Associate Architect, AIA
Ryan Watson has been with Zerr Berg Architects since 2017. As an Associate Architect Ryan works closely with clients to make their visions a reality. He enjoys deep, intricate detail work, and thinking of creative ways to solve any problems that clients have with their current space. Ryan has degrees in Environmental Design and Architecture from North Dakota State University in Fargo.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys playing board and video games, building structures out of Legos, and putting puzzles together. He also loves keeping track of his three busy daughters and spending time with family.
What interested you in pursuing a career in architecture?
As a kid I enjoyed playing with Legos and creating intricate designs and buildings.
What’s the best part of your job?
I love a challenge. Figuring out solutions to complex problems is always very engaging and rewarding. I also enjoy putting together concise and clean details for a building’s plans and drawings. Working on the intricacies of a project is always very exciting.
What are the five favorite projects that you’ve worked on?
Boulevard Square III: West Fargo, ND – This was a pretty good-sized project, with many details and rooms to design and plan out. The façade chosen is one of my favorites and looks very nice with the surrounding landscape. I got to work very closely with Adam from Gehrtz Construction Services and enjoyed getting to know him more!
Vanne Mixed-Use Development: Moorhead, MN – The first mixed-use project that I’ve been able to work on. I enjoyed the task of fitting different types of businesses into the building and understanding the relationship that they would all have with each other.
Lutheran Church of the Cross: West Fargo, ND – This was a fun project to work on, but I really enjoyed getting to know the clients. Watching as they saw their dreams and visions come to life was very rewarding.
NDSU Science Hall, Sugihara: Fargo, ND – I did a lot of detailing on this project, which I love in general, but this project involved a lot of intricate lab spaces and student lounges that were fun to put together.
Stanley Fire Station: Stanley, ND – This was a project I worked on before my time at Zerr Berg, but it stands out to me because of how smoothly and cohesively it came together. The design is also one of my favorites.
Do you have any awards, certificates, or other special licenses?
I won the 2015 Early Career Architect Award from the North Dakota chapter of AIA. And as a solid throwback, I also won “Most Improved” and “Rookie of the Year” at St. Cloud Tech High School for soccer.