Justin DeFields becomes Licensed Architect
The news came with a mix of joy and urgency. Justin DeField’s wife, Erin, told him she was pregnant with their second child, and in that moment, something shifted.
“The day my wife told me she was pregnant, what was once a slight smolder turned into an inferno under my butt to get it done,” Justin says.
For years, licensure was something to tackle eventually. But fatherhood has a way of clarifying priorities, and with another baby on the way, Justin saw his window of opportunity.
“The realization that there wouldn’t be a more convenient time until I retire made the decision easy to get started,” he says.
That commitment sparked a whirlwind five-month sprint. He scheduled and completed all six exams with laser focus: two in the first month, one every month after that. The hardest part, he says, wasn’t even mastering the material, but simply digging in and getting them done, one by one.
“Knowing the deadline above kept me focused,” he explains.
ARCHIVE: Elevatus adds new Architectural Graduate Justin DeFields
Late nights became study sessions. Weekends turned into quiet hours with textbooks and flashcards instead of leisure time. It was a sacrifice — but not one he made alone.
“I could not have taken all of these at the pace that I did without my wife, Erin,” he says. “She sacrificed every day to give me time to study, and I can’t give her enough credit for her strength and support.”
When the final test was complete, the official confirmation came in the quiet of an ordinary morning. Getting ready for work, Justin learned he had passed, and relief washed over him.
“It felt like hitting the game winner in overtime,” he recalls. “Knowing I could reclaim the study time was a huge relief for me and my family.”
While licensure doesn’t drastically change his day-to-day responsibilities at Elevatus, it has deepened his confidence.
“While my role on projects doesn’t change, the personal achievement gives me more confidence and credibility in practice,” he says.
Justin’s love for architecture began early, sparked by a 3D modeling and drafting class in high school. From that moment on, the path was clear.
“I was fortunate enough to take a 3D modeling and drafting class my freshman year of high school and fell in love with the profession early, so I never seriously explored anything else.”
His design philosophy is simple but thoughtful.
“I look for opportunities to do more with less. Thoughtful detailing can elevate any design.”
Like many architects, Justin views every project as part of an ongoing education.
“Every project we work on influences the next. Part of what makes this profession so great is that we are continuously learning and improving through the work.”
Now, with licensure behind him, Justin is excited to contribute even more to Elevatus and to Fort Wayne’s growth and development.
“I am excited to help Elevatus continue grow our local impact and involvement in the development of Fort Wayne.”
At Elevatus, we are incredibly proud of Justin’s determination, discipline, and drive — and even more so of the heart behind his achievement. For him, this was about family, future, and stepping up when it mattered most. And that’s Designed To Do More.
