Principal Biographies
BOB DEARDORFF
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"Personal involvement, there's no substitute," says Bob Deardorff,
Principal with Deardorff Pang & Weymiller. "I'm there from the first
shovel of dirt until we close the last door". Deardorff not only has
hands-on field administration of all projects, but also participates in the
design process, shares marketing responsibilities, and writes project specifications.
"I believe that the client drives the project. Every client is different,
with different expectations, budgets and needs. We want every job to be a
"signature" job, but here we want that signature to be our client's
and not just the current design fad. "This philosophy requires the personal
involvement of all the partners on all projects. "We strongly believe in the
team concept because one person can't wear all the hats, all the time and do all
the jobs really well. We put our collective and individual knowledge and experience
to work solving the challenges at hand. That applies equally to a single-family
dwelling or a manufacturing facility for thousands of workers."
What's the best advice you ever received?
My mother told us early on that life is too short; do what you enjoy doing.
Did the advice work out?
I love architecture. There's nothing I'd rather be doing. It's not even work. Work
is something you do around the house.
Remember your first car?
It was a '65 Chevy Nova. It was transportation.
What is your most prized possession?
My collection of family photographs from the mid 1800's on - 150 years of history.
What professional work brings you the most pride?
Several come to mind, among them the Tempe Performing Arts Center, the Intesys
Technologies Complex, and Temple Emanuel of Tempe, but we're proud of all our work.
What do you enjoy most about the job?
I really enjoy the hands-on aspects; meeting with clients, contractors, solving
problems in the field. I really like being there and seeing the project go up.
What are some of the misconceptions you encounter as an architect?
Most people have no concept of budgets and schedules. Neither one has to be outrageous.
Do you have a work philosophy?
Teamwork. Architects, clients, consultants and contractors are all a part of a
team and should look at the project that way.
Does that always work?
Pretty much. We're not afraid to let professionals speak their minds. We're open
to suggestions and we get better performance, better ideas and more satisfied
clients that way.
Any advice to someone about to hire an architect?
Don't surrender your desires. It is, after all, your project. Don't be afraid
of the driver's seat.
Deardorff is a graduate of Mesa Community College and Arizona State University,
but his desire to become an architect surfaced well before college. "I knew
from the seventh grade on. I just woke up one morning and went for it." In
addition to his duties with the firm, he sits on the Town of Gilbert, Arizona
Design Review Board which examines every commercial, industrial and multi-family
project for the community. Leisure activities include reading the classics of
literature and history, and roller blading. He is most proud of designing and
building, almost single-handedly, his own home. "There's a certain pride
you can get only by using your mind and your own two hands to create something
of genuine value."
YIN KA PANG
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"Never lose touch," says Yin Pang, a Principal with Deardorff, Pang and
Weymiller, Architects. With areas of responsibility that include design, production
and management of the production staff, he keeps his fingers on the pulse of a
variety of clients, consultants and the ever-changing trends of the times. "That
doesn't mean we are "trendy," he says. "We always design to incorporate
our client's wants and needs with function, an honest use of materials, and an elegant
style."
On the job, Pang is committed to the team concept. "Doing a good job is
always important to me. It governs how I handle everything: services, scheduling,
budgeting, making sure every job flows as smoothly as possible. A good architect
stays in touch with his client's real needs, his consultants, new technologies
and innovations, and, most importantly, with himself."
What is your proudest achievement?
Dobson Medical in Mesa, the Hill residence in Paradise Valley, Tempe Performing
Arts, numerous homes, and just being able to help design and create outstanding projects.
Personally?
My family and its well-being.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Don't be a doctor. Also, approach life and problem solving with a sense of humor.
It's important to treat people with respect.
What's the best advice you can offer?
Be honest, have integrity, and teach by example.
Any advice for an aspiring architect?
Be honest, be innovative but remember that innovation must have a function. It
is important to carry through with what you believe is true and appropriate to
the situation.
Describe your first car.
It was a Dodge Demon. It looked good at the time.
