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.

Alternative Career Panel - April Educational Event

Event Summary: “Thinking Outside the Box – Exploring Alternative Careers in Design”

On April 13, 2016, Iowa Women in Architecture (iaWia) gathered a talented group of panelists that have all pushed the boundaries of the traditional role of the design professional to explore alternative career paths within our industry.

The moderator and panelists represented diverse design and engineering career paths:

• Moderator: Heidi Pollmann, Confluence (Landscape Architect, Marketing, Golf Course Design)
• Panelist: Matt Brown, Wellmark BCBS (Architect, Owners Representative/Facilities)
• Panelist: Gary Gaiser, Pella Corporation (Architect, Industry/Manufacturing).
• Panelist: Heidi Hohmann, Iowa State University College of Design (Landscape Architect, Academic, Historic Preservation, National Park Service, Private Practice)
• Panelist: Erin Olson-Douglas, City of Des Moines Office of Economic Development (Architect, Private Practice, Academic, Economic Development/Planning)
• Panelist: Brian Schwartz, Baker Group (Architect, Contractor)

Each participant gave a brief summary of their professional journey including their education and the evolution of their careers (both planned and unplanned) that led each to their current role. They provided general career advice as well as advice to professionals who are considering exploring a non-traditional career path. The following is a summary of the advice and moderated discussion.

General Advice & Advice to Those Considering Alternative Career Paths

• Seek out mentors to help you develop as a person and a designer.
• Keep building your networks.
• Get involved in your professional community (e.g., AIA, CSI) as they have many opportunities for mentorship.
• Take every opportunity to think like a designer in whatever setting you are in.
• Get involved in your civic community. You can often learn more in non-profit roles than in a project.
• Be open to learning from other professionals outside the design world.
• If considering an alternative career path, 1) learn the rules of the alternative professional route, and do your networking within that world; 2) gain credibility through registration/licensure; 3) be aware that some alternative career paths offer fewer opportunities for active design which may lead to “Design Guilt” for some, but you can be creative in seeking out other ways to use your design skills in professional or non-professional opportunities.

Planning your Career

• Look at your natural strengths as you think about what roles you want to do. Capitalize on your strengths.
• Diversify and figure out what you do well.
• Consider graduate school as an investment in your career and an opportunity to think hard about what you want to do with your life.
• It is easy to get bogged down in projects/details which leads you to single-track thinking. In order to navigate your career, be conscious and step out of your comfort zone. Find ways to have moments of clarity in which you can recognize your strengths and where you would like to go with your career. Take time to evaluate if you are doing what fits with your purpose.
• Some parts of your career path may be planned, but some are more serendipitous as recessions, illnesses, personal/professional connections or global events (e.g., 9/11) might change your plans or perspective on your career.
• Look at your career through different lenses to help determine your path. One panelist, Brian Schwartz, shared his three lenses: Focus on his Family, Flexibility, Financial.
• Many panelists noted that financial considerations were not a primary driver of career decisions and work-life balance was more important. However, a base-line financial foundation can allow for a stronger work-life balance such as the ability to afford a nanny.

How do designers’ unique skill sets translate to non-traditional areas?

• Designers have tremendous analytical skills that are very desired by many different types of firms.
• Having a design background can be valuable in leading a team that executes the vision established by other designers/architects.
• Problem-solving
  • Designers are good at defining a problem, creating a sequence to address the problem and redirecting a solution. This process is used by one panelist in his work on the City Council.
  • Visionary Thinking: Design training allows you to help non-designers recognize and solve problems in a visionary way.
  • There are many good answers to the same question. Designers realize we can find another solution if one solution is not working.
• In historic preservation, design training provides a deeper understanding of what design elements are able to be restored and worthy of restoration in ways that may be less apparent to a historian.
• Designers are willing to work in a gray zone and recognize that not everything is black and white. You don’t need to have certainty to make progress.
• Panelist design skills also translated into more specific areas such as guiding their employer’s decisions on website design (look, feel, and user-friendliness), social content/marketing an employer’s strengths and the look/feel of proposals.

What could traditional firms learn from your experiences in non-traditional environments?

• Focus on the people you have and develop their careers.
• Treat people as humans and be sure that they are more important than projects. One panelist noted that being at an employer that offers more holidays off (such as Presidents’ Day), makes a huge difference in cheerfulness/morale.
• Address the studio culture attitude.

Summary submitted by Laura Kessel, 5/1/2016.

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: ERIN OLSON-DOUGLAS

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, Erin Olson-Douglas!

