March Student Member of the Month - Anna Bednarko

Anna Bednarko

4th-Year Architecture Student | Iowa State University

Click here above for Anna's work

Where do you attend school? I attend Iowa State University and am a fourth-year student working on my Bachelor of Architecture degree.

Why did you choose the design/construction field? I knew I wanted to pursue a career in architecture from the moment I took my first art class in grade school. Throughout my education, I took a variety of different art classes and the most influential ones were drawing and model making. The projects I produced in class led to woodworking projects with my father at home. Each project sparked my interest in trying to figure out new ways of constructing those as well as thinking about how I can use similar techniques in creating a building.

What motivates you to work towards a career in design/construction? I want to take the experiences that I have been given through art classes, schooling, etc. to create spaces that impact people’s lives and inspire them to create things in a new way.

What is the best advice you have received? If you have a great idea, make sure that you are passionate about it and go for it.

How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you? I believe that Iowa Women in Architecture has influenced me to become a leader. I was given the opportunity to host a career path event, which allowed me to connect with experienced architects and created a presentation with them to inform students about how to create a successful portfolio. This opportunity has influenced me to help others and give them the resources to become a better designer and pursue their career.

March Professional Member of the Month | Kate Arnest

Kate Arnest

Arnest Architecture, LLC

Principal and Owner

Our profession is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; how do you prepare for a meeting with a new client? I do mostly residential architecture so my first meetings are with a builder or a homeowner. I visit the site prior to the meeting so I know the orientation to the sun, views, and other structures. If it is a builder, then I research them and find at least 3 things in common to discuss. If it is a homeowner, then I want to be prepared with examples of the style they are interested in. I have lived and worked in California and Colorado so my portfolio has a wide range of styles. I want them to see something that I have done that they connect with.

We often design to improve the health of people and the environment; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle? We have twin 8 year-old girls so I spend time with my family and we sit down for dinner together every night. We each tell our rose, bud and thorn from the day. The rose is something good that happened, the thorn something bad and the bud something to look forward to tomorrow. Then I need an hour of ME time before I fall asleep and that’s usually my reading time.

In 2017 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website? Houzz is a fabulous tool. My clients just send me the link to their Ideabooks and I make it a reality. The Jeld-Wen Egress calculator is a super quick way to check my window schedules. You just pick the window type and the size and it lets you know if it is compliant or not.

As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside the realm of architecture/design? Since I started my own firm and have my office at home, I have found a wonderful life/work balance. It has allowed me to have a flexible schedule so I volunteer weekly in each of my kids’ classrooms and I’m the team manager for their soccer team. I’m in two book clubs and I love to bike. I’m part of a RAGBRAI team to raise awareness for my friends’ 9 year-old son who has MPS Hunter’s syndrome.

We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you? After graduating from Iowa State, I went to the University of Colorado for my Masters in Architecture and also worked for an architect who did some expert witness work. I would go by myself to the destructive testing sites to take photos and record the results. It was fascinating work and I learned so much. However, I was always the only female amongst engineers, contractors and other architects. I was constantly being grilled on my credentials and experience, and it was irritating and slightly humiliating.

But then I took a building materials class and Virginia Grote was my instructor. She was also the project architect for a large condo complex that was under construction and she took us there for many site visits. She was well respected on the jobsite and proudly wore a pink hard hat. She was so knowledgeable about construction and she was a beacon for me. She was smart, tough and confident. My goal from then on was get my license so that nobody would be able to question me again. I did that and now, in honor of Virginia, my hard hat is pink!

FEBRUARY STUDENT MEMBER OF THE MONTH | SARAH SCHNEIDER

 

Sarah Schneider

Where do you attend school?

I attend Iowa State University, studying as a fourth-year student pursing a Bachelor of Architecture.

Why did you choose the design/construction field?

I chose architecture because I have always been interested in how things are constructed and put together. In high school, I learned multiple hand and computer drafting techniques which sparked my interest in the field of design and more specifically architecture.

What motivates you to work towards a career in design/construction?

I have become very interested in the process of making through technology. This past year I have assisted with research using Ceramic 3D printing, which has lead me to become more interested in the fabrication aspects of design. I am always very eager to learn new techniques or tools for fabrication as they are continuously improving and changing, which makes this aspect of the field of architecture very exciting.

What is the best advice you have received?

