June Professional Member of the Month

Hannah Roush

Heery Design, A SLAM Studio

Architect

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

I thrive on compiling information through new experiences and exposures. From crafting specifications to preparing for publications, engaging healthcare professionals to mentoring future architects, and solving issues on the construction site to programming hospitals, I am constantly gaining insight and developing interconnections.

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

I am drawn to books to escape my daily surroundings and usually find myself nose deep in a fiction novel when I have some spare time. At the other extreme, in the past few years, I have read books on natural birthing, baby sleeping habits, nourishing meals for toddlers, and parenting techniques. The book I started most recently though, has to do with neither. Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink speaks to the events at the New Orleans hospital during Hurricane Katrina. I hope to find some wisdom applicable to my work in healthcare design.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Several years of my career were devoted to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, where patients and families can now find treatment and healing. There are many aspects of this work that give me pride. Personally, I grew in my career from an intern to a licensed architect, throughout this project. Early on I focused mainly on producing documentation and assisting in the design, over time I gained responsibilities in coordination with consultants, presenting to hospital representatives, and developing solutions during construction. The building itself was thoroughly designed and detailed, including aesthetically pleasing solutions as well as code conformance and cutting-edge healthcare delivery methods. When I come across articles on new research created in this building, Member of the Month social media posts from friends finding themselves and their families receiving care, and ‘The Wave’ at the Iowa Football games, my pride is re-ignited.

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

A successful life is a balanced life.

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

My mother and grandmothers are strong women with close-knit families, who also pursued careers. They taught me to value and strengthen family ties, but also to find passion and drive outside of my family.