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.

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 OUR MODERATOR: CHRISTINA MOFFATT

Christina Moffatt

Mid Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

After owning Crème Cupcake + Dessert for 5 years, Christina was approached to lead the Mid Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) overseeing Dall, Polk Jasper, Warren and Marion Counties. Her mission has become to help small businesses start, grow and thrive.

SBDC provides free, confidential, customized advice/counseling for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Topics of counseling include: business planning, financing opportunities, cash flow projections, market research services, business continuity planning, business growth & success strategies and business continuity planning as well as industry specific needs.

Christina also continues to own Crème Cupcake + Dessert. From a dozen cupcakes for a single order to 2,100 desserts for the Vice President of China, or 4000 for Dam to Dam more and more people around are turning to Crème Cupcake + Dessert to find a way to satisfy their sweet tooth.

A graduate of DMACC and Iowa State University, Christina also devotes her time and talents to many local boards, including the Women’s Reciprocity Group, Winefest Grand Cru, and the Des Moines Downtown Chamber, where she serves as 2011 President. Christina has won several awards for her business including DSM Top List Best Bakery, Cityview’s Best Dessert, Sweet Equality Best Dessert, Runner up for the Iowa Mixology Competition and runner up on The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. Christina has also been featured twice in Pastry & Baking North. Christina is also a Business Record’s 40 Under Forty, 2013 Woman of the Year by the Metro Women’s Network and 2012 Deb Dalziel Woman Entrepreneur Achievement Award Winner by the Iowa Small Business Development Center.

Christina Moffatt

Director, America's Small Business Development Center

515-331-8954

www.iowasbdc.org

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.

Iowa Women in Architecture (iaWia) at AIA 2016 National Convention

Iowa Women in Architecture (iaWia) at AIA 2016 National Convention, Philadelphia PA, 18-21 May 2016

Iowa Women in Architecture (iaWia) members Anna Jones, Assoc. AIA (Past Chair, iaWia) and Ann Sobiech Munson, AIA CSI CCS (co-founder and Past Chair, iaWia) attended the American Institute of Architects (AIA) national convention in Philadelphia to present a workshop on behalf of iaWia. The workshop was selected to be part of the program as a result of a two-part peer review process; in addition, it was promoted by the Equity Alliance as part of a curated collection of sessions related to equitable practice in architecture.

Workshop

The workshop, titled “Attract, Retain, Engage, Promote: Recommendations for Equitable Practices in Architecture” and held Friday afternoon, May 20, focused on presenting iaWia’s Best Practice Recommendations for the Design Profession (BPR) and its associated tools and initiatives. An overview of the document, the case study initiative, and the survey tools, paired with some audience polling, led to small group discussion centered on participant-led issues and how the BPR might be used to address them. Approximately 70 people attended the workshop. After the workshop, eight hard copies of the document were purchased, and a number of follow-up conversations regarding iaWia’s future involvement in additional state conventions and national outreach were begun.

Additional Exposure

An earlier workshop in the convention, attended by several hundred people on Thursday May 19, presented the business case for women in architecture via a panel discussion (“Establishing the Business Case for Women in Architecture”). Amy Kalar AIA, a 2016 AIA Young Architect Award recipient from Minnesota and author of the archimom blog, moderated the panel; panelists included Kate Schwennsen FAIA (Clemson University, Clemson SC), Carole Wedge FAIA LEED AP (Shepley Bullfinch, Boston MA), and Emily Grandstaff-Rice FAIA (Arrowstreet, Boston MA). During the session, questions were raised about resources or “toolkits” to improve gender parity in practice, and a hard copy of iaWia’s BPR document was cited (and waved around on stage) multiple times. We estimate a hundred iaWia business cards were distributed to attendees as they exited the session.

