Meet Joe Wilcox

Joe Wilcox is the President at KBZ Architects.

His knowledge of the building systems, integrated with his respect for the design, makes him the right choice for any project.

His experience has taught him which issues require the most attention and how to meet important milestones along the way.

Joe’s best attribute is the ability to communicate clearly with the entire project team and to maintain the goal of an excellent final product that everyone can be proud of from start to finish.

What led you to begin your career in architecture?

I have always loved to draw and appreciated art. When I was in high school I read Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead” and it completely changed my world. The lead character, Howard Roark, was a visionary young architect who was expelled from his architecture school because he would not comply with outdated traditions.

Ironically, while I identify with having an original vision, I also have become a preservationist for many of our local buildings. Architecture is both forging ahead with new ideas as well as giving homage to the old.

Graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo taught me not only how to design, but also how to put buildings together in a practical way. My master’s degree at Arizona State University in passive solar energy was an international program so there were global influences. It was definitely ahead of its time, and now, 40 years later, the world realizes how important it is to use a natural approach to design.

What are the most memorable projects throughout your career?

I like to think of my next project as the best one because it’s always exciting to start a new project.

But, reflecting over the years, I must say that the preservations and restoration work have meant so much to me.

The Lobero Theatre, the Marjorie Luke Theater, and the recent Cabrillo Pavilion top the list because they will be enjoyed by the community for the next 100 years as a testament of Santa Barbara’s sense of design and history.

What awards, certifications, or achievements are you most proud of?

I must say that the reward of being able to work with our incredible team is truly the best part of the work I do. KBZ is like a family and the collaboration makes every project a joy.

In terms of public awards, we have been recognized for the community projects that I mentioned, and it was truly an honor to work on them. There is a personal connection to all of them, but I'll never forget having my son play trumpet in the Marjorie Luke that we restored or seeing my daughter perform in one of our other school projects. Those moments are magical.

On a larger scale, the California Coalition for Adequate School Housing awards for projects like The Peabody Exploration Center and Marjorie Luke were highlights. Just before COVID 19, I attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education program "Learning Environments for Tomorrow: Next Practices for Architects and Educators," which included 104 colleagues and 11 countries. It was such a global experience to brainstorm and share ideas for future educational spaces and was a high watermark in my career. Due to COVID 19, the program has been placed on hold, but I look forward to being invited again in the near future.

How has your work positively impacted the communities you serve?

Architecture is the jewel in any city's crown because it defines it, creates living art, and makes spaces workable. A century ago, Architect Louis Sullivan famously said "Form Follows Function," and I believe that to be true today.

When we listen to our clients about how the building will be used, we design spaces that positively impact the people for whom they are designed. This way, the space reflects the people, which is the ultimate testament to architecture.

Why are you excited to be working with the KBZ Architects team?

In today's work environment of change, I am proud to say that the only architectural firm that I have worked for is KBZ. I was recruited by Don Bensen when I graduated from Cal Poly, and he became a professional mentor to me along with other architects in the firm.

Today, nearly 50 years later, I'm excited because together we are like the "saw that sharpens the saw" to each other, constantly creating growth in design, collaboration, and project management. It doesn't get any better than that.