Spotlight On: Cameron Foster
Mez Joseph
Liollio is pleased to welcome Cameron Foster, Associate AIA, to our design studio! A native of Richland WA, Cameron completed his Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Portland State University and his Master of Architecture at Clemson University. Prior to his academic career and joining the Liollio team, Cameron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2010. After allowing Cameron a bit of time to settle in, we sat down for a little Q&A with our newest Spotlight On feature.
How long have you lived in Charleston?
We moved here 2 years ago, but I have only physically been here for about a year because of school.
Where did you grow up?
The evergreen state of Washington; in a desert. Richland, WA to be exact.
Are you married? Children?
I have been married to my wife Kelty for 9 years in October, and we have 2 dogs that we treat like kids.
What is your favorite non-living thing in your home?
Nintendo 64
What do you like to do when you have free time?
Kelty and I love the beach or trying new places with food and drinks.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us a bit about them.
We have a 9-year-old fluffball by the name of Reggie. He can be identified as a Pekingese. We also have an 8-year-old ham with selective hearing named Penny who can be identified as an English Bulldog, or a pig. They’re awesome.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Making it 29 years.
What building have you visited that most impressed you?
Notre-Dame du Haut, a.k.a Ronchamp
What architect or architecture firm most influenced you as a student?
Olson Kundig is my favorite, I love the way they are able to use nature in design. But I went to Switzerland last year and find myself referencing back to Herzog De Meuron buildings a lot… so I guess it depends on the day for me.
What is your favorite place you have traveled to and why?
I would say either Okinawa, Japan or Chiang Mai, Thailand. Both places are full of friendly people. It’s all about the people. But Alaska is pretty neat as well.
What is your favorite thing about working at Liollio?
The studio culture is great, and everyone genuinely cares about the work each person is doing. I had the opportunity to learn from a few of the principals at the firm while studying at Clemson and it was evident from the beginning that collaboration is a key trait at Liollio, and that has only been made more clear since working here that some of our best work comes from discussion and contribution in the design of projects. And of course, the people are awesome, and you can tell that it is more than just a work relationship for everybody. We are able to have fun together at lunches, events, happy hours, etc. … When COVID-19 isn’t happening.
What inspires you most?
Knowing that one day I will have little mini-me’s that are going to look up to me.
What style of architecture most impresses you or is your favorite?
I am impressed by repurposed/restored architecture; the blending of historic and contemporary is pretty fascinating to me. It creates such unique places with so much character and gives such varied effects.
What is your favorite book?
You are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For by Don Yaeger and Kyle Carpenter
What is your favorite restaurant?
Chapala Express in Richland, WA
What’s your favorite place in Charleston?
Any of the beaches.
What is your favorite food?
Tacos and Enchiladas.
What is your least favorite food?
Cereal creeps me out.
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
I hate snakes, so I’d like to be a Mongoose or something cool like that who won’t take any bad business from snakes.
Do you play any instruments?
My Grandpa bought me a Harmonica when I was younger.
What song is at the top of your most played list?
I’m not sure but probably Rocketman or the Cops theme song Bad Boys.
Who is your favorite musical artist or genre?
I like a lot of different music ,but as of late, I find Tyler Childers to be the frequent.
Who is your favorite artist?
Claude Monet had a nice touch.
Favorite television show?
Game of Thrones, Peaky Blinders or How I Met Your Mother.
Last book you read?
HOG’s in the Shadow by Milo S. Afong. If I am not studying, I typically read military books.
Do you have a favorite book or author?
Roald Dahl
Last movie you watched?
Django Unchained. Netflix has had me on a Quentin Tarantino binge as of late.
Favorite movie or genre?
Bad Boys II… I know every word.
Any random fact you could share with us?
The Earth is flat.
Are you messy or organized?
Not messy.
Do you have a favorite newspaper, blog or website?
ESPN is a good one.
Favorite quote?
If it’s not broke, don’t fix it – not sure of anybody specific saying it before, but I’d bet someone scholarly has said it.
If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be?
Ernest Hemingway
If your house was burning down, What is the one nonliving thing you would save?
Aside from my important personal identifying documents/records, my old alice pack with a bunch of my old sentimental stuff
Guilty pleasure?
Double Stuffed Oreos
What’s your astrological sign?
Cancer
What three traits define you?
Committed. Humble. Not normal but not weird.
What is your personal philosophy?
It’s better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it.
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
COVID-19 has made me realize that I really enjoy sports and social activities.
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far?
Well I guess I would have to go with a combat deployment to Afghanistan or winning an argument with my wife.
What is your greatest fear?
Spiders
What does true leadership mean to you?
Working alongside rather than from ahead.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
A tuk tuk driver in Bangkok.
What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?
Try everything.
How do you define success?
Being able to look back and have appreciation for the work you have done to get here; and enjoying yourself.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I don’t have pinky toenails.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Keep your head down.