Ann Sobiech Munson also moderated another session included in the curated Equitable Practice seminar collection, “Future Firm Culture: Defining a Path to Success.” Attended by approximately 300 people, the session was sponsored by the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Three panelists discussed firm culture in relationship to design philosophy; people; business and transparency; and challenges and opportunities. While the session did not address iaWia directly, the examples raised about purposefully designing a practice related to iaWia’s work, and some iaWia cards were distributed as a result of the session.

At a third event, Mindy Aust AIA (former AIA Liaison for iaWia, current AIA Iowa Chapter President), Anna Jones, and Ann Sobiech Munson attended the Equity by Design (EQxD) Happy Hour on Wednesday, May 18. They were able to thank Lanny McIntosh for his generous support of iaWia’s Women in Architecture exhibit project last fall and connect with members from women in architecture groups based in Minnesota, Oklahoma, and California. Among these contacts were Rosa Sheng AIA (Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, San Francisco CA and founder, The Missing 32%) a major leader in the national conversation on equity in design; Karen Lu AIA (HGA, Minneapolis MN) and Amy Kalar AIA (RSP, Minneapolis MN), both 2016 Young Architect Award recipients and active in Women in Architecture Minnesota; and a group of young women from Oklahoma who are just starting their own women in architecture group and are seeking advice.

Summary

70 convention attendees gained hands-on experience using iaWia’s BPR. We estimate an additional 400-500 attendees heard about iaWia and its work with the BPR cited in another workshop. We continued or began specific conversations that may lead to collaboration or resource-sharing with women in architecture groups from Minnesota, Salt Lake City, and Oklahoma. And we were invited to explore the possibility of linking our work on the BPR to the national AIA website.

MAY MEMBER OF THE MONTH | JENNIFER GOODE

 

Where do you work and what is your current role?  Assistant Director, Store Architecture at Hy-Vee

Why did you choose the design/construction field?  Growing up, my mom was an art teacher, and my dad was a CFO, so I always had a good balance of right brain/left brain influences!  My first interest in architecture was residential.  I loved the turn of the century farmhouse my mom grew up in, and loved hearing about how it was remodeled when she was a child.  When I entered the field, I joined a global, retail design firm and found that I really enjoy project and program management.  I love working with clients and the design and construction team members to successfully complete a project.

What motivates you to further progress in your career? I’ve always been very motivated by learning something new: new clients, new processes, new projects, working in new countries....

What is the best advice you have received?  You don’t always get to choose what happens to you, but you can always choose how you respond.

How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?  I moved (back) to Iowa in January 2015, after spending almost 19 years in Seattle.  As a co-chair of my previous firm’s Women in Leadership initiative, co-founder of AIA Seattle Women in Design, and co-chair of AIA National’s Women’s Leadership Summit, I had followed Iowa Women in Architecture and was impressed with the group’s efforts to document and share their Best Practices Recommendations for Design Firms.  Now that I’m here, Iowa Women in Architecture has been a great way to meet women in the local architecture and engineering community.

MAY STUDENT MEMBER OF THE MONTH | ERIN HUNT

 

Where do you attend school and what type of design work would you like to pursue?  I attend school at Iowa State University. I have not decided what type of design work I would like to pursue, but I am interested in Architects Without Borders and Architecture for Humanity.  Also, later in my career, I would like to combine practice with teaching.

Why did you choose the design/construction field?  In high school, I took a few drafting courses and became interested in architecture and design.

What motivates you to work towards a career in design/construction?  My motivation is from my interest in the dialogue that architecture produces through both its history, progress and its role in the future. Also, I believe that good design can have a positive impact on the human experience.

​What is the best advice you have received?  Do not make decisions when you are angry or tired.

How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?  Iowa Women in Architecture has introduced me to and helped me to making connections with other design students and professionals. The mentor program has helped me to get an idea of what working in a firm could be like. It has also allowed me to better understand some of the issues that impact women in the field of architecture.

APRIL STUDENT MEMBER OF THE MONTH | REBECCA SCHODIN

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

I am a fourth year architecture student at Iowa State University. I would like to pursue architecture work at a non-traditional firm that values innovation and sustainable design.

