Jeff Svitak

San Diego - Architect

Jeff Svitak’s background as an architect is simple, yet different than most architects of today’s world. Instead of finishing his schooling at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Svitak decided to skip getting his full master's degree and begin the important work of hands-on experience. Svitak worked for six years under his mentor and friend, Sebastian Mariscal, before beginning his own office in 2012. Svitak explains his love for his job in a simple, yet understandable way, “I am my own boss” says Svitak, “and I love what I do.” Now living in San Diego, Svitak is looking forward to having his first child with his girlfriend and continuing his architectural career’s “hustle,” as he likes to call it.

Q&A:

Hometown?

Fort Collins, Colorado.

Place you call home now (neighborhood etc)

North Park, San Diego.

Any notes on your education?

I studied architecture at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and was supposed to get my master’s of architecture. Instead, I went to work for architects and never actually finished full architecture school.

Favorite sport to watch?

Hockey.

Favorite sport to play?

Hockey.

Best vacation ever?

I just got back from Bali and Japan, it was great.

Dream trip destination?

Need to go to South America, I have never been.

Favorite dessert?

Apple pie.

Underrated food?

Everything bagel with peanut butter.

Dish you’re best at cooking?

Salad.

Road trip - three in the car with you. Living or dead. Who are they? Why?

My girlfriend, my future daughter, and my dog Zoe.

Favorite TV show as a kid?

X-Men.

Favorite movies?

Recently… Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Favorite actress and or actor?

Benicio Del Toro and Leo DiCaprio.

Car you drive now?

Ford Ranger.

Car you’d like to drive?

Tesla.

Best car you've owned?

Ford Ranger.

Got a favorite watch?

Void watches are nice, although I don’t wear a watch.

Summer drink of choice?

Negroni.

Winter drink of choice?

Whiskey.

Bourbon or Scotch?

Scotch.

Vodka or gin?

Vodka.

Cologne?

Le Labo Vetiver 46.

Go-to red on a wine list?

Tempranillo.

Go-to white?

Sauvignon Blanc

Favorite beach?

If I’m with my dog, there is a little spot North of the Del Mar river that is really nice and mellow. For scenery, Swamis. For surf, just North of Beacons.

On a Saturday, your favorite errand to run is:

Buying things to eat or drink

Otherwise, you’ll be busy doing what?

Surfing, chilling with my girlfriend or travelling

Best work advice you ever got?

Ego is the Enemy.

What do you do now for work? Tell us something about your work and career path.

I run my own architecture and development company. I started working for a large architecture in Solana Beach after graduating from Boulder, I worked there for three years learning as much as I could. Then I took a job with an architect that I really admired, Sebastian Mariscal. I had a great mentorship from him for about six years and we are still great friends. I started my own office in 2012 and have been hustling ever since.

Do you have any philanthropic interests/endeavors?

I have a sister company called void (thisisthevoid.com) that I do in addition to my developments. The idea is to give back to communities through artistic collaborations.

Add anything else about yourself here that you would like the world to know about you.

I am about to have my first child, a baby girl named Mila, I can't wait!