My Forsyth _ Spring 2023

ARCHITECT
QA &
JAN SELZ
BY ADAM PENDLETON
What is architecture? Beyond simply
the art and practice of designing and
constructing buildings, what does it
mean to a community? How does
architecture add to and enhance, or
maybe even speak for a community?
Is a community’s identity reflected in
it’s architecture? We see architecture
every day. We notice it, we experience
it, but often we are unacquainted with
the beauty and relationship between
architecture and our everyday lives.
In this first of series of features of the
architecture and design in Forsyth
County, we will try to answer some of
these questions, and in the process,
see some beautiful work by some
of Forsyth County’s most talented
professionals.
The first project in this series is the new
Forsyth County Arts and Learning
Center (FoCAL). FoCAL is a 1,800 seat
performance hall, with a separate blackbox
theater, rehearsal areas, reception
areas, green rooms, a full-service catering
kitchen, and a lobby with a gallery space.
The project completed construction in
August of 2021, and was designed by Jan
Selz of Manly Spangler Smith Architects.
We recently spoke with Jan about her
work on FoCAL.
Q How did you begin a career in
architecture? What is your backstory?
A Born into a family with three generations
of civil engineers and surveyors, I was
influenced by design and construction from
an early age. I would study topographical
maps and ride along with my dad to visit job
sites at every opportunity. I started working
in the family business during the summer
breaks as soon as I turned sixteen and was
especially interested when my dad’s work
included projects on my high school campus.
In 1990, I was accepted into the School of
Architecture at the University of Miami in
Coral Gables, Florida where I completed a
five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree
program. While in college, I participated
in a study abroad program in Italy, was a
member of the Beta Gamma chapter of the
Tau Sigma Delta Academic (Architectural)
Fraternity, the Golden Key National Honor
Society, and the Psi Chi National Honor
Society in psychology. It was an honor to
be a National Collegiate Architecture &
Design Awards winner and to receive an
honorable mention in a Habitat for Humanity
design competition. I completed 20 years
of experience with Manley Spangler Smith
Architects (now MSSA-PBK), and five years
of architectural experience in private sector
projects, including corporate interior space
planning and facility programming. I am
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SPRING 2023 | MYFORSYTHMAG.COM 31