Charles Bachmann, “Chuck”, AIA, Project Architect, and Senior Associate at Sinclair Hille Architects (SHA) celebrated 33 years with SHA on May 26th, 2023. Chuck was hired by SHA founders, John Sinclair and Jim Hille in 1990 as the first CAD Technician of SHA.

Drawing utilizing the computer was new technology and required John Sinclair to move out of his office to make room for Chuck, the CAD pen plotter, and Chuck’s computer station. Chuck remembers the pen plotter was slow and had multiple types of pens. The plotter would grab one pen at a time to plot information contained in the CAD file. Plotting just a single drawing several days in advance of an approaching deadline and praying the pens did not run out of ink was common.

Chuck’s favorite moment at Sinclair Hille was while working on the construction drawings for the Champion’s Club by Memorial Stadium. “The developer challenged me to get a certain number of parking spaces to make the project viable. If I did, he offered me a pair of season tickets. I worked hard and met the challenge but didn’t do it for the tickets, nor did I expect tickets. The following year, I walked into work one day, and in my inbox was a pair of season tickets and a Champion’s Club pass.”

Chuck states that his favorite part about his career is the interaction with people and problem-solving. He enjoys helping to resolve issues that arise throughout construction. “Every day is different and there are new challenges every day.”