March Professional Member of the Month

Anna Bednarko

CMBA Architects

Intern Architect

1. What is the most exciting and energizing aspect of your current position?

After graduating from Iowa State in 2018, I started working at CMBA Architects. The most exciting and energizing thing about working in the ‘real world’ is learning new things and getting to work on various types of projects. So far, I have gotten to participate in site visits, construction documents and healthcare and educational design.

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

The last book I read was called the Celestine Prophecy. The book is an adventure about a guy who spontaneously goes to Peru in search of Manuscripts that explain the meaning and purpose of human life. It is a very interesting concept that gets you to think and reflect on your own life and the events you have experienced.

3. What do you worry about, and why?

Since I am new to the profession, I worry about asking too many questions and sometimes second guess myself. I understand that it is sometimes okay to make mistakes and that no one is perfect. There is no harm in asking a question or getting a second opinion.

4. How do you define success? And measure it?

I define success by achieving my goals that I have set for myself. I measure success by making my goals a reality. Many goals take a lifetime to accomplish, but if goals are broken down, they are easier to achieve.

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

I would have to say that my female role models are Shelby Doyle and Leslie Forehand. At Iowa State, I took many of their studio classes and worked closely with them in the IAWIA student organization. These women have taught me to be confident in my work and work hard in all that I want to achieve.