Meet Nick Mancusi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Mancusi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Ever since I was a kid, I always saw the world a little differently than the majority of people. I’d watch people focus or react to the problem directly in front them rather than step back and view the larger picture that could be. I’d see the decisions that were made as they responded to only a handful of factors rather than the multitude of opportunities and contributing elements that actually existed when viewed with a wider and more distant glance. It was my observations of the world and my viewpoint that ultimately drove me to want to help create a better future for the people whom occupy it in balance with the habitat they occupy. It’s this view point that drove me to become an architect, a general contractor, and a developer. It is also this viewpoint that drives me to work so hard and take the huge risks I have taken to reach and grow. I don’t view risk as something to be afraid of, but rather I see risk and effort or setbacks along the way as part of the many pieces required to achieve the larger picture. In this case, creating spaces for people that enhance the human condition, that grace rather than disgrace the landscape, that create a greater equanimity in this world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I was a boy, I started working with my father building houses, first as a framing contractor and later as a general contractor. While I was learning about structure, and the realities of what lines on paper physically translate to, I was also seeing how time and time again developers and architects where ignoring the very thing buildings where meant to do: improve the human condition. It was in that moment, I wanted to be an architect. I knew I saw things from a different lens and saw my opportunity to do something that would make a difference. I’ve had multiple design practices over the years, but started Mancusi in 2012 as a full service professional Architectural practice.

Soon after starting Mancusi I realized an ironic thing, if I was going to create the kind of architecture I wanted to create, I was going to need to build it. I learned very quickly there were not a lot of good general contractors out there with the ability to see a detail from both the builder’s and architect’s standpoint. Circling back almost twenty five years, I incorporated General Contracting into my business model. Since then we’ve evolved into Mancusi: an Architecture, Construction, Development, and Design practice with operations in Arizona and New England and currently with a multitude of projects across the country from custom residential to light commercial work.

What sets us apart as a company is that we refuse to do things per the status quo. We believe that authentic substance and quality is what matters and we can’t be bothered with superficial trends and quantity. We believe in creating an architecture that focuses on the human experience first and the profit margin last. We look at everything through the lens of design for the human condition – from the height of wall switches, to the organization of kitchen drawers, the way light reflects to reduce artificial lighting, to how the building makes a minimal impact on the earth it touches. Our goal with every project is to work within the constraints of reality, by seeing a project from 30,000 feet, finding new ways to live, work, and play from the kernel of an idea, to the final polish on the entry door.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A perfect way to show someone the valley for me would have to start with a big hardy breakfast at the Wagon Wheel up in Cave Creek. Living in Cave Creek brings you out to the edge of the desert, I love the desert and the culture of our Sonoran Foothills. From the Spur Cross Trailhead to the Top of Black Mountain down to Harold’s Coral or out to Raven’s View Wine Bar, there is a lot to offer up in Cave Creek. I’d then head downtown and explore exhibits at the Phoenix Art Museum or Heard Museum or over into Scottsdale to the SMOCA to satisfy my love of art. For lunch I’m headed to either Belly, Tacos Chiwas, Glai Ban, or one of my favorites; Andreoli Italian Grocer. The diversity of food in the Valley is so fantastic, not many other places can compare. After lunch I’d head out to some great shops like Dialogue, For the People, Local Nomad, and of course the abundance of vintage shops like Modern Manor. I’ve purchased a bunch of furniture and items over the years that define my aesthetic and drive for quality products. For dinner I’m a big fan of Restaurant Progress, Valentine, or Wolf and Wren to wrap up a great day exploring. There is nothing better than great food, drinks, and friends to celebrate living in the Valley.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My father, Norman Mancusi, taught me that what we do and how we do it is how we find pride in ourselves. Everyday I wake up, I’m willing to put in the work no matter how difficult it is and I’m always going to go above and beyond to do things in a manner that I am proud of. My mentor, Michael P. Johnson taught me that it is the quality of your ethics as a designer and as an individual that are most important to what we do. I only want to do work that I’m proud to put my name on and if I want to do good work, that starts with me and what standard I’m going to hold myself to. I will walk away from a job, no matter how much money I can make or glory I might be able to find, if it requires me to lower my standards or it conflicts with my principles as a architect or a builder.

Website: www.mancusidesignbuild.com

Instagram: @nickmancusi @mancusidesign

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/nick-mancusi-507361b

Twitter: @nickmancusi @mancusidesign

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nickmancusi 

Image Credits
Bryan Black (Casa Mancusi, Mollard Residence, Siddaramu Residence); Bill Timmerman (Welch Residence, Taliesin Mod.Fab); Mancusi: (Wentworth Residence).