In 2020, Perkiomen, a preparatory school north of Philadelphia, PA, began offering weekly, virtual “X-period” classes. Known as “X-Day”, the classes bring together an array of speakers— some alumni and some community friends—to share their experiences and insights into their professional work. A graduate from 1976, Drew Pedrick was honored to participate.
In this excerpt, Drew discusses innovations, prototyping, 3D printing, systems, and software platforms shaping architecture faster and more profoundly.
Buildings will be created in the future where architects, engineers, and constructors work together integrally. Paper drawings will no longer be needed and virtual processes will be the norm.
One of the most profound innovations is the “growing” array of biomimetic and biodynamic materials. In the future, we will look at how we grow a building versus build a building. Buildings will respond to conditions, in alignment with the environment and responsive to the planet. Drew illustrates the point by discussing how a residential high rise in Mexico City, coated in titanium dioxide, is an example of how structures are evolving, even to purify the air around them.
Drew also shares his ideal when it comes to budget and whom he would love to have on his "dream" team.
About Drew Pedrick
At an early age, Drew understood his passions were to design buildings and spaces and do so with care for the planet. Drew began his architecture career as a lighting designer, then worked in the construction phase of architecture, gaining detailed, and practical knowledge. His work quickly grew to include design phases, ultimately leading design, leading teams, and establishing client relations. Today Drew finds his work coming equally from his many long-standing relationships and the new ones he and his team build.