August Professional Member of the Month

Ashley Baldwin

DLR Group

Architectural Designer - Associate

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

I love being able to come to work each day not knowing what exactly is going to happen. Maybe some people find that scary, but it is exciting to me! I feel the most energized with I am collaborating/brainstorming with co-workers – in the studio environment. I think it’s what the young kids call “vibing”.

2. What was the last interesting podcast you listened to?

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Poetry Unbound. It is an On Being Studios podcast, which I am a huge fan of. I love getting introduced to new writers and artists. My world expands every time I listen to a new reading. The pace, the host, everything is just perfect. 

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’ve been lucky enough to have worked on projects all around the United States as well as internationally in China. From getting to work in Hudson Yards to small mountain towns in Colorado. One of my most proud moments comes from a ribbon cutting at an Elementary school. Nothing beats having students give you a personal tour of the space you’ve designed while they talk about all the little discoveries they’ve made. It was my first project that I saw built.

4. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Years ago, an amazing female mentor and leader shared some excellent advice that has stuck with me. Someone gave me good advice years ago that I still think about ‘Always give someone the benefit of the doubt’. When I first heard that I’ll admit I didn’t agree, but now I see how powerful that can be. Meeting people with kindness and empathy allows you to be curious and discover new things about the person or situation that you simply couldn’t see through a lens of hostility.

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

Thankfully, I have so many to count! My mother is number one. She is the strongest person I know and has a ridiculous work ethic. She also knows how to not take life too seriously. From there the female professors at Iowa State really saw me and encouraged me, as well as all my amazing female co-workers.