The Arc of San Diego has nearly 1,600 full- time and part-time employees, and 200+ volunteers dedicate their time to the organization each year.


“We have a very interesting office, and we like to say that we are very serious about our work, but not so much about ourselves—there’s at least one daily paper ball fight in the office!” reveals Bittner.


Like other busy professionals in the industry, Bittner and his crew put in some long hours, but they also take the time to build relationships with each other. “We have a whole outing pro- gram for our staff. We go on bike rides together, we have picnics, we go to Padres games—and we often go out for happy hour. We even take the office on a trip every year, like to Tahoe, Napa and San Francisco,” he says.


At the young age of three, Bittner—who loved building with his toy Legos—told his dad that he wanted to be an architect when he grew up, and that’s exactly what he did. In 1997, he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the NewSchool of Architecture and Design (NSAD) in San Diego. Bittner, a former faculty member, is an enthusiastic supporter of his alma mater, and still participates on juries to critique students’ projects. In 2012, NSAD honored his contribu- tions by naming him Alumnus of the Year.


Bittner, who is also an artist, describes art and art appreciation as being an important part of his firm’s culture. He and his partners have even integrated an art gallery within their North Park neighborhood office. Each month, the


studio showcases a local artist’s work, and in exchange, a piece of art is donated to an art auction event that is hosted each November. All proceeds from the auction go directly to obrEDUCATION, a nonprofit founded in 2012 by obrARCHITECTURE in collaboration with Young Audiences of San Diego, a national provider of arts-in-education services.


“We go out to public schools and use art, sci- ence and math to teach art and architecture to elementary-age children. This provides them with early access to an architectural education,” explains Bittner. This hands-on, experiential learning complements instructional techniques, helping students transform ideas into reality.


For Bittner, painting a picture of possibilities for others brings opportunity to others.


LET’S SUPPORT A COMMUNITY OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY!


The Sol and Ruth Gerber Family Center provides opportunities for adults with disabilities in South Bay to develop vital life skills and par- ticipate in job training activities. A Building for Self-Sufficiency Capital Campaign has raised approximate- ly $3.2 million to fund the center’s renovation project. To participate in this cause, visit: www.arc-sd.com/ CapitalCampaign, or call The Arc of San Diego at 619-685-1175.


14


THE WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION


DISCOVER MORE @ WWW.THEWHOSWHO.BUILD


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