Albert Rubeling, Jr.

Class of 1977

A native of Baltimore County, "Al" Rubeling attended CCBC (then Essex Community College) after graduating from a local public high school. He likens his experience at CCBC to that of a private, liberal arts college, with “wonderfully small classes” and “quality, caring and approachable professors.” Rubeling transferred to the University of Maryland School of Architecture and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1977. After completing an internship with Nes, Campbell and Partners and attaining his professional license, Rubeling struck out on his own in 1981, founding the architecture and interior design firm that bears his name. In the years that followed, Rubeling built an impressive client base, and with it a solid reputation for honesty, creativity, fairness, quality, a clear client focus and a commitment to his growing staff. Rubeling & Associates now boasts 26 employees, including three registered principals and seven registered architects. Although the firm’s portfolio includes commercial, government, health care, historic architecture, elder care, interior design and master planning projects, Rubeling's most personally satisfying projects involve educational and religious institutions.

“I enjoy working with such giving people,” he said. “It’s a privilege to create environments that enhance teaching and worship experiences.” Throughout his career, Rubeling has maintained a commitment to serving both his profession and his community. In 1988, he served as president of the Baltimore Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA); he was president of the Maryland Society the following year. In 1990, Maryland Governor William Donald Schaefer appointed Rubeling to the Maryland State Board of Architects, on which he served two terms. He spent seven years on the Board as a Regulator, regulating the Architect's in the State of Maryland. Rubeling has also served on the National Board of Directors for the AIA. Rubeling is currently an AIA trustee, and is one of eight architects involved in the AIA Insurance and Benefits program for members. This advisory committee oversees the administration of hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits for AIA members. Recognizing Rubeling’s sustained and unreserved commitment to the study and practice of architecture, the American Institute of Architects elevated him to its College of Fellows in 1993. This national distinction, one of the AIA’s highest honors, “not only recognizes the achievements of the architect as an individual but also elevates before the public and the profession those architects who have made significant contributions to architecture and to society.” That same year, McGraw/Hill Professional Book Corporation, Inc. published Rubeling’s book, How to Start and Operate Your Own Design Firm. Covering topics ranging from the decision to start a business through financial, legal and insurance considerations, the book was written “for those out there with the same notion,” said Rubeling. “It’s another way to reach out and help others.” In 1988, Rubeling returned to the community college that played such an important part in his journey from high school to college, from student to successful entrepreneur. Drawing on his understanding of the value of community colleges and his business acumen, Rubeling served as president of the Essex Community College Foundation from 1988 to 1990, leading the organization in its mission to assist students and support college programs. Since then, Rubeling & Associates has successfully bid on several CCBC projects, including construction of a campus child care center and library renovations. Rubeling also maintains strong ties to his alma mater, the University of Maryland School of Architecture. He is currently a member of the Visiting Committee for the School, advising leadership on the needs of the architecture profession and how they relate to the curriculum and needs of the School. He was the recipient of the School of Architecture’s Distinguished Alumnus citation in 1990. Active as a volunteer at Boys Latin School for seven years, Rubeling was recently named to a five-year term as a trustee of the historic institution, the oldest, non-sectarian day school for boys in the Baltimore area. He is also vice president of the Board of Governors for the Hillendale Country Club and is chairman of the board’s long range planning committee. Rubeling worked for four years as chairman of the Architecture Committee for the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park in Towson, Md., coordinating the design competition for this inspirational venue. In both his business and his personal life, Rubeling holds to three core objectives: enhancing others’ quality of life, making a difference and helping others. “Whether it’s being creative in solving a client’s problem or watching members of my staff grow, that’s what I was put on this earth to do,” he said. “My role in life is to be the spark, to make it happen.”