Brian LaFleur’s decision to become an architect was in keeping with a family tradition. His grandfather was a building contractor in Ville Platte, and his uncle, recently deceased, did mill work and cabinetry.
LaFleur has more than 16 years’ experience in architecture, with a concentration over the last half of his career on program management rather than the drafting table, which is just how he likes it. LaFleur says he got into program management at a time when it was still fairly new in architecture.
In the past, an owner would usually hire an architect directly. Now, that same owner has the option of hiring a consultant to serve as a go-between with the design team. It involves keeping several balls in the air at once, including managing the owner’s expectations, meeting deadlines and managing money well.
“Program management is more challenging I would say, but it’s much more enjoyable because you really become the owner’s representative,” LaFleur says. “I can still be involved with architecture but on a different level—still dabble in it. I’m evolving. I enjoy both of them—more so now the management side.”
His lengthy résumé of project management jobs is weighted heavily toward educational facilities, including $174 million worth of projects for Louisiana Community and Technical College System campuses across the state, $130 million in new construction and renovation for the East Baton Rouge schools and $74 million for new buildings and renovations for Baton Rouge Community College.
LaFleur is a founding partner in the development company James & LaFleur Group, whose main focus is building affordable retirement communities.
Faith also is a major factor in his life. LaFleur is an associate minister at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, the same church in which he grew up after his family relocated from Ville Platte.
“I take great pride in my Christian faith,” he says. “I definitely allow that to guide my practice in everything I do in life. It all starts with treating people the way you want to be treated yourself.”
Age: 39
What is your best business advice?
“If you have an idea, please investigate the process of making it come to fruition. So many people have a great idea, and it’s just an idea. They never move forward with trying to implement it. Even if you try something and you fail, it’s always best to try.”
Click here for the complete list of 2008's Forty Under 40 winners.
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