2. Why did you choose the design/construction field?

I chose the design field because I always enjoyed art and design classes when I was younger. In high school I took an interior design class which allowed me to discover my interest in buildings and architecture.

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

I am motivated by the opportunity to create spaces that improve the lives of people. I believe that the way a space is designed can change the way people work and feel.

4. What is the best advice you have received?

If you have a crazy idea, run with it because innovation does not come from recreating the same ideas.

5. How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

Iowa Women in Architecture has shown me that there are many students as well as professionals that strive to empower women across all design fields. It has also allowed me to make connections and expand my network with professionals that share these values.

APRIL MEMBER OF THE MONTH | KAYLA OHRT

1. Where do you work and what is your current role? 

I am an intern architect at BNIM in Des Moines.  During my five years with the firm, I have contributed to several projects in all phases of design and construction, primarily corporate and higher education clients.  Highlights include: University of Iowa Visual Arts Building, University of Iowa Informatics Initiative, and American Enterprise Group headquarters renovation.

2. Why did you choose the design/construction field?

Growing up on a farm instilled in me a natural curiosity and interest in the act of making.  I was influenced by watching my father, a mechanic, solve various problems around the farm with limited resources, as well as constant exploration/creation of transient objects and spaces with my younger brothers.  And much like every architect, I loved Legos. Combine all of this with an interest in math and photography, and I was led towards pursuing a career in architecture.

3. What motivates you to further progress in your career?

To continue making a positive impact on people, the human experience, and the environment.

4. What is the best advice you have received?

A quote we use a lot in our office is “no one knows as much as everyone” – it takes a collaborative team effort to solve complex problems (design related or not) and the solution is superior because of the diverse perspectives brought by each team member.  Ask questions – ask everyone.

5. How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

Iowa Women in Architecture is a great resource for all in the design profession.  The programs held throughout the year are inspirational and insightful, helping you to navigate through challenges in both your professional and personal life.  The culture is supportive, and reinforces the fact that you are not alone – many of us share similar struggles and successes.

MEET THE PANELISTS: BRIAN SCHWARTZ

The Thinking Outside the Box – Exploring Alternative Careers in Design panel discussion is on Wednesday, April 13th. Learn a little more about our third panelist, Brian Schwartz!

Brian Schwartz, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Account Executive, Baker Group

Brian Schwartz is a registered Architect and a graduate of Iowa State University.  Over the past ten years Brian has been involved with various architectural projects in Des Moines and around the State.  His career started out like a typical architectural graduate, working on multiple projects and learning as much as one could.  As times changed and strengths were realized, Brian started a path into Business Development.  Today, he has the best of both worlds, working closely with his clients and helping them with their facilities, all while getting to use his architectural knowledge and business development skills. 

Brian in the past ten years has worked on projects totaling to $300M and they have ranged in project type from a small restaurant all the way to a renovation and update of a K-12 School Facility.  Throughout his career, Brian has been focused on sustainability and environmental practices, knowing that many times it starts with architects to make wise choices of what goes into a building.  Today, Brian works to make better environments through building renovations and updates as well as energy savings and more efficient means of operating a facility. 

After being approached by friends and family to assist with different design elements, Brian also opened his own freelance design company in 2012.  Through his freelance business, Brian recently completed, with a colleague, a new bakery that is located in Des Moines’s East Village.  In his full time role at Baker Group, some of his recent accomplishments have been working within the public sector of projects, assisting them with a long term vision and an upgrade plans for their buildings.  Brian continues to focus on his career, balancing architecture and business development and utilizing those skills hand in hand to better the experience for his clients.

Throughout his professional career, Brian has been very active in various civic organizations ranging from the military, industry organizations, local neighborhood efforts, and cultural leadership. In 1997 Brian joined the Iowa Air National Guard, 132nd Fighter Wing.  For eight years Brian served with the 132nd Fighter Wing as a mechanic on the F-16 Fighting Falcon.  In July and August of 2001 Brian participated in Operation Southern Watch and was based in the country of Kuwait. 

