NWA C-Suite: Chris Baribeau
by October 6, 2025 8:00 am 608 views
Founded in 2008 by Chris Baribeau, modus studio has grown into a 25-person firm working from its self-designed, LEED Platinum-certified architectural studio and fabrication shop in downtown Fayetteville. The award-winning firm has completed more than 230 projects across a diverse range of typologies and scales.
If you were not in your current role, what would you be doing? If you mean other than dipping my toes in the Caribbean or bathing in a beautiful forest, I would still be in a design-focused role. I think I would own and operate a boutique hospitality concept where I could design, develop, and oversee every little detail with focus — and space to breathe.
How significantly has technology impacted your work? Staying on top of technology within the architectural world is critical. At modus we are early adopters of new technologies, always trying to find smarter ways to do things so we can preserve more of our brains for critical design thinking.
What are some aspects of leadership you are still working to improve? Slowing down and remembering that each person we interact with is a unique person who absorbs information differently and sees the world from a unique perspective.
How do you handle pressure and stress in your leadership role? Lots of bourbon! But seriously, I process quickly and take action to resolve pressure points as seamlessly as possible. The worst type of stress is the kind that festers or is ignored.
What advice would you give someone wanting to be a leader in your industry? Architecture is an industry that you should not do unless you love it. And as such, to lead you must hold onto that passion while negotiating the inevitable challenges that you will face from clients, staff, cities and critics.
How do you stay current with industry trends and changes? The world of design is both deep and wide. It requires sticking with professional associations, traveling often, staying on top of media and listening to the young designers.
Who are your favorite leaders, and why? I look to people who put passion over profit, knowing that wealth will come with good work.
What is the best business advice someone has ever given you? Work hard, play hard.