"A project is never finished. No matter how bad or good your last review went, your project is continuously evolving." - Alonso L. Ortega

How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

I currently serve as the Vice President for the Student Chapter on campus. This position has given me the opportunity to connect with women peers and professionals in Central Iowa.

You can view more of Sarah's work here.

AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS

American Business Women's Association Scholarships

The American Business Women's Association have expanded scholarship offerings to include:

*   One $1000 scholarship for incoming college freshman and freshman / sophomores at trade school institutions or community colleges.

*   Two $2000 scholarships for college sophomores and above (including graduate school, medical school, vet med etc.)

http://www.sbmef.org/Site/Scholarships.cfm

FEBRUARY PROFESSIONAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH | JILL R. GOEDKEN

JILL R. GOEDKEN

SPECCETERA,

ARCHITECT / SPECIFIER

Our line of work is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; what have you found is the best way to communicate in times of conflict?

Stay calm, listen, and be willing to compromise.  Most people I know in this industry are very passionate about their work, and so it's easy to become emotional during these situations or "hold your ground" because of all the previous time and effort involved.  Not allowing personal emotions to take control, and by listening and trying to understand what the other parties' goals are, can help lead to a solution that works for everyone.  And it shouldn't mean giving in or giving up your vision -  it just means making an effort to allow two-way communication and applying a bit of creativity to find an answer where everyone walks away thinking "Success!" (and earns you respect in the process).

Sometimes our career can be demanding; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?

When I had a more traditional role in an Architecture firm, winding down started at dinnertime.  Cooking with my husband and eating dinner together as a family was a great way to take a breather from the work day and reconnect.  But now that I own my own business and work from home, my balance comes from having the flexibility to shift my work hours as needed.  We still do dinner together almost every night, but my evenings often involve working, so being able to spend time on family activities throughout the day provides balance now.

In 2017 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?

As a specifier who is constantly researching products or installation techniques, Google is my best friend, but for more social aspects, I'm pretty old-school and rely on LinkedIn for keeping up-to-date with colleagues and Facebook for seeing what my friends are up to.  New things I've been exploring are Wunderlist and Todoist (great for sharing home or work lists), streaming music sites and OurPact (a parental app to control tablet time because who wants to always be the "bad guy"?)

As professionals, we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside of your profession?

In addition to my current board position on iaWia and increasing involvement in CSI, I've started getting more involved in the kids Johnston school events and my husband and I volunteer at our church.  As a family, we also try to volunteer a couple times a year for local events, like charity races or helping with school fundraising events.  We are also learning how much you can connect with the community just through sports and scouting.

We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?

To be honest, when I graduated in the early 90's, there were VERY few women architects in practice, especially regionally.  Someone once told me that I was the 11th woman in Iowa to be licensed (a figure I have been unable to validate).  So, my role models were often young architects who were making large contributions locally or regionally, like Randy Brown in Omaha and many of my colleagues from HLKB.  But specific to female role models, most of them were at Iowa State.  Kate Schwennsen was someone who had a very successful career at Mark Engelbrecht's office and was [then] teaching at Iowa State, who I could identify with and definitely looked to as inspiration of what a woman could accomplish in this field.  I also had Karen Bermann, Lynn Paxson, and Jennifer Bloomer as studio instructors and their successes as Architects, Educators, and Authors were also very inspiring.

JANUARY EVENT RECAP | "AN EVENING WITH FUTURIST DAVID ZACH"

I am a skeptic. Yes, when I first saw the title, I asked myself, what in the world is a futurist? While I still think the "Futurist" title is silly and perhaps a bit deceiving, I now understand where David Zach is coming from. A Futurist, is a Past-ist and Present-ist too! David discussed many ideas and topics that affect our immediate existence as much as they shape our future. My biggest takeaway lesson is perhaps a bit self-serving. For many years, I have said that "to know where you're going, you have to know where you've been." David put it a little differently but the point is the same (I think): "To know the future we must look into the past."

We live in a world that's ever-changing, where sometimes change even goes unnoticed, because the next step in that evolution comes along too fast! David reminds us that this is not by any means a new phenomenon. The Renaissance must have been as exciting, scary and exhilarating.

In a world where, as David said, "everything wants to talk," where your refrigerator sends you a message to tell you "you are low on milk," and other wonders of invention that insist on automating our lives, where do we stand? After listening to David, the answer seems clear. Keep thinking ahead, keep challenging our notion of tomorrow and, very importantly, don't do it alone. Don't just "think outside the box, but connect to everyone's box."