Erin Olson-Douglas

Economic Development Coordinator, City of Des Moines

Erin Olson-Douglas has left footprints across many major development projects that define Des Moines. Olson-Douglas is an Economic Development Coordinator for the city of Des Moines. She steered the creation of the city’s downtown master plan, called What’s Next, Downtown?, and has been involved in the creation of the skywalk master plan, the renovation of Cowles Commons, the convention hotel, the renewal of Gray’s Lake, revitalization in the East Village, remaking Walnut Street, development of the downtown Hy-Vee, and planning for the City’s Municipal Services Center. She went to work for the City in 2006 after stints with private firms in the Boston area and substance architecture in Des Moines. Olson-Douglas has a master’s degree in architecture in urban design from Harvard University and a bachelor’s in architecture from Iowa State University.

Erin is one of four women who co-founded Iowa Women in Architecture in 2011 as a group that would examine issues related to women in architecture and related professions and serves as a resource for women at all stages in their careers. Since 2014, she has been working with a local group to found the Iowa chapter of the Urban Land Institute, an international organization that promotes cross disciplinary collaboration and quality, responsible development. Erin has served as a lecturer in the Iowa State architecture department and enjoys opportunities to participate in student design reviews. Olson-Douglas said she was drawn to urban design out of curiosity. She notes that by the time architects are involved in the process, important aspects of the development and planning decisions have been made. She shifted from architecture to urban design and planning and later moved from employment in private consulting to the public sector to participate in that process. Erin and the City’s other Economic Development Coordinators each bring a different set of experiences to a job that promotes development in the City and negotiates public incentives for private development. My role is to ensure that individual projects adhere to larger visions that we have for the city and that we get the best possible design and building quality in projects that receive public subsidy.

Erin is married to a landscape architect that has his own small business and they have 3 young children.

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: HEIDI HOHMANN

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, Heidi Hohmann!

Heidi Hohmann

Associate Professor, Iowa State University

Heidi Hohmann, ASLA, is an associate professor of landscape architecture at Iowa State University, where she has taught since 2000. A licensed landscape architect, she previously worked for URS Corporation in Minneapolis, the National Park Service in Boston, and Heritage Landscapes in Charlotte, Vermont. She has a B.S. from Yale University and a M.L.A. from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. She has completed numerous cultural landscape projects, most recently for Brucemore, a National Trust property; Platt National Park Historic District; and Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument. She is currently researching the history of the Minneapolis Park System.

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.

Evolving Leadership in the 21st Century Event Summary

On Friday, January 29, approximately 50 Iowa Women in Architecture members and guests gathered at the DART Central Station to listen and engage with Karla Fultz McHenry, of Fultz McHenry Consulting LLC, about Evolving Leadership in the 21st Century. Karla introduced herself as a lifelong advocate for the success of women and girls in the State of Iowa. She has served as a Legislative Liaison for the Iowa Department of Human Services; the Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy for the Iowa Medical Society; and is the President of the Friends of the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women. Karla also provides consulting services to clients leading them through positive outcomes for legislative proposals before the Iowa General Assembly. Karla’s description of her career was also a consolidated version of her three-minute professional elevator speech; which she then directed the group to rehearse themselves at the tables in small groups.

Following the professional elevator speech, Karla requested everyone to present their 3-minute personal elevator speech. The room buzzed with discussion. Karla then asked, “Which was easier to give? The personal or professional speech?” To Karla’s surprise, most responded that the personal speech was easier and Karla reiterated the importance of frequently practicing a professional elevator speech.

Karla continued by giving her personal speech. She has an amazing husband who she loves dearly; a fantastic son and many great friends who she travels with. She noted that it’s hard to take your professional story out of your personal story, and the same goes for the reverse.

Recognizing the work done by iaWia in their Best Practice Recommendations (BPR) document completed in 2013, Karla led the group in discussing known outcomes of implementation of the BPR. She asked, “Are there examples anyone can give of specific changes made in their firms due to the survey implemented from the BPR?” Anna Jones with Substance Architecture noted that the iaWia survey triggered a revision of their policies and procedures, of their annual review process, and brought the firm together for a retreat to discuss the issues brought up by the survey and BPR.

From this, Karla asked the group to discuss tools that can be used to help support iaWia’s mission and the advancement of best practices. The tools most useful to the group were found to be:

• Have an advocate and mentor to speak to regularly;
• Use rebellion as a tool to instigate change;
• Talk about work-life balance;
• Revise the review process;
• Utilize benchmarking to help support the reason for change;
• And recognize all sides of the story – men, women, entry-level to senior-level.

After discussing the active ways the group can push implementation of the BPR into the various workplaces, Karla moved to focus on the individual. She urged that mindfulness, awareness of surroundings to reduce stress, and being present with yourself are integral to finding focus and reducing anxiety. “Spend 30 minutes every day just thinking about yourself,” she said, “how else are you going to keep yourself sane?” Karla continued explaining that curiosity is important and stillness aids mindfulness which allows you to truly think about yourself.

She continued to discuss that emotional intelligence is an incredible skill which allows you to sense anger, stress, and emotion amongst your team and use this to decide how to best respond. She noted that women tend to have more emotional intuition naturally than men; use this as a tool. Karla explained the toxicity of overthinking which ties up with feelings of worthiness and perfection. Finding yourself and using mindfulness to balance these thoughts is crucial to sustainable success.

