Alumni & Friends Magazine Fall 2020
CMAC
Much the same way that an impressive structure must first begin as a concept, so too must a remarkable career begin as a dream.
For Robert Healy, the dream of becoming an architect began when he was a junior in high school and was later solidified at Alfred State College. Here, he developed the blueprints and laid the foundation for what has become a long and rewarding career in the architecture industry.
Robert, a native of West Irondequoit, decided to pursue a career in architecture after taking a mechanical drafting class in high school that allowed him to design and develop the drawings for a house. He later enrolled in Alfred State’s architectural technology associate-degree program, which had a big impact on his life.
Be a Life Changer alumni
Alfred State College
Be a Life Changer Alumni
“My education at Alfred State set the foundation for my career in architecture,” he said. “Not only did this change my life, but it guided my vocation. At Alfred State, I received the skills, experience, and confidence required to not only confirm my career choice but to also allow me to gain immediate employment in my field.”
Robert made some terrific memories during his time at Alfred State, from listening to classic rock music at weekend floor parties, to the mid-winter snowball fight with Alfred University, to attending concerts and basketball games at the Orvis Activities Center.
“I have wonderful memories from my time at Alfred State,” he said. “My professors and instructors were exceptional. At Alfred, I began lifelong friendships and relationships that continue to this day.”
After graduating in 1978, Robert was hired as an architectural technician at the Pike Company. He was able to work each summer as he continued his education at Syracuse University, where he would receive a bachelor’s degree in architecture.
In 1986, Robert went into private practice with another partner as they formed Monahan & Healy Architects. During this time, he began to build client relationships and develop his skills at running a business.
In 1990, he became the director of architecture at LaBella Associates, which, at the time, was a 35-person engineering company that was looking to grow into a full-service architectural-engineering company.
Alumni & Friends Magazine Fall 2020
Be a Life Changer Alumni
“At LaBella, I was encouraged to grow the business and build a diverse and respected practice,” Robert said. “What started as an Architectural Division of two has grown to over 130 people today. The growth of the division allowed us to develop a significant Building Engineering Division, as well. This division provides structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and energy expertise for our project work.”
In 2010, after serving five years as senior vice president, Robert was promoted to president of LaBella, which had 125 employees at the time. Working with a strong support team of directors and managers, Robert helped grow the company in several ways. Today, LaBella is a broad organization, with four key service offerings: buildings, energy, infrastructure, and environmental. Its staff of 950-plus team members is spread across more than 20 office locations.
“While we’re headquartered in Rochester, our impact is seen, felt, and experienced around the world,” Robert said.
Throughout his career, Robert has served as architect on some amazing projects, including:
The redesign and rebuild of the Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC), an outdoor amphitheater in Canandaigua.
This involved creating 54 elevated luxury booths, expanding the general seating under the amphitheater roof from 2,600 to 5,000, and installing new, state-of-the-art house, stage, lighting, and sound systems.
The construction of the five-story, 170,000-square-foot ESL Federal Credit Union Corporate Headquarters.
This structure represented a new commitment to the redevelopment of downtown Rochester.
The creation of the Hermance Family Chapel of St. Basil the Great on the St. John Fisher College campus.
This 250-seat chapel’s back-lit stained-glass windows provide both comfort and connection to the surrounding campus and community.
The redevelopment of a former Kodak office building into Monroe Community College’s downtown campus.
This state-of-the-art facility was certified LEED Gold and was named project of the year by the American Public Works Association.
In recognition of his achievements, Robert has received numerous awards, including being named the Rochester Business Alliance’s Small Business Council Business Person of the Year. He also earned the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Rochester Medal of Distinction, which is the highest individual award that the chapter can bestow on a member and celebrates a lifetime of service to the profession, the chapter, and the community.
LaBella has also been honored many times under Robert’s leadership, including being named the Corporate Human Service Contributor of the Year by the Federation of Social Workers for its commitment to the community. LaBella has also been named a top workplace every year from 2014 through 2020, and was ranked 145th on the Engineering News Record’s list of Top 500 Design Firms in 2019.
Earlier in 2020 after serving as president of the company for 10 years, Robert transitioned to a new role as a firm principal, which focuses on mentoring employees, supporting client relationships, and developing business and community relationships. He still retains ownership in the firm, continues to serve as treasurer of the Board of Directors, and maintains his architectural licenses in the 14 states where LaBella conducts business.
ESL Corporate Headquarters
Alfred State College
Be a Life Changer alumni
Robert Healy, firm principal, LaBella Associates
Robert Healy at Burdick Hall in 1977.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Robert is a major believer in giving back and getting involved in his community. Among his many commitments, he is the chair of WXXI’s Board of Trustees, a two-term president of the AIA Rochester chapter, and chair of Alfred State’s Major Gifts Campaign’s Steering Committee. As a major gift donor and someone whose life was greatly impacted by Alfred State, Robert knows first-hand the value of an ASC education and encourages other alumni to give back.
“These are difficult times and the needs are many.
A financial donation to Alfred State College will help to create
a positive pathway for both current and future students to realize
and achieve their goals,” he noted. “Simply said, an investment in
Alfred State College is an investment in our future.”
On a personal note, Robert is a lifelong fan of the Syracuse Orange and New York Mets. He is also an avid golfer and music enthusiast, who resides with his wife, Cathy, along the Erie Canal in Fairport Village. His family includes three children: Kyle, Samantha, and Jesse.
Today, Robert can look back on all that he has built and be proud, whether it’s facilities, relationships, or his legacy as an architect. Just as Alfred State changed his life, so too has he impacted the lives of so many people and businesses through his work, whether they’re concert-goers, worshippers, office personnel, or students. Without a doubt, Robert Healy is definitely a life-changer.