David's conversation was inspiring and a challenge to us all, well summarized in his question: "Can we afford not to think BIGGER ideas?"

Pedro Garcia

pgarcia@rdgusa.com

JANUARY PROFESSIONAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH | ABBY RODEWALD

Abby Rodewald

Genus Landscape Architects,

Landscape Architect

Our profession is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; how do you prepare for a meeting with a new client?

Preparing to meet with a new client is always different depending on the client and topic of our discussion. As with most people, I prefer to be as prepared and versed in the topic of discussion as can be.  Whether that means researching a potential project site, understanding an existing building and space, or simply just gathering information on the client themselves, doing these things helps me to lead conversations and ask the right questions.

We often design to improve the health of people and the environment; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?

During my time, away from the office I enjoying being active. When the weather is nice, I love riding my bike, running and taking my dog, Emma, to the park. I enjoy exercising my creative talents through home renovation projects which most recently included gutting and renovating a 1900's home on the south side of Des Moines. I really appreciate the rewarding process of taking a dilapidated, eye sore and instilling character and life back into the property.

In 2016 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?

For those of you who already know me, you can attest that I'm awful at math! While I'm not much of a technology user, I do appreciate (and often find myself using) the calculator on my smartphone.

As professionals, we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside the realm of architecture/design?

Outside the realm of design, I am an active member of the Young Professionals community and currently serve as the President of the Young Professionals Connection, an organization that actively attracts and retains young professionals to Des Moines. My role on the board has provided me with countless opportunities to give back to the community and collaborate with other area professionals.

We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?

I've had the privilege of being surrounded by strong female role models my entire life. From the early stages of my professional career here in Des Moines I was fortunate to work alongside Jill Boetger where I learned quickly the importance of structure, organization and most importantly, writing things down. When it comes to passion and drive, I look no further than my close friend Kelly Sharp. Her instilment of balancing work, life and community involvement has helped shape me. Even further and just as important are all the male role models in my life who support and foster strong female leaders by giving me the opportunities and freedom to grow as an individual both personally and professionally.

November Event Recap | “Ask For It – Using Negotiations to Get What You Want.”

On November 3, 2016, iaWia collaborated with CREWIowa, Polk County Women Attorneys, and the Nexus Executive Women’s Alliance in hosting a workshop entitled “Ask For It – Using Negotiations to Get What You Want.” Presenter Brooke Benschoter – strategist with The Consultancy and certified Moxie trainer – led an interactive workshop at the Windsor Heights Community Center that allowed participants to explore their own perceived barriers to getting what we want and need in our daily lives due to discomfort with negotiating. 60 participants from all organizations, plus 14 nonmembers, learned that results can be achieved by overcoming fear, clearly articulating needs, and approaching negotiation as solving a problem instead of a win-lose situation. Successful negotiations do not begin as a demand or ultimatum. They start with the question, “Is there an alternative solution that can benefit both of us?”

Midway through the workshop, panelists representing each of the collaborating organizations offered professional insights into negotiations. Pictured here are Janette Larkin from the Des Moines Business Record (Nexus), Siobhan Harman from Kum & Go (CREWIowa), Jeanne Huntsman from The Weidt Group (iaWia),  and Federal Magistrate Helen Adams (Polk County Women Attorneys) along with facilitator Brooke Benschoter. The event concluded with a networking reception. Participants said they appreciated the networking connections as much as the professional training.

Thanks to Jill Boetger, Susanne Roesch and Susan Judkins for representing iaWia in helping to plan the event. Plans for a future collaboration with these professional groups, and possibly others, are already being explored for 2017.

Written by Susan Judkins.

DECEMBER STUDENT MEMBER OF THE MONTH | MAKAYLA NATROP

Makayla Natrop

Where do you attend school and what type of design work would you like to pursue?

I attend Iowa State University studying as a fourth-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Architecture.

Why did you choose the design/construction field?

I first started college as an engineering major because I’ve always been interested in math, science and problem solving. However, a year into pursuing a civil engineering degree I decided there wasn’t enough design opportunity within the profession. Thus, I switched my major mid semester to architecture. Architecture was the perfect mix of design and problem solving. This past year I’ve been working as an undergraduate researcher exploring different potentials for fabrics in architecture through digital fabrication. This type of architecture research work has been evident in my studio projects with interactive environmental design for facades.

What motivates you to work towards a career in design/construction?