Since 2005 Brian has been both a National and Local American Institute of Iowa (AIA) Member. He has been on the Beaverdale Betterment Coalition (BBC) from 2006-2015 and is a Mercy hospital volunteer for the New Daddy Boot Camp class, where rookie fathers get a crash course on fatherhood.  Brian was also a member of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Community Leadership Program (GDMLI CLP) class of 2009 and is still engaged with them as an alumni member.

Brian has been married to his wife Jennifer for the past 11 years. Together they have three healthy children, Annabelle, Benjamin and Nathaniel.

Don’t forget to RSVP for the iaWia “Thinking Outside the Box – Exploring Alternative Careers in Design” event on Wednesday April 13, 2016 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

MEET THE PANELISTS: GARY GAISER

The Thinking Outside the Box – Exploring Alternative Careers in Design panel discussion is on Wednesday, April 13th. Learn a little more about our second panelist, Gary Gaiser!  

Gary Gaiser, AIA, FCSI

Architectural Engineer, Pella Corporation

Gary Gaiser is an Architectural Engineer for Pella Corporation and has been with the company since 2008.  Gary is a registered Architect and a Member of the American Institute of Architects.

A graduate of Ball State University College of Architecture, Gary worked as a Commercial Sales Representative for a Pella distributor after becoming licensed.  He later served as the President of Stone Clad, Inc. from 2003-2008.

Gary is a member of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and was inducted as a fellow in 2003.  Gaiser served as a Chapter President for the organization from 1997 to 1998. He has received numerous awards at local, regional, and national levels over the years while serving the construction industry.

Don’t forget to RSVP for the iaWia “Thinking Outside the Box – Exploring Alternative Careers in Design” event on Wednesday April 13, 2016 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

MEET THE PANELISTS: MATT BROWN

The Thinking Outside the Box - Exploring Alternative Careers in Design panel discussion is on Wednesday, April 13th. Learn a little more about our first panelist, Matt Brown!

Matt Brown, AIA

Vice President Property Management, Wellmark, Inc.

Matt Brown is a registered Architect whose comprehensive built environment experience includes project development, planning, budgeting, incentive negotiation, site feasibility, building programming, building design, construction project management, move coordination and physical building operations. Most notable is his leadership in development and operation of the Wellmark Headquarters, which earned a USGBC LEED platinum rating (world’s largest single user office building certified as platinum under the NC 2.2, 2011) and achieved Energy Star certification in 2014.

Matt Brown is the Vice President Property Management for Wellmark, Inc. Matt is in charge of oversight of Wellmark properties in Iowa and South Dakota, exceeding 700,000 square feet of office space. He leads a diverse team of 44 people that are responsible for construction, development, physical security, business continuity, space strategy/planning (including agility), logistics, mail services, foodservice, vending and corporate travel (aircraft). Most recently, Matt has focused on development and implementation of building operations and energy efficiency strategies for the Wellmark facility that has achieved significant yearly savings in facility expenses.

Prior to his current role, Brown was the Construction Director responsible for the development of Wellmark’s $250 million corporate headquarters, which included site assembly, incentives negotiation, contractor selection/management, design, budget management, physical move of the business and operations setup. Before that, Matt lead the implementation of over $420 million of new construction and remodels as the Vice President Major Construction for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. After college, he worked as an Architect for Shive Hattery, Inc. on a vast array of projects and collaboration including the Des Moines Register Production Facility, Prairie Meadows West Addition/Canopy, Urbandale Middle School Addition, Broadlawns Obstetrics and Accounting Development and Primary Health Care Medical Office.

Matt has been a Johnston City Council Member since 2012 and is on the board for the Metro Waste Authority; Neighborhood Development Corporation; and the Downtown Community Alliance.

