June Professional Member of the Month

Brianna Holden

Bolten & Menk

Landscape Designer

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

When designing for a community, an essential part of the process is working with the locals to collect their input that plays a vital part in where the design is headed. It is the most satisfying part of Landscape Architecture to help communities similar to where I grew up create a sense of place, and guide them in a direction the community wants to go.

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

I am not too big on Podcasts, but I love a good self-help book. The first self-help book I read was a gift from my first boss “Tools for Titans, by Tim Farris”. This was the perfect book for my transition from college into the professional world.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Seeing designs become built. I would say seeing your sketches on paper become a built environment you can go experience is the biggest feeling of reward.

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

Always be confident, when you are confident others will become confident in you – and put your ideas out there, there is no such thing as a bad one.

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

A little later in life, but my professor at Iowa State, Caroline Westort. She is the most impressive person I have crossed paths with. She is the reason I dove in deep with 3D animation, which has taken me so far. Because of her, I understand the importance of keeping up with the digital world in our profession.