Andy Balow, Assoc. AIA

Name: Andrew James Balow

Born: September 22, 1978 in Rochester, Minnesota

Status: Married

Alma mater: Bowling Green State University (01’) and Lawrence Technological University (07’)

What’s on my TV: Anything that can be found via Netflix, Food Network, ESPN, Discovery Channel.

What’s in my iPOD: Everything from The Doors, Pantera, Christina Aguilera, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Beatles, Dave Matthews Band, Fiona Apple, Incubus, Korn, Justin Timberlake, Led Zepplin, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Tool, Pink Floyd, Ani DiFranco, Seal….the list goes on.

What’s on my bookshelf: Architecture books I’ve collected through years of schooling.

What I drive: 1999 Toyota Solara

Favorites flicks: 300, The Last Samurai, Band of Brothers and any Pixar movie.

Web bookmarks: ESPN, Gmail, Facebook, Michigan Snowmobiler, NHL, and Food Network.

Worst habit: Cracking my knuckles/wrists, lack of patience…it’s a toss up

On my office walls: Very little…need to change that

Love to trade places for a day with: Nicholas Lidstrom, captain of the Detroit Red Wings

First job: Mail Boxes Etc. (now UPS Store)

Talent I’d most like to have: Ability to read/retain more. Two to three pages in I start falling asleep.

For dinner: Pizza

Favorite architect: Maya Lin

Favorite city to visit: Toronto, Ontario

Favorite value in others: Sense of humor

My greatest love: The feeling of being with family on Christmas morning, crammed in the same living room, each person in their annual spot opening presents one at a time.

My heroes: As a kid, Kirby Puckett; as an adult, my parents.

My bucket list: Reach Base Camp of Mt. Everest, vacation in Europe, learn to surf

My motto: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” – Dr. Seuss