July Professional Member of the Month

Sara Davids

RDG Planning and Design

Intern Landscape Architect

1. 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?
   In times of conflict I think it’s best to pick up the phone, or if feasible, meet face to face. It makes for a more personal interaction and helps remove the potential confusion of reading instructions from a screen where tone and intent can get lost. I’m working on this myself, because it’s often easy to rely on emailing where you have the chance to review your response.

2. Sometimes our careers can be demanding; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?
   I like to go running, even if I’m busy I’ve found that getting some exercise really improves my overall mood and feeling of well-being. Now that I’m done studying for my license exams I’ve started to read much more. I’m always open for recommendations on great historical fiction!

3. In 2018 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?
   My new favorite app is Procreate, which is a great digital drawing app that I’ve been playing around with. It’s been a great way to practice sketching.

4. As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside of your profession?
   While not outside my profession, I have been busy serving on the ASLA executive committee. My recent focus has been advocating landscape architecture to local students and creating more public awareness of the profession, especially in the Midwest. This includes outreach to K-7 classes to educate about landscape architecture and encouraging students currently in landscape architecture programs to stay in the Midwest.

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?
   I am inspired by the women I work with and appreciate their guidance as I learn more about where I want to go in my career. I am fortunate enough to work alongside several awesome women from various disciplines, so I feel like I have grown immensely since starting full time.