We are launching a brand new blog series titled, “Meet Your KHOA Staff”. The purpose of this series is to highlight a member of our hard-working, friendly, and diverse KHOA staff each month. Our hope and intention is to spark curiosity and connection within our community. Enough so, that perhaps the next time you’re out on a walk or working in your yard you may be inspired to strike up a conversation with your neighbor, and get to know them a little bit more.
This month, we have the pleasure of introducing to you Bobby Nguyen, your Architectural Specialist.
Tell us a little about yourself!
My name is Bobby Nguyen & I have the pleasure of being married to the wonderful Tiffany Lam. We do not have any kids quite yet, but hopefully some day! I am originally from the Renton Highlands area – don’t get it twisted with downtown re’en or Skyway ;) We moved to Klahanie in July of 2019 and we are going on about 3 years of living in this wonderful neighborhood.
What is your position within the KHOA and what exactly do you do?
I am the Architectural Controls Specialist and my main duty is to oversee the Architectural Controls department that includes the review of architectural controls applications to ensure compliance of KHOA’s CC&Rs and Architectural Controls guidelines and manage the Architectural Controls Committee to facilitate monthly meetings and strategic planning to enhance the program. I love working on projects that includes creating & designing Klahanie merchandise (I worked on a buying/merchandising team in a previous life), revamp the website, and other projects that advance the resident experience with Klahanie.
What is your fondest memory while living in Klahanie?
This is a hard one but I would say living in Klahanie during the pandemic has been interesting. Seeing “normalcy” one year then the next year completely changed the landscape of the land. Now, watching the landscape revert back to how it was? Not sure, but it’s an interesting time right now. Here’s another one, I met my wife for the first time at a high school party in Klahanie when we were young. Little did we know we wanted to live in the same place where we first met. Fun fact: Tiffany actually grew up in Klahanie and swam for the Klahanie Sharks - Go Sharks!
What is your favorite part about living in Klahanie?
The commute to work is pretty nice… ;) Real answer is, there’s not one particular reason about living in Klahanie but a multitude of factors that makes Klahanie great. Klahanie culture is amazing – so many nice neighbors to say hi to. The architecture and landscape is serene – this neighborhood is exactly that I had imagined the American dream to be. Most importantly, I like my teammates and the leadership is what ultimately makes living and working in Klahanie amazing.
Do you have any hobbies? If so, what are they and why do you enjoy them?
Cliché PNW thing but, I do enjoy hiking and taking my dog Timber out on new adventures. For a more “unique” hobby, I enjoy working on remodel projects — whether it’s an interior or exterior construction. I love the design and planning aspect coupled with the project management required to eventually carry out the tasks to fruition. It’s a very satisfying experience to watch a project turn from zero to hero.
What is your ethnic background? Tell us a little bit about it.
I am Vietnamese. I was born in Vietnam and had the opportunity to immigrate to the US in 1992 with my parents. I was probably only 2 at that time and don’t remember much of the process. Being a first generation immigrant does have its’ challenges in integrating with the US culture. I was taught one way at home and taught another way outside of home, which created conflicts of interest in developing oneself. But, that’s the beauty of living in the US — chasing the American dream. My family wanted for me to have the opportunity to be free to choose what I wanted to do with my life, and I am extremely thankful they did. If I was to look at my life now, in its full capacity, I would say I am living the “American dream” my parents envisioned for me. I fully embrace my heritage and I am very proud to be an immigrant of the US.
Do you and your family have any traditions? If so, tell us about the origin of your traditions and what they look like in the Nguyen family today.
We celebrate Lunar New Year where the whole (extended family) gathers in celebration of the new lunar year (moon cycles). Kids receive red envelopes of money to symbolize good wishes and luck for the new year ahead. I’m married now and too old to receive lucky money but that was pretty awesome as a kid getting another holiday to receive gifts. Another tradition that we have is the celebration of life for ancestors. On the day of an ancestors’ death (usually grandparents or parents) we gather as a family for dinner and offer prayers to provide recognition of our loved ones lives.
Rapid fire questions:
Favorite food?
Pasta – all kinds not just the basic spaghetti & meatballs but carbonara, Bolognese, cacia e pepe….etc
Dream vacation destination?
Europe. My wife and I planned a eurotrip for our honeymoon but we didn’t have the opportunity to go due to the pandemic so this has been a bucket list we want to check off some day.
Go-to weekend activity on a sunny Seattle day?
Walk the dog at one of Seattle’s gorgeous parks.
Photos:
- Tiffany and Bobby & pup Timber
- Bobby's real estate headshots
- A before and after of a bathroom remodel Bobby did