Name/Title/Company: Evan Crossman / Senior Design Director / RINKA

Briefly tell us what you do, and length of time in the CRE industry: Senior Design Director with 11 years of experience leading teams and clients from concept through documentation across a broad range of project types. I help align design goals with budget, constructability, and stakeholder priorities to deliver transformative built environments. I also lead RINKA's internal Mentorship Program, developing framework to support our next generation of architects. 

What project or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?: The Scoot in Cudahy, Wisconsin, is one of the projects I'm most proud to have been a part of recently. It offered an opportunity to transform a small but prominent corner site, using our design to reinforce the character of Main Street while creating a stronger, more active presence. The project also represents a rewarding full-circle moment, building upon the Cudahy GCCP our team completed years earlier and demonstrating how long-range planning can ultimately shape meaningful, built outcomes.

How are you involved or would like to be more involved in CREDA Wisconsin?: I look forward to more participation with CREDA Wisconsin - primarily getting to know more of the members who are helping shape Wisconsin's built environment, and then finding ways to support efforts already underway and identify new avenues to impact the profession.

Tell us about your family: My wife Katie and I have three beautiful children - Jack, Cooper, and Elena, all under 3 years old, and providing us with endless fun and memories. We live in Wauwatosa, and are fortunate enough to have extended family supporting us from around the Milwaukee area.

Who is your favorite author and/or what is your favorite quote?: J.R.R. Tolkien - "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?: Very minor bike accident that mostly hurt pride.

What is your favorite restaurant, and why?: Morel - Best anniversary meals together there.

Favorite foods at Summerfest and State Fair?: Miller High Life

Favorite county or state park?: Jackson Park (childhood stomping grounds).

What is one item you cannot live without?: Old family photo albums.