October Professional Member of the Month

Bobbi Jo Duneman

FEH Design

Architect

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

Engaging with the public is the most exciting and energizing aspect of my current position. My