Creating spaces is a very direct and beautiful way of invoking an emotional response and thought. What I’ve always been interest in is the story, the expression, the experience of places; something I wish to do in my career is promote thought about an important discussion, and idea or social problem for the people that interact with the spaces I design.

What is the best advice you have received?

“The best moments come out of moments of being uncomfortable; Don’t let fear stop you, don’t let hardship stop you, don’t let someone else stop you… You endured and something beautiful came out of it.” - Kale Paulsen

How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

Iowa Women in Architecture has been in an influence in connecting me with other women in architecture. I currently serve as secretary for the Iowa State iaWia organization. In our degree, it has been historically male dominant; however, being able to hear and share the successes of other women in this field has created a support system for women.

See a sample of Makayla's work HERE.

DECEMBER PROFESSIONAL MEMBER OF THE MONTH | MOLLY RENNEBOHM WOOD

Molly Rennebohm WoodRennebohm & Associates, LLC Vice-President, Landscape Architect

Our profession is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; how do you prepare for a meeting with a new client?

When I meet with new clients, it is often while also visiting a new project site.  I generally try to educate myself about the site in advance and I will often visit prior to the meeting if possible.  I also try to learn about the new client before our first meeting. For example, with corporate clients I will read the company philosophy to understand their beliefs and principles. This allows me to incorporate these values into my design.  Many times the initial meeting with a residential client can cover a wide range of topics.  I typically leave the client with a questionnaire that allows them to comment and reflect on the design discussion at their leisure, and I use this document throughout the design process to ensure I am meeting my client’s needs.

We often design to improve the health of people and the environment; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?

In the evenings, I enjoy spending time in the backyard with my husband, our two boys, and the world’s laziest dog.  Depending on the season, some of our favorite activities include playing catch, gardening, sledding, and roasting marshmallows. Regardless of season, I am thankful to be surrounded by a family who enjoys the outdoors as much as I do.

In 2016 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?

I spend a lot of time outside so I am constantly checking various weather apps.  I also like using Sun Seeker.  It is a great tool for determining the sun’s path throughout the day as well as various times of the year.  I also like the Dirr’s Tree and Shrub app because it allows me to have a library of Michael Dirr’s plant information with pictures easily accessible.

As designers we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside the realm of architecture?

Most of my activities outside of work are related in some way to design.  I have served on the board of Iowa ASLA and have been a member of charrette teams for the Iowa Architecture Foundation as well as completed pro-bono projects for a local elementary school and church.    I also enjoy volunteering at my boys’ schools, church, and the local food pantry.  While in college I was on the Crew Team for the University of Wisconsin.  I have remained involved with rowing through coaching for various colleges and high school teams.

We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?

I have been fortunate to have had several great female role models in my life including my mother who played a large role in the success of the family business when I was growing up.  It was inspirational to watch my mom, Mary Anne Rennebohm, develop a lilac mail order business from almost nothing to become internationally recognized and featured in the New York Times and Martha Stewart Living as well as in many horticultural publications.  Her business and marketing skills provided a great example for me to use in my business today.

In the design profession, Chris Hilt, an ASLA Fellow and the owner and president of the firm I worked for when first out of graduate school, has been one of the most influential.  Chris Hilt started CLH Design, a Landscape Architecture and Civil Engineering firm, over 20 years ago.  While I worked for Chris I learned a great deal from watching how she developed and fostered relationships with clients as well as how she maintained a positive work environment during various economic climates including the recent recession.  While Chris was very willing to stand her ground in a time and place in which the industry was dominated by males, she also had an amazing ability to ease a tense situation with a joke and never met anyone who was not a friend.  Philosophically, the manner in which Chris incorporated sustainability and education into the design of projects was inspirational for me and something I strive for today.

November Student of the Month | Bethanie Jones

Bethanie Jones 5th Year

Portfolio Pin Up

Where do you attend school and what type of design work would you like to pursue?  Currently, I attend Iowa State University where I am pursuing a BA in architecture. In the spring, I will graduate. Throughout life, I desire to seek new opportunities that continue to improve my skills and produce the best work that I can. Design is a field that is in a continuous shift, so as a designer I promise to be constantly developing. This can occur through new tools, technologies, theories, etc. A prolific mind never stops learning and that’s what I hope to pursue – to never stop learning.

Why did you choose the design/construction field?  Architecture affects everything. It’s more than an education. It’s more than a job. It’s a way of life. I chose to pursue architecture because I like to dream. Dreaming is what sparked my interest and I trust that dreaming is necessary as I continue to choose the field.

