TWO DESIGNERS CELEBRATE 20TH ANNIVERSARY AT BDT
In today’s fast-paced work world—where young people bounce from job to job and create (digital) résumés with ten postings in eight years—the idea of company loyalty is often considered antiquated. However, the world looks different for certain dedicated, skilled workers born from the 1950s and onward, even if they detoured briefly with the flower children of the 60s.
For Erkki Ninnisto and Steve Sanders, BDT has been home for 20 years. They both joined in 1998, when the company was called Panich & Noel. Since then, they have witnessed the growth of ideas, business, and community in Athens—and continue with the company because they feel at home here.
How does a company keep people happy for 20 years? If Steve and Erkki are any indication, it sounds like dedication comes from keeping people interested in ever-changing projects, and maintaining a comfortable corporate culture.
ERKKI NIINISTO—ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Erkki landed in Athens for family reasons. A native of Finland, he graduated in 1985 with a Master of Science in Architecture from the University of Oulu in his home country. He helmed his own design practice there for 13 years before moving to the United States—for love…and money. Sure, he had married his American pen pal, but a recession in Finland at the time drove the couple’s move to Athens, where her parents lived. A month later, Erkki landed the job at BDT’s predecessor.
He’s stayed with BDT because of the people, and because the work remains interesting. “Just like when I had my own office, over here the jobs have been very varying, including private businesses, dwellings, and public buildings of all sorts and sizes,” he says. “I have covered everything from a large hotel to a state park outhouse!”
Although he’s reached retirement age, Erkki says, “I really enjoy our new office building…so I decided to stay at least long enough to experience this new place. Now I may never leave!”
STEVE SANDERS—DRAFTSMAN, PLUMBING DESIGNER
Steve grew up in Athens County, and joined the active-duty Army in 1977. He was stationed in Texas, Virginia, West Germany (2 tours), and Kentucky, before returning home in 1991. He graduated with a degree in drafting and design from Hocking College in 1995, and then worked at BBCM in Dublin, Ohio, for three years. His third job ever would be the charm—flash forward 20 years, to his anniversary with BDT.
As a draftsman with a focus on plumbing design, Steve’s artistic specialties have grown naturally from his hands-on work in the military. From teaching air conditioning and heating, to being a motor pool’s Senior Wheel (the #1 mechanic), to supervising the platoon responsible for maintenance of heavy construction equipment, Steve knows about how things work. He also knows about team play, and dedication. He continued his commitment to the military by enlisting in the Army Reserves and the Ohio National Guard, serving one tour in Iraq in 2004. He retired from the military after 26 years, but is still going strong at BDT.
“I really like my job,” he says. “I like making a difference, and I feel the buildings we are designing today will be here after I’m gone. It is kind of a legacy thing.” He’s been able to contribute to this legacy because he likes the “command attitude” of BDT. “It’s a pleasure to work with people you enjoy.”
On his own time, Steve keeps his creative juices flowing by planning to hand-craft custom knives and tools. He’ll need to set up a forge, along with metalworking and woodworking tools. “I want to recreate historically accurate pieces and parts, such as hinges and hasps,” he says, “in order to preserve the old ways for future generations.”
Yes, Steve is definitely a guy with long-term vision, and he likes making things that last.