Moving beyond yourself, Karla also recommended that you need at least one go-to person. Someone you can talk to, who thinks like you and who you can trust. Along with this, she explained, you must have fun! Humor is important every day.

Find your kind of spirituality, she said. Whether that is religion, community, social compassion, or volunteering. Karla suggests that mentoring is an excellent way to give back and is a practice of trust, giving support, and celebrating success.

Karla wrapped up the session discussing vulnerability. Believe it or not, she explained, her vulnerability is public speaking. Ridiculed by a speech teacher in high school, Karla has spent her life working on being confident through her speaking, mentoring, and coaching.

Her finals words of advice were to, “Let the past be the past and move forward to decide what the next step is; I truly believe one day women will rule the world!”

Summary submitted by Jennifer Ross Buck

Thank you to KJWW for sponsoring cookies and water for this event!

February Professional Member of the Month | Nadia M. Anderson

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

I work at Iowa State University, where I have several overlapping roles. I am an Associate Professor in Architecture and Urban Design, teaching seminars, studios, and advising thesis students. My courses typically involve urbanism theory and methods and studios, primarily through the Bridge Studio, engage students in real-world projects such as neighborhood revitalization or sustainable, affordable housing. I also teach in the Master of Urban Design program. I am an Extension Specialist in Community Economic Development, working with Iowa communities on design issues at multiple scales. I’m also the Co-Director of the ISU Community Design Lab where we develop engaged projects dealing with urban agriculture, sustainable neighborhood infrastructures, place-making, and many other topics. All of this work is grounded in engaged partnership with communities where everyone provides valuable knowledge and projects develop through collaboration.

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

I went to college to study international relations. I took an art history survey course with Vincent Scully during my first semester and became fascinated by the ways art and architecture embody and create cultural ideas and values. I took a studio the next year, loved making and drawing, and the rest is history!

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

I continue to be optimistic that architecture can impact the world in positive ways, shaping a more just and resilient future. We can’t do this alone but constantly have to be building partnerships with a wide range of people, questioning how we can best work and adapting to new situations. This is an on-going process that is always fascinating and nothing is better than seeing how one’s work has impacted a student, a colleague, a neighborhood, or a city official. Impact comes as much through process as through final products.

4. What is the best advice you have received?

To focus my energy on my “space of brilliance” rather than my “space of competence.” Easier said than done – the space of competence is safe while the space of brilliance is challenging, risky!

5. How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

I am constantly inspired by how many young architects are involved in iaWia. I’ve been around Iowa long enough to be able to see many former students grow into fantastic professionals who are reshaping architecture as a discipline and are not afraid to ask difficult questions or point out inequities that others may overlook.

January Professional Member of the Month | Janna Alampi

1. Where do you work and what is your current role?  I work for Shive-Hattery as a registered architect, in the West Des Moines office.
2. Why did you choose the design/construction field?  I’ve always had a passion for math, art, and science.  My high school art teacher urged me to attend a summer course at Iowa State University that focused on architecture and landscape design.  Taking that course solidified my journey into the architecture field, and so far, it has been a very rewarding career.
3. What motivates you to further progress in your career?  The building enclosure and all its intricacies is one of the things that challenges and pushes me to continue in this field.  After attending a Building Science lecture by Dr. Joseph Lstiburek in Chicago, I knew this is an area of expertise that I wanted to pursue.  I am fortunate to work for a company that is supportive of this decision and has allowed me to become more involved with building enclosure design and commissioning.
4. What is one thing you wish you would have known before entering the workforce?  There are many alternate career paths outside of the traditional architect role.  Within the architecture field there are many areas of expertise to excel in, from marketing to construction administration to 3D rendering, and much more.  It’s important to find your niche to make yourself a valuable asset within the design community.
5. How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?  I first learned about iaWia just before moving back to Iowa, after having practiced architecture in Florida.  I had never come across a group like this before, and I’ve re-evaluated many things in my life based on the topics that have been addressed through discussions and publications.  Most importantly, it’s a great group of women that I can turn to for both professional and personal advice.

January Student Member of the Month | Jenna Wiegand

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

I just graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree.  My passion is innovative design and public interest design.

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

My father owned his own roofing business and took me to work with him starting at a young age.  My favorite days were when we went to new construction sites, and I would build and sculpt with scrap material.  By the fourth grade, I told him I wanted to design things and that blossomed into my love of architecture.

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

What motivates me is that technology is always improving and the limits are being pushed all to create spaces that positively affect those who use it.

4. What is the best advice you have received?

Do not limit yourself to what you ‘think’ can be done.

5. How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

Iowa Women in Architecture has taught me that my concerns are shared by many and need to be voiced to empower the women in all design fields.  They have influenced me to be part of the student group and speak to students about some of these issues, and to start conversations on the matter.