Nate Ingebritson
Q: Where are you from?
I grew up on Mount Desert Island, a small island off the coast of Maine that is home to Acadia National Park. Growing up in such a naturally beautiful place led to falling in love with both the ocean and the mountains that surrounded my home. From this love for the natural world, I developed two main passions that have remained central to my life: sailing and rock climbing.
Q: Where did you go to school?
After graduating from Mount Desert Island High School, I moved cross-country to study Architecture at UC Berkeley. This transition was eye-opening in many ways, and I am grateful for the opportunity I had to get out of my comfort zone and study in such a diverse, exciting, and new environment. While at Cal, I competed on the Cal Sailing Team all four years, which allowed me to travel up and down the west coast for regattas, take on leadership roles (Captain my senior year), and make lifelong friends. Outside of architecture studio and sailing, I was an officer and member of Cal Climbing (rock climbing club), where I went on climbing trips during every school break and free weekend.
Q: Tell me about your family.
My parents met at UMass Amherst while studying Landscape Architecture, after which they spent many years traveling the world – including several years running a charter sailboat in the British Virgin Islands - before deciding to settle down in Maine to raise my brother and I. They still live in Maine with our crazy dog ‘Hazel’, right across the street from my grandparents who moved close to us when I was young. My brother is a year and half older than me and is currently working as the captain of a 125’ sailing yacht that he sails around the world.
Q: What is the most interesting aspect of architecture to you?
One aspect of architecture that I find fascinating is the idea of underlying form, whereby successful architectural projects fit into the landscape - whether urban or rural - in a way that seems natural and meant to be. Thus, it is the role of the architect not to create something that satisfies their own preferences and whims, but rather to respond to the hints and subtleties that a given site provides. This act of careful observation, when balanced with client/programmatic needs, budget constraints, building codes, and everything else that must be considered, is what I believe leads to truly great design.
Q: What is the last show you binge watched?
I regret to admit that I don’t watch much TV (I grew up without one) and the last show I remember binge watching was Outer Banks when it came out during the beginning of the pandemic.
Q: Favorite SF hidden gem?
I haven’t spent a lot of time in the city yet, but one (probably not so) hidden gem I’ve enjoyed was catching a show at Café du Nord (intersection of Market + 15th). I went there for a Ritchy Mitch and the Coal Miners concert with a friend of mine and really enjoyed the smaller, more intimate atmosphere of the venue.
Q: What are the top three things on your bucket list?
1. Climb ‘The Nose’ route up El Capitan in Yosemite Valley within next two years 2. Circumnavigate the world in a sailboat 3. Go on a Europe climbing/backpacking trip (Switzerland/France/Spain/Italy/etc…)
Q: What are five features you would include in your dream home?
Outdoor Shower, Climbing wall/Gym/Sauna area, Rooftop deck, Dock (house is waterfront), and off grid/ regenerative design.
Q: Where are you most excited to travel next?
I am excited to spend more time in New Zealand when I get a good opportunity to do so! I spent two weeks driving around the South Island with my folks a few winters back and can’t wait to return.
