Getting to Mo Internationally Acclaimed Architect Mike Konzen

In summer 2007 an inquisitive spider monkey from the rainforest visited Asheville - a city that has national buzz as a model for green living. Mo’s adventures included learning about a new science and health adventure park called Momentum. Mo will stay in Asheville to explore how hands-on learning transforms our lives and improves the amazing world within and around us.

This month, Mo sat down to chat with the lead project manager for Momentum and internationally acclaimed architect Mike Konzen of PGAV Destination Consulting of St. Louis.


MO: What is your favorite thing to do at The Health Adventure?
Mike: See the wonder people who work there. They are without question, my favorite, fun people to hang out with!

MO: I love fruit and nuts. What’s your favorite food?
Mike: Mo, you need to get out mo’. If you came to my town, I'd introduce you to some of my favorites: Bar-be-qued pork steaks, Vietnamese food, great Italian food, and of course lots of St. Louis-style beverages. All of this tastes best at a Cardinals baseball game.

MO: How long have you been with PGAV?
Mike: 22 fantastic years – I look forward to at least that many mo’!

MO: What is it about Asheville that’s special to you?
Mike: I love Asheville, so I can’t pin it down to just one thing. So my list would include: the people, the food, the mountains, the crafts, and of course, The Health Adventure.

MO: When Momentum opens, what’s the first thing you want to do? The second?
Mike: Gotta ride the monorail first. Then go climb in the tree house!

MO: What are the key ingredients you’re using to create Momentum?
Mike: Fun, adventure, curiosity about life, and the funky, eclectic sense that is uniquely Asheville.

MO: What is one way you work to heal the environment in your own life?
Mike: First, I try to put sustainable design principles into every project that I do. The Health Adventure is going to be very exciting this way. Second, I try to recycle at home. Third, Whenever I can, I drive my Vespa to work – it uses less gas and it’s fun!