How do you explain your profession to people outside of the industry? What do you find most exciting and/or rewarding about this work?
Architecture is the facilitator of the construction industry and is more than the shows you may see on HGTV. Architects tend to wear many hats –from being design professionals to client advocates/liaisons to construction partners. We must listen to our clients, create the clients’ vision and then communicate it in multiple ways to and through the construction team. The exciting and rewarding part of this work is the relationships we build through the various project types. Architecture is such a collaborative industry that architects cross paths with a variety of different industries, which offer us new opportunities almost daily.
What milestone or accomplishment have you made in your career that you are most proud of?
The biggest accomplishment I have made in my career has been the numerous national retail projects that I have had the chance to lead. By doing so, I have been able to build strong relationships with my clients. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of retailers developing their physical (otherwise known as brick-and-mortar) locations. This experience has given me the foundation in the retail industry to understand the efficiencies and benefits needed for success in the built environment.
What is one notable achievement (personal or professional) that you've made over the past year?
The greatest impact anyone can leave is developing capable hands to leave it to. Over the past year, my most notable achievement would be the development of my team members. These individuals have become trusted advisors to our clients, becoming extensions of their team. In turn, our clients have given us more opportunities to impact their business.
What is a piece of media that has inspired you professionally?
Please share one fun or surprising fact about yourself:
I have a goal to visit all 50 states and only have 10 more to go!
