Brennan Yackel | Construction Project Manager

After several years of experience working in retail (including stints with Christmas pop-up shops in New York), Brennan took an interest in flipping houses while he was studying at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. “I started as a property manager and branched into structural work and framing houses,” he explains. “My high school friends and I started a construction company after I got my general contractor license. I designed and built a tiny house/office/studio on wheels—I loved that. That’s when I realized that my interest in design and construction could come together with an architecture degree.”

He chose the University of Minnesota’s architecture program. “I’m not the typical undergrad student,” Brennan notes. “I’ve been out of high school for a while, and I’ve got a variety of job experiences.”

Brennan learned about NewStudio Architecture through the U’s portfolio review and found a place that recognizes the strength of his diverse background. “I really like the NewStudio office culture. It’s comfortable, although that sounds too simple,” he says. “I have a voice here. The staff is smart and helpful. The work is interesting, and I enjoy what I’m doing—it’s definitely not your typical college job.”

Someday, I Will… Design and build a disc golf course

If I Was Stranded On An Island, The One Thing I’d Take With Me: My two cats

Most Cherished Item I Own: GameStop stock

Best Book I’ve Read (And Why): The novel Star Wars: Death Troopers by Joe Schreiber. Zombies and Star Wars, who wouldn’t love it?

Unexpected NewStudio Moment: Discussing whether or not to rinse chicken before cooking (I say no)

Education:

Pursuing a B.S. in Architecture, University of Minnesota

Associates Degree, Liberal Arts, Minneapolis Community and Technical College