Hot Shot: Brian Fitzsimmons

Published: November 12, 2008

HOT SHOT: Brian Fitzsimmons

AGE: 35

ROLE: President of Fitzsimmons Architects and manager of Studio F Construction

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REAL ROLE: Builder of diverse projects from the ground up and improving the visual aesthetics of Oklahoma.

WHAT THAT MEANS: He is working on a range of projects from the Flaming Lips’ home and compound to cooperating on the design of the Devon boathouse. Being the owner and operator of a design company and a construction company, Brian and his three employees do it all.

“So I am involved in all of it from designing at the desk, to the occasional ditch digging,” Brian said.

There is really nothing Brian doesn’t do when it comes to building and design. One of the best things about his job is working on such “wonderful and diverse building projects,” Brian said.

“Fitzsimmons Architects are currently working on several exciting projects including: the soon to be opened Market C on 23rd and Hudson, renovations of the ice house in the Plaza District, a couple of distinctively modern houses soon to break ground downtown near my own home, a park pavilion for a certain famous Oklahoma senator and Governor from Ada,” Brian said.

HOW HE GOT THAT JOB: After working with a local design firm for several years, Brian found himself looking for a more independent place in the design industry.

“I worked at Elliott and Associates for several years before starting FA in 2005,” Brian said.

“The impetus for starting the company came from the long time desire to design independently,” he said.

With some previous design experience and the drive to branch out Brian has built two successful businesses that have a laundry list of accomplishments only three years after beginning his own journey.

Without some practical experience, Fitzsimmons Architects would not be as successful as it has been, Brian said. The projects that Brian worked on during his time at Elliott and Associates created a smooth transition to his independent design firm.

“My first project was my own home “the Okasian House” located at 7th and Francis,” Brian said.

“Thankfully, the recognition from that project has helped build the identity and success of the company. It also certainly helped to retain the support of my former employer and friend, Rand Elliott.”

WHY OKLAHOMA: An Oklahoma native, Brian and his wife find excitement in the revitalization of downtown Oklahoma City.

After childhood Brian moved away from Oklahoma for several years, but found himself driven back to his home-state to be with the woman who is now his wife, Titi Nguyen.

“I came back to be with Titi while she was in medical residency,” Brian said.

The changes that had occurred in the state since Brian’s childhood are tremendous, he said. There was so much more growth and potential.

“We both saw the real opportunity and growth happening in Oklahoma City that was very different than when growing up,” Brian said.

The majority of Brian’s work is focused on the revitalization of downtown and Titi practices Family Medicine downtown, he said. That is where the changes are really happening.

“We both decided to stay and contribute to the change,” Brian said.

It’s a good thing that Brian is enjoying the new, improved downtown and surrounding cities since he does not get much time to escape.

“Other than Vacation and Business, I seldom have the need to leave the bubble (the center of Oklahoma City),” Brian said.

EXTRA-CURRICULARS: Leaving the “bubble” becomes very difficult when someone is as committed and involved in the local community as Brian.

Brian is active in several board memberships and takes a great interest in local art organizations.

“I take an active role in community development, including board memberships on the MidTown Redevelopment Corporation, IAO and Oklahoma City’s Urban Design Commission and I am an active participation in several arts organizations,” Brian said.

A busy body like Brian almost never finds time to drift away from working and community participation, but on the rare occasion that he has some free time it is spend enjoying the growing community that brought him back home.

“I spend what evenings I have with my wife and a great group of friends at local restaurants, and art venues,” he said.

RANDOM TIDBIT: As someone with a strong background in design and construction and an interest in art it may not surprise many that Brian uses design as a hobby and not just a profession.

“Time permitting, I like to create the occasional sculpture or furniture,” Brian said. Brian also has a much less time-consuming hobby that may not be as appreciated by his wife as Brian would like.

“I enjoy collecting music and listening to my collection, much to my wife's consternation,” Brian said.

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