time.  But I would probably leave once the beheadings started….

What’s your favorite book? Why?  I literally won a trophy for reading the most books in middle school so there is no way I could pick one favorite. However, Tess of the D’Urbervilles was one of the most memorable books I have ever read.

What was your first concert ever? Would you go back and see them again? Aaron Carter…..and no I would not go to Aaron’s party again – it got busted by his parents.

If you’re not an only child, tell us about your siblings.  Give us the good stuff: who’s your favorite?! I am the middle child and only girl in my family. I have an older brother Russell and a younger brother Randon. Needless to say, I grew up a tomboy. I was riding my own motorcycle by 5 years old. My older brother picked on my younger brother and myself growing up so that made me strong. I couldn’t compare to him in size when fighting my battles so I learned how to outsmart him. We’re all best friends now that we’re older and my brothers always come to me for advice because they know I’m the level-headed one in the family.

Who inspires you? Why? My great grandmother. She had the most loving and open heart – not to mention she was a total boss. She fought for women’s rights, raised a family, worked for the Texas government, made a mean chicken spaghetti and was a pretty good shot to boot. She taught me how to chip carve, crochet and make pecan pie fresh from the pecan trees in her backyard. She is my favorite person ever and she raised some of the strongest women I have ever met.

Tell us one of your bucket list items. I want to learn to be fluent in sign language. It’s a beautiful form of communication and I’ve been obsessed with it since I was 12.