MEET THE TEAM: NAT SALFAS
The newest member of the Vigilant team has given us the exciting opportunity to add architectural design services to our offerings. Nat Salfas has joined the firm as Lead Architect, bringing his extensive professional knowledge, genuine sense of empathy, and a lifelong love of learning to our team. As an architect with over 35 years of experience, to coin a phrase Nat ‘knows a thing or two because he’s seen a thing or two.’ His deep background working on projects with large valuations and his attention to detail is an invaluable asset to any project.
Background
Nat’s desire to become an architect stemmed from an interest in artistry as a young boy. This led him to apply to the Rhode Island School of Design where he studied, ultimately receiving a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Fine Arts. At this time the environment he was in was surrounded by people pursuing art majors. This artistic aura allowed Nat’s creative side to develop and flourish which is demonstrated in the many projects he's completed over the years. After Nat graduated he went on to work in several different places in the United States, including downtown Boston, Providence, Dallas, and Maine. While in Maine he was the state architect for 13 years before entering into private practice to design more diverse builds. He chose to move to Canada in 2012 as he felt he would have greater opportunities than the ones presented to him living in northern New England. Originally moving to St. John's, Nat stayed there until 2018 before moving to Nova Scotia. He has been here since and is thoroughly enjoying all the province has to offer.
Experience
Over the years Nat has performed countless projects in nearly all different areas and styles. From designing award-winning parking garages to high schools, even completing heritage restoration projects on areas such as the Bates Mill with over 750,000 square feet of buildings. It would be difficult to say that Nat has one single area of expertise as his expertise spans much of the field of architecture. Having completed countless healthcare facilities to being the project manager and architect for a $45 million dollar school, it is safe to say that Nat’s tremendous background makes him an asset to any construction project.
Despite his wide catalog of projects he does have a standout favorite, The Franco Centre in Lewiston. Maine. This project entailed the conversion of a stunning granite church constructed in 1927 into an 800-seat performing arts center. Nat considers this one of his greatest career achievements as this venue is now considered one of the most recognizable in all of America. In his redesign, he wanted to keep the overall essence of the church alive so that anyone who had been previously attending the church would still feel the spirit of the original venue when they visited. He did this by leaving the confessionals, church lights, and pew-style seating along with several other features. This allowed the building to keep its defining elements ensuring all the energy and history remained encapsulated within its walls.
Franco Centre, Lewiston Maine
Hobbies
Outside of work Nat enjoys many pursuits, including experimenting with various software for sketching. Along with this, he plays the piano, one time Nat decided to drive from Providence to New Bedford to pick one up. While attempting to get the piano back into his apartment the stairs decided that Nat shouldn’t play the piano and broke under the weight of it. However, Nat persevered, got the piano into his apartment, and thoroughly enjoyed playing it. His favorite style of music to play on the piano are baroque-style pieces. Nat’s passion for music is so strong that he once drove from Providence to Maine with only a record player and 600 records. Nat loves jazz above all genres and while he is not a fan of heavy metal, some members of the Vigilant team are determined to show him the wonders of that world.
Nat’s warm, vibrant energy intertwines well with the bright enthusiasm of the Vigilant team. Nat’s experience, stories, and zest for life are a true pleasure to have in our office and we look forward to him making everyday just that little bit more special.
