meet Wes Cegelski, one of TBG’s newest principals
Please join us in congratulating Wes Cegelski on his promotion to Principal! TBG has been lucky to have Wes in our Houston studio for over 10 years and are happy to share a little more about him to celebrate his recent success.
Finding Landscape Architecture
Growing up, Wes always had a love for the outdoors and art. The two came together for him in high school when he began to think about what he wanted to do with his life. “Looking at my parents, who had drastically different careers, I knew that I didn’t want to wear a suit every day and didn’t want to sit at a desk in an office either. Architecture and design of outdoor spaces just fit.” Wes said.
Wes is also an avid golfer and has always dreamt of playing a hole he designed.
Design Philosophy & Defining Success
When designing spaces, Wes always tries to put himself in the spaces he creates. “What would I want to experience or have my child experience? I want to create something that whoever is using the space can really enjoy being there.” Wes said.
To Wes, success in landscape architecture comes from people utilizing the spaces we create in a positive way. “Every project we design is for someone else to use and hopefully enhance their wellbeing,” said Wes. “I love going to projects and see people walk on the trails, swim in our pools, and enjoy a cup of coffee in mixed use space.” He especially loves it when his daughter tells people “my daddy designed this!”
Other Things to Know About Wes
Q: What’s your favorite movie line?
A: “You can’t handle the truth!”
Q: Who’s your celebrity doppelganger?
A: Stone Cold Steve Austin
Q: What was your worst job ever?
A: Pizza Hut
Q: What road trip would you like to take?
A: Blue Ridge Parkway
Q: If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
A: “This is a difficult one but if going internationally, Southeast Asia. In the US, somewhere in the mountains – doesn’t matter which range but prefer mountains over beaches
Q: Describe what you were like at age 10.
A: “I was always outside running around. I think at the time, I was an energizer bunny and was only inside if I was in trouble. It didn’t matter the sport, I just wanted to run around and play outside.”
Q: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to hit a deadline?
A: “Gosh, I remember while I was in the Middle East working on Jumeirah Golf Estates, I was in the office from December 21-23, only going home for a few hours to nap and sleep in the middle of the night. On December 23, I had to catch a flight back home (left at 3:00am) and worked until heading to the airport. I think I slept for most of the 14+ hour flight home and probably got a total of less than 10 hours of sleep in a 4-day period.”
Q: Who’s someone you look up to as a mentor?
A: “At TBG, it would be Matt Klein. I’ve worked with him for a few years, and we have similar thoughts on design and the nuts and bolts of a project.”
Q: Next up on your travel agenda?
A: “Guys trip to Boston to play golf at The Country Club in Brookline and hopefully TPC Boston.”