When did you decide to become an architect?
Pretty early on I knew I wanted a career that involved drawing. I used to
practice by copying the artwork in comic books.
Where is the joy found in your work?
Definitely when the design is received well by your client, your peers, and
in many cases the public. I enjoy being creative in creating quality spaces
and esthetically pleasing objects.
What is the biggest misconception held by the public about architects?
Many people seem to think architects do not listen to their clients. Good
architects have to listen. Here we want to listen. Also some people think
of our services as a commodity instead of the significant investment it represents.
Any advice to offer someone working with an architect?
Be as specific as possible. By that I mean more than color, material, size,
and textures. Speak up about your emotional needs, your feelings and the
statement you want the structure to make. That's how your get a great design
that will also bear the signature of the owner.
Pang was born in Malaysia. His parents wanted him to become a doctor, but recognizing
his early interest in and commitment to drawing, suggested a career in architecture.
He graduated from Arizona State University and today is a resident of Phoenix.
Growing flowers in his garden and spending time with his family are his most
pleasurable past times.
RUSSELL WEYMILLER
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"Stick to what you believe in."
That basic philosophy has helped create, build and maintain one of the most
respected architectural firms in Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun. It is a
proven concept that applies equally to designing a home, building a performing
arts center or striking out off-trail through the tall pines and hidden valleys
of a natural wilderness area.
As a Principal, Weymiller's duties include business management, finance and
marketing. "Our job here is to interpret our client's dreams and bring them
into sharp focus, into reality. That's pretty basic, simple, but that doesn't
mean it is easy. We have to become a visionary for every client, each with
different needs, different budgets . . . different dreams. I am happy and proud
to say that we do that very well."
Weymiller finds real joy in the challenge of the job, in dealing successfully
with consultants and clients, and especially handling new problems, new
technologies and new challenges. "Every job, every day is new," he
says. "In a very real sense, we're explorers."
What is your proudest achievement?
Creating one of the most respected architectural firms in Phoenix.
What is the best career advice you've received?
He who writes the first letter loses. In a confrontation a letter just gives the
other side ammunition. It's much smarter to deal direct. Pick up the phone.
What are your favorite leisure activities?
Hiking, skiing, fishing, camping and mountain biking. I enjoy being in a totally
different environment. Entering the outdoors is a mentally uplifting experience.
Any other important interests?
I am a member and past Chairman of the Town of Gilbert, Arizona Downtown
Redevelopment Commission where we oversee any redevelopment within the
Heritage District.
Remember your first car?
A canary yellow, modified '49 Chevy Fastback with a 283 engine. I was a
kid of the sixties.
What are some of your best projects?
A number come to mind: L'Auberge de Sedona is one that sticks out. We are
an award-winning firm. In fact, we've received at least 15 unsolicited
honors for various projects.
What is your greatest personal achievement?
Happiness.
Do you have a personal business philosophy?
Provide the best possible service to every client. That and to get paid.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
All of it, the broad scope of challenges and creating success.
Any advice for dealing with architects?
Whether you're building a home or reshaping a city block, get to know your
architect personally. Understand that there is a very real communication
process and participate in it.
Name the biggest misconception about dealing with architects.
Easy. People seem to believe that architects don't listen to their clients.
Some don't, perhaps, but the good ones do, and it is reflected in the high
quality of their work. We're good listeners.
Heading out off-trail is nothing new to Russell Weymiller, an enthusiastic
outdoors man. "After graduating high school in San Diego I wanted to
join the diplomatic corps," he says. Before committing his energies,
abilities and the rest of his life to a career in diplomacy, he took the
time to explore other options. An aptitude test pointed toward a different
way of architecture. He struck off in a new direction toward Arizona State
University and the school of architecture.
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The active leadership of the three Principals - each with their own areas of
expertise - has resulted in a commitment to seek long-term relationships with
unique Clients, rather than "chasing" specific projects or project
types. From the inception of the project, the Client is an integral part of the Team.
