Tom Gates · Professional Profile
Designer, Builder, Problem-Solver
I’ve spent my career moving between drawing boards, shop floors, and live sites—making sure what looks right on paper still holds up when someone has to build it.
About Me
I’m a curious, people-first creative who likes hard problems and clear answers. I learn by doing, lead by bringing people with me, and I get restless until the weird little detail that doesn’t add up finally makes sense. Ego doesn’t interest me—getting it right does.
Capabilities
Skills & Tools
Practical design judgment backed by production experience and a broad digital toolkit.
What I’m Good At
- Problem Solving
- I dig until I find the real snag—whether it’s in a structure, a workflow, or the way a team is talking past each other.
- Spatial Design
- I see space as something you move through and build inside of, not just lines on a sheet.
- Build-Minded Design
- I draw with installers and fabricators in mind: materials, tolerances, and what will actually leave the shop clean.
Tools I Use
- AutoCAD
- SketchUp Advanced
- 3DS Max
- Blender
- Revit
- Rhinoceros 3D
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Sony Vegas
Professional History
Employment
Academic Record
Education
- Graduated with highest honors and a 4.0 GPA.
- Presented a custom multimedia thesis defense to an audience of more than 100 professionals.
- Graduated with a 4.0 GPA, Scholastic Excellence, and perfect attendance.
- Built early foundations in spatial geometry and architectural layout thinking.