Rick Kuhl

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT RICK KUHL

Having practiced the art and science of architecture for over 40 years with an emphasis on public safety design for 20 years, I now get the opportunity to pursue my passion of health and wellbeing of public safety personnel.In particular, I will be focusing my research and investigative efforts on how the architecture of public safety facilities can augment the health and wellbeing of those who live and work within those facilities.As someone who has great respect for public safety personnel, I consider this opportunity a true gift and an honor to continue my professional career going forward. I have no preconceptions or assured paths for this work other than fulfilling a personal passion.Year 1 - Take aways; 1) research is a marathon; not a sprint, 2) interactions with allied professions cannot be understated, and 3) the path is circuitous; be observant.Year 2 - Take aways; 1) there are no short cuts, diligence is key, 2) research is about connecting the dots, and 3) be open to paths not envisioned.As an architect, I really did not anticipate brain research to be part of my world, however, as the saying goes, you need to follow the research to discover where the path will lead. Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is a protein that would appear to have a correlation with one\'s resilience. Might this have application to firefighters? This is something I am investigating in hopes of finding an application to the fire industry.Salutogenic design is applicable to high-stress professions like those of firefighters.