Don't forget to RSVP for the iaWia "Thinking Outside the Box - Exploring Alternative Careers in Design" event on Wednesday April 13, 2016 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

MEET OUR MODERATOR: HEIDI POLLMANN

Heidi Pollmann, PLA, LEED AP, ASLA

Marketing Manager, Confluence

Heidi Pollmann serves as Marketing Manager for Confluence, a landscape architecture, planning and urban design firm with 5 office locations throughout the Midwest. In this role, Heidi oversees the marketing, advertising and promotional operations for the entire company. Her responsibilities include proposal content and production, social media strategy, and industry research.

Following graduation, Heidi worked as a golf course designer for Asmundson & Company in Scottsdale, Arizona where she was involved with projects in Arizona, Washington, Colorado, California and Chile. In 2003, Heidi moved to Kansas City where she worked for Patti Banks Associates (now Vireo) before joining Confluence in 2007 as a landscape architect and project manager. Heidi has been involved in a wide variety of project types and scales, including Kansas City’s RA Bloch Cancer Survivors Park renovation; the iconic kcICON/Kit Bond Bridge and corridor enhancements; and the transformative Main Street Streetscape. In 2013, principals at Confluence approached Heidi to combine her knowledge of the profession and regional market with her strong design and communication skills to assume a new role of marketing manager.

Heidi holds a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture. She is a licensed Landscape Architect and LEED Accredited Professional. Heidi served on the Mayor’s Kansas City Citizens Light Rail Task Force which was instrumental in gaining voter approval for a two-mile light rail starter line scheduled to begin operations on May 9. In 2009, Heidi was honored as the Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning & Design Landscape Architecture Alumni Honoree.  Currently, Heidi is currently a member of the Iowa Women in Architecture communications committee and serves on Landscape Architecture Magazine’s Editorial Committee.

In her free time, Heidi and her husband, Mike, enjoy cooking (and eating), running, traveling and golfing.

Don't forget to RSVP for the iaWia "Thinking Outside the Box - Exploring Alternative Careers in Design" event on Wednesday April 13, 2016 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

MARCH STUDENT MEMBER OF THE MONTH | TAYLOR DANGER

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

I am currently a fifth-year student in the Professional Architecture program at Iowa State University. After graduation, I plan to pursue sustainable architecture, either by joining a non-traditional firm, attending Earthship Biotecture Academy, or joining the Peace Corps.

2. Why did you choose the design/construction field?

My father is an electrician who works almost exclusively in the agriculture industry, and as a child, I always loved going out to the pig barns with him and figuring out how things went together. My favorite days were when it was warm enough for my little brother and me to build our own child-sized structures with leftover material laying around the sites.

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

I am motivated by the fact that designers are constantly working to combine technology and human creativity to create spaces that positively influence their users while still preserving and bettering the environment.

4. What is the best advice you have received?

When it comes to the design process, there is no such thing as a mistake or a stupid idea, just a need for refinement.

5. How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

Iowa Women in Architecture has showed me that there are many people, both women and men, who share my goal to empower women in all design fields. It has also helped me to make connections in the field of landscape architecture, which will play a big role in my future career goals.

Scholarship Opportunity - STEM Career

Legacy Scholarship in Memory of Jane Ann Winchell Amount: $5000

Institution: Open

Maximum Number of Applicants: 100

Number of Applicant Spots Remaining: 19

Deadline: May 15th, 2016

Click Here for more details.

Scholarship and Grant Opportunity - American Business Women's Association

American Business Women's Association - Greater Des Moines Noon Chapter The chapter is offering three scholarships and one grant for the Fall 2016/ Spring 2017 school year.

Deadlines vary - March 31st for the Scholarships and June 1st for the Grant.

You do not have to be a Business student -- The last few year the recipients have been from a variety of majors, including Vet Med, Industrial Engineering, and Elementary Ed. Applicants just need to have earned 60 credits and meet the GPA threshold.

Contact Cathy Neumann for more details.