RON RAICHE

What do you do at MSA? I am a Project Manager for Architectural Production, which means I manage individual projects through their applicable scope of work phases. My expertise project types are retail rollout and commercial office and so the typical phases on these project types are: site survey/due diligence, block planning, design development, construction documentation, permitting, and construction administration.

How long have you been working at MSA? joined MSA in September of 2014, hence 7 years.

What is your favorite moment at MSA? We have an incredible outdoor rooftop terrace at our Oakland office and a standout memory was watching the victory street parade for the Warriors basketball team when they won the Playoffs in 2017.

What does MSA mean to you? MSA is loyal and feels like a family, which was a big change from my prior work experience within a large corporation. This distinction has really shown its value during the Covid-19 pandemic as we struggle together though dire market conditions.

What is your long-term goal? Much of my background was retail interior work and so it is a refreshing change being exposed to details of the architectural shell. I would love to expand on this expertise.

What do you do on your free time? I am a music and performing arts junkie and so pre-Covid my going out was to hear bands, DJ’s, orchestras, and to see plays and dance performances. Under lockdown that has all gone. A bright spot now is the DJ community who have really taken advantage of online platforms such as Twitch to maintain visibility and immediacy through performance and connecting their fan base via chat.

What is your favorite or best trip? In 2015 I travelled to Vienna, Austria to see the Eurovision Song Contest live. Most Americans are not aware of this event but by virtue of my living 6 years in London I became a groupie to the silly campiness that accompanies this international competition. It was extraordinary to witness Eurovision live, while experiencing the glorious architecture and setting of Vienna.

Favorite book? I am a fan of history and so gravitate almost exclusively towards non-fiction. I am currently captivated by the book: History of the World Map by Map, originally published by the Smithsonian Institution.

Favorite movie? Auntie Mame, the 1958 version with Rosalind Russell. Says it all really. Second place is Star Trek IV – The Voyage Home, especially now that I live in San Francisco and because Sci Fi overall is my favorite genre.

Netflix or Disney plus? Netflix

What or who inspires you? Anyone whose actions correlate with their words.

What is your true passion?Creativity in all forms inspires me and having participated in Burning Man three times I am convinced that this ephemeral city is the best representation of how humans can live together in a civil society. Knowing that this is possible is a source of optimism in the current world situation.

Sunset or sunrise? Sunset

Dog or Cat? Dog

Phone Call or Text? Text

Pen or Pencil? Pen

High-tech or Low-tech? Low-tech – the less complicated, without needing power/batteries, the better.

Classical or Modern? Modern

Beer or Wine?  Wine