Where Passion Meets Purpose: Ian Switzer’s Journey in Aviation Design

Aviation shapes our world in many ways. For some, it’s a fascination that begins in childhood and never fades. For others, it’s a calling that emerges through mentorship, experience, and the intersection of skills and opportunity. 

Ian Switzer, a skilled model builder and designer for RS&H, represents this convergence of passion and profession. A 2023 graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ian is currently pursuing his master’s degree in architecture through the University of Florida’s City Lab program.  

In celebration of Aviation History Month, we sat down with Ian to explore how his personal connection to aviation fuels his work at RS&H, where he transforms digital designs into physical models that bring architectural visions to life. 

What first sparked your interest in aviation, and how did it evolve into a passion? 

My grandfather flew in the military, and later he came to work at RS&H as an engineer. Growing up hearing his stories about the aircraft he flew, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, really sparked something in me; there was always this sense of adventure and precision in what he did. 

That early introduction to aviation ignited a passion that has stayed with me throughout my life. Even in the smallest ways, it has always been a constant presence. I have several friends who are active pilots, including one who flies commercially and another who recently earned their pilot’s license. My family even owns a Cessna, and I’ve taken a couple of classes from Embry-Riddle. This personal connection creates more than just interest; it provides context and authenticity to my work, shaping how I approach each project with an understanding that extends beyond technical specifications. 

Have you had the opportunity to work with or learn from someone who had a lasting impact on your understanding of aviation? 

Philip Robbie was one of my first advisors and has a deep passion for traditional media in design. Watching him work and adopting that same mindset really influenced how I approach model building and fabrication for terminals. 

My current advisor, Pete Novak, brings a different but equally valuable perspective. He helps me understand life in aviation beyond the technical side—the passion people have for it, the human element. My coworkers are incredible resources, too. Whether it’s software expertise or client insights, everyone contributes to helping build my knowledge base. 

How does your knowledge of aviation influence or enhance your current role? 

My aviation expertise often influences my design work in unexpected ways. I understand aircraft variance and skillfully apply traditional mediums to create renderings and physical models. This technical foundation, combined with my artistic talent, enables me to craft models that effectively demonstrate how designs will perform in reality. My work bridges the gap between initial concepts and final construction, helping clients fully visualize spaces before they are built. 

If you could travel back in time to witness any moment in aviation history, what would it be and why? 

I’d want to watch my grandfather fly. He shared so many interesting stories throughout my life, and I think seeing him in that element would give me a different appreciation for everything he accomplished. 

Ian’s work at RS&H exemplifies how personal passion can elevate professional execution. His models don’t just represent buildings; they represent possibilities. Each physical creation allows clients, stakeholders, and communities to engage with proposed designs in ways renderings alone cannot. 

As we celebrate Aviation History Month, we honor not just the milestones of flight but also the people who continue advancing this field through dedication, skill, and  authentic passion for what aviation represents—connection, possibility, and the drive to reach beyond what is to what could be.