Meet the Team: Principal and Co-Founder Colin VanWingen

The GOAT team is continuing to grow so we are launching a “Meet the Team” blog series where we’ll ask each team member the same set of questions to find out more about them personally and professionally.

First up is Colin VanWingen, the Co-Founder and Principal of GOAT. He graduated from the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning in 2008 and immediately moved to New Orleans. While attending graduate school at the Tulane University School of Architecture, Colin developed the concept for a practice that would eventually grow into GOAT.

After completing his Master’s Degree, Colin worked on projects ranging from affordable prototype housing in the 9th Ward to massive scale entertainment and hospitality complexes around the country. In 2016, Colin co-founded GOAT as the firm’s intransigent idealist.

Outside of the office, Colin is a part-time chef and a full-time dad, and co-chair of the New Orleans Small Firm Exchange (SFx). He loves music and recently compiled his top albums of 2022 for your enjoyment. Get to know more about him below:

Who is your favorite architect and/or designer?

When I was in architecture school, everything was framed through the Rem Koolhaas / OMA lens and my approach to architecture and design will always be deeply influenced by their work and writing; though, if I have to pick one firm whose portfolio most inspires me, Herzog & deMeuron's work has been absolutely phenomenal for a long, long time and they've driven much of my fascination with materials and detailing. And since it's me and I love lists, I might as well round out a 'Top 5' with Olson Kundig, Roman & Williams, and Neutelings Riedijk.

What would be your dream project?

I love projects that have a polemic angle, so I would really love to expand our work into affordable multi-tenant housing because it is a hard problem that I'm passionate about finding solutions for..

What design trend do you hope makes a comeback?

Broadly, I don't believe in 'trends' for architecture. I think design moves that are fashionable will always be well received when applied thoughtfully as part of a coherent scheme. That said, I used to love what a friend of mine termed the 'Po-Mo Slot' (clustering multiple windows on a facade together with a relief in the cladding) and we haven't had the chance to do it in a while. Let's bring that back.

What topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with no preparation?

I could talk for an hour about literally anything (see my overly wordy answers above)... but get me going on late-Cretaceaous dinosaurs or early 2000s hip-hop and you'll have to drag me away from the lectern.

What is your favorite local hangout?

For a night out, I love a crowded, classy bar with good bites like Delachaise or Bouligny Tavern... But those are few and far between these days so I'll take a sunny afternoon with friends at Second Line Brewing (and Southern's Food Truck).

If someone were visiting the city for the first time, what neighborhood would you take them to first and why?

I'd bring them to my neighborhood (Tulane / Gravier), which is usually lumped in with Treme or Mid-City and tragically overlooked. We'd spend the afternoon on the Lafitte Greenway, catch a show at Chickie Wah Wah or Broadside, and end the night splitting a plate of crispy pork knuckles at Marjie's Grill... a perfect day.

What’s your favorite hobby right now? What hobby have you always wanted to take up?

I absolutely love to cook and I make dinner for my family most evenings. I also love music and always wished I had a talent for it. I even bought a guitar a while back with the intent of learning to play and have just never been able to make the time. Maybe someday...

What’s your most used emoji?

Definitely 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥... I probably need to cut back 😂

Bonus: What is your role at GOAT?

On our website I'm listed as the "intransigent idealist" and I think that's still pretty accurate. Peter and I work so well together at least in part because I'm a good foil to his level-headed pragmatism. Apart from that, I'm a talker and designer... I'll be wherever those things are needed.