What motivates you to work towards a career in design/construction?  The motivation that drives me daily stems from multiple holes in my life. One hole being the voices that said “you’re not smart enough”, another hole being the endless inspirations I’ve encountered, and another hole being the world that we live in. It is a world that I hope to make a difference in – big or small. Often we get distracted by the next software, the newest iPhone, and other gadgets that we dismiss what really matters, like helping people.

What is the best advice you have received?  “Never stop learning.”

How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?  Iowa Women in Architecture has helped me better understand that our abilities are not defined or constrained by where we come from, what race we are, or what sex we are.

November Professional Member of the Month | Linda Schemmel

 

Linda Schemmel

Place of work and role:

City of West Des Moines, Development Coordinator

Our profession is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; how do you prepare for a meeting with a new client?

I am in a "non-traditional" job as I work for the City of West Des Moines and do not have clients per say.  However, I do work very closely with developers, design professionals, residents and elected officials, and would consider all of them my clients.  Each group has very different needs and concerns, and it's important to understand that context and respond appropriately.  Previous to joining the City of West Des Moines, I was in private practice for many years, giving me the perspective with developers and design professionals of being "in their shoes".  When find yourself in the situation of meeting with a new client, any work you can do prior to the meeting to understand their world is a good first step.

We often design to improve the health of people and the environment; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?

I am not unique in struggling with how to strike that balance.  I'm over-committed and often exhausted when I come home.  Since my work in the office is often meetings, paperwork and no tangible results, having an ongoing home addition project gives me that ability to decompress.  I can work at my own pace, tinker and experiment without someone telling me I'm doing it wrong and the result is something physical that you can actually see progress!

In 2016 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?

I can't say that I have a favorite, I am just constantly surprised at what technology can enable and what an impact it has had on the design world.  Funny enough, at home I have made the choice to unplug as much as possible - there is too much temptation to spend hours in electronic distraction rather than being engaged in what's important with the free time I have.

As architects, we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside the realm of architecture?

In addition to sitting on the Board of iaWia, I serve or have served on several other boards related to architecture and the construction industry.  I am a strong proponent for the design profession and the power of what we do and how it benefits the community.

We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?

My first role model was my mother, an un-conventional lady very much ahead of her time.  She fought the impositions of traditional role models in her time and made sure her daughter did not buy into such nonsense.  As I have had an opportunity to work with the next generation of women in the design profession, I can say I am absolutely floored by the caliber of these women and they have become my new role models.

October Student Member of the Month | Kaela Burmeister

Kaela Burmeister

portfolio pin up

Where do you attend school and what type of design work would you like to pursue?

I attend Iowa State University and would like to pursue  Education or Commercial design work. I am interested in looking into how the experiences of space can help individuals focus and learn better.

Why did you choose the design/construction field?

I was interested at first in creating something. Later, I realized I want that something to be an impactful experience for all users.

What motivates you to work towards a career in design/construction?

My motivation comes from the desire to better the experiences of built space. I also am always curious in continuing to learn how people use spaces and why they chose certain spaces over others.

What is the best advice you have received?

Don’t forget about life. Design and the field of architecture is stressful and demanding; however, don’t give up involvement or other passions. It is who you are and how you live your life that shape your passions and designs.

How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

I try and keep an open mind, and I enjoy speaking with professionals and being able to connect with them. Iowa Women in Architecture has assured me that women are just as major a part of Architecture as men and in that, I am not afraid to share my thoughts and ideas with employers and co-workers in the future.

October Professional Member of the Month | Mindy Aust

Mindy Aust

Place of work and role:

Substance Architecture, Associate

Our profession is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; how do you prepare for a meeting with a new client?

I research new clients and their potential projects.  I try to find out as much as I can about them… what are their aspirations for their project and what experiences do they bring that will inform the project.  I think one of the best parts of being an Architect is building and maintaining relationships with people that are passionate about their projects.

We often design to improve the health of people and the environment; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?

A majority of my evenings are spent at kids practices and events along with board meetings and activities.  The family’s ‘unwinding’ is usually spent reading books (mostly children’s books) and sharing the “best part of our day” which is going around the table and everyone shares something great about their day, this helps us stay connected and spurs more discussion.

In 2016 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?

If you mean appetizers, then pot stickers or spinach and artichoke dip are my favorites…but I can’t say that I am a big digital app user.  If the camera qualifies as an ‘app’ it is easily the most heavily used function of my iphone.  I have photos from construction sites and projects intermixed with photos and videos of my kids.

As architects we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside the realm of architecture?

I purposefully volunteer in the arts and architecture arenas since that is where my passion lies.  I am currently president of American Institute of Architects Iowa Chapter as well as secretary of the West Des Moines Historical Society.  In the past I have been active in the Des Moines After School Arts Program and Architecture in the Schools, a committee of the Iowa Architectural Foundation.  I am also active in my church, Holy Trinity.

We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?

Kate Schwennsen, FAIA, has always been a role model and mentor for me.  If people don’t know who she is, they should…past national president of the AIA and AIA Iowa, past Associate Dean of the College of Design at ISU, current director of the School of Architecture at Clemson University, and passionate advocate for diversity in the profession- the list could go on and on.  Local inspirations are Ann Sobiech Munson, Erin Olson Douglas, Kerry Weig, and Jill Goedken, just to name a few of the great women practicing architecture in Iowa.

2016 Annual Business Meeting Recap

iaWia recently held our Annual Business Meeting at RDG Planning & Design in Des Moines. Following a summary of 2015-2016 highlights and a look ahead toward another great year, iaWia welcomed special guest Amy Slattery, Kansas City architect and owner of Odimo, to speak about her professional path.  In 2015, after months of struggling with how to make her career fit into her current life, Amy Slattery experienced a death of a loved one and had an awakening. Six months to the day after this awakening she had a business plan and was ready to further her pursuit of her own north, opening her own architecture firm with the goal to help clients navigate through the crazy of design in construction. Amy’s career to that point had certainly been prolific.  Fresh out of school, she began working in Moshe Safdie’s firm on the Kaufmann Museum in Kansas City as a liaison to her then firm BNIM (of Kansas City).  She worked through that project over the course of seven years, growing and advancing in knowledge and title.  Amy founded Women in Design of Kansas City in 2005, and she and her husband Sean grew their family with two children Finn and Anna.  In 2011, Amy was a recipient of the AIA’s National Young Architect’s award.

Wanting to become a better rounded architect and with the thought in the back of her mind that she would one day to start her own firm, she moved to Burns and McDonnell, an engineering firm with architects to learn more about management and business in general.  Throughout her time there, Amy maintained and enhanced her relationships with clients, other architects and contractors, so when it was time to go out on her own with Odimo she already had a list of contacts and references to call upon.

Amy gave an energetic, open and informational account of her journey thus far.  Odimo is currently looking for more staff.  With Amy at the helm I’d be willing to bet that everyone at the iaWia event would agree the sky is the limit for this architecture firm.  Upon asking about tips to encourage more gender balanced attendance at iaWia events, Amy suggested that we stop having a conversation about life/work balance, and instead just talk about our work.

Article submitted by Naura Heiman Godar.

Event Recap | Being Creative & Taking Risks - A Conversation with Design Entrepreneurs

 

Being Creative & Taking Risks - A Conversation with Design Entrepreneurs

6/14/16

Thank you to all who were able to attend the Being Creative & Taking Risks: A Conversation with Design Entrepreneurs panel discussion last week.  The event was hosted at the West Des Moines Business Incubator - a fitting location for this conversation!

The panel consisted of four entrepreneurs:  Martha Norbeck (C-Wise), Elizabeth Erbes (Avec Design + Build), Todd Reding (Charrette Venture Group), and Brett Douglas (Genus).  The event was moderated by Christina Moffatt, owner of Crème Cupcakes, and Director of the Mid Iowa Small Business Development Center.

Together, they answered questions regarding their success, as well as their trials - and offered advice to those in the audience seeking to initiate a startup of their own.  Most attributed their success to pursuing an idea that they’re passionate about, working hard, and a little bit of luck.  Success did not come without struggles, though.  In the beginning, the four panelists had to sacrifice their time and their salaries to get their ventures up and running.  They were forced out of their comfort zones by the necessity of entering the ‘business’ side of their respective crafts.  However, multitasking, flexibility, and understanding how to prioritize tasks were skills they’d honed to help them achieve a more controlled work-life balance.

When asked what they would do differently if they could do it all again - their collective thought was:  “Why didn’t I start doing this sooner?”

Article submitted by Holly Pohlmeier, LEED AP BD+C, INVISION.

Meet the Panelist | Todd L. Reding

Todd L. Reding

Todd L. Reding has served in many roles in both the private sector and non-profit organizations. After serving as the Vice President for Alumni and Development at Grinnell College and receiving his MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, he was named the President and CEO of ASI Signage Innovations in 2008. He served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Spindustry Digital in Des Moines through 2011, when he left to assist with the launch of a new software company, FunnelWise. Today he remains a senior advisor to the company, while also serving as the President and CEO of Charrette Venture Group, an investment firm focused on the design space. He is an owner of the 1854 Deli, minority-owner of Grinnell Media Corp. and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Iowa on Entrepreneurial Strategies. In January 2015, he became the chair of the board of trustees of Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Todd and his wife Shannon have three children and reside in Grinnell, Iowa.

President and CEO, Charrette Venture Group 515-207-2422 www.CharretteVG.com

To learn more about the event and register, visit here.

Meet the Panelist | Martha Norbeck

Martha Norbeck, AIA, LEED AP

After working on several LEED projects Ms. Norbeck saw need for an independent LEED consultant in Iowa and founded C-Wise Design and Consulting LLC in 2007. C-Wise has consulted on over two dozen LEED projects in the Midwest. Recently certified projects include DART Transit Facility, LEED Platinum and UI Football Operations, LEED Gold.

Norbeck has a broad background including; ecology, women's studies, Fulbright research of Swedish Ecovillages, a Master of Architecture, and LEED consultation services. She serves on the board of Environmental Advocates and the USGBC Iowa Chapter. She currently is working with Think Bicycles of Johnson County to promote bicycle culture and infrastructure in Johnson County. Design work focuses on green residential remodeling, with an emphasis on more efficient use of existing space and energy efficiency.

Owner, C-Wise Design and Consulting 319.621.4168 www.cwise.com

Don't forget to register for Tuesday's Being Creative and Taking Risks Education Panel.  More information here.

Meet the Panelist | Elizabeth Erbes

The “Being Creative & Taking Risks – A Conversation with Design Entrepreneurs” panel discussion is on Tuesday, June 14th.

Learn a little more about our second panelist, Elizabeth Erbes!

Elizabeth Erbes, AIA, LEED BD+C, CEFP

Avec Design Build

Architecture was a second career for Eliz, her first was in education, teaching art to students in kindergarten through high school at various school districts across Iowa.  When her family relocated to Ames, it provided her the opportunity to attend Iowa State University and pursue a Masters in Architecture. Upon graduating in 1999, she went to work for RDG in the K-12 Focus Market. Eliz has programmed, master planned and designed educational facilities for various school districts in Iowa including; West Des Moines, Burlington, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Ames, Des Moines, and Story City. Her passion for improving places of learning drove Eliz to pursue certification as an Education Facility Planner, establishing her as the first in Iowa to receive this designation.  In 2015, Eliz and several colleagues established Avec Design+Build, located in Ames, focusing on architect-led-design-build as the project delivery method. The firm recently received certification as a Women Owned Small Business at both the national and state levels.

Avec Design+Build 515.233.4641 avecdesignbuild.com

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MEET THE PANELISTS: BRETT DOUGLAS

The “Being Creative & Taking Risks – A Conversation with Design Entrepreneurs” panel discussion is on Tuesday, June 14th. Learn a little more about our first panelist, Brett Douglas!

Brett Douglas

Genus Landscape Architects

Brett has invested nearly 20 years of passion towards the planning and design of outdoor spaces across the Midwest and East Coast. Upon returning to Iowa from Boston in 2005, he founded Genus Landscape Architects, a decidedly small design and planning studio located in the Des Moines’ East Village. Recent projects include the Iowa City Downtown Streetscape and Pedestrian Mall Master Plan, Principal Financial Group Headquarters and the Des Moines Municipal Services Campus.

A past president of the Iowa Chapter ASLA and board member of Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, he is the current chair of the board for the Des Moines Heritage Carousel.

A product of Iowa State’s landscape architecture program, his most memorable and valued experiences were running on ISU’s track team and a semester in Rome. Brett and his high school sweetheart (Erin) reside in Des Moines and share their time with three very entertaining and active young children.

Brett Douglas,

Principal, Genus Landscape Architecture

515.284.1010

genus-la.com

Don't forget to RSVP for the iaWia “Being Creative & Taking Risks – A Conversation with Design Entrepreneurs” event on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.