
DIANE CHO
Quinn Evans
SAY IT LOUD - MARYLAND Exhibitor
Maryland Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I have had the good fortune of working with some amazing artistic directors in the museum and theater worlds; Rebecca Hoffberger, Kwame Kwei Armah, Vince Lancisi and Chris Bedford to name a few. They were all creative risk takers!
DIANE CHO
Bio:
The great designer, Diane's 40 year career, first as a founding principal of her own firm and now as a principal with Quinn Evans, has focused her portfolio on the cultural realm of theaters and museums. Believing in the arts as a catalyst for community revitalization, she has helped to position and celebrate the arts as a vital ingredient in the life of strong and vibrant cities. Many award winning projects are a testament to her ability to work closely with clients in celebrating their mission.
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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My father suggested the field when I was a teenager because he knew I like to draw and was drawn to cities in general. So I applied to Cornell where I received my B Arch degree during the Colin Rowe years.
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What do you do?
I am a principal with Quinn Evans focusing on arts-related projects from small community arts centers to major museums and theaters.
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What excites you in the work you do?
I love projects that are meant to be enjoyed by people no matter the age, gender or race--in fact ones that are meant to draw diverse audiences and to showcase the work of diverse artists
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Who or what inspires you professionally?
I have had the good fortune of working with some amazing artistic directors in the museum and theater worlds; Rebecca Hoffberger, Kwame Kwei Armah, Vince Lancisi and Chris Bedford to name a few. They were all creative risk takers!
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My proudest achievement is founding a women owned firm with Barbara Wilks in 1980, keeping it going until it was sold in 2017, and being able to employ and mentor so many talented individuals.
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Featured Project Name:
Baltimore Center Stage
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Featured Project Location:
Baltimore, Maryland
Featured Project Completion Date:
January 2017
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Role in Featured Project:
Principal in Charge
Featured Project Description:
The adaptive re-use of an historic building, Center Stage represents the transformative renovation and addition of 105,000 s.f. into 3 major theater venues seating 540, 426 and 99 seats respectively. State-of-the-art audiovisual and lighting effects permeate the design, combining an historic backdrop with 21st century technology and enabling the Theater's stagecraft to spill into public spaces. A new plaza, marquee and entryway creates a dynamic sense of arrival and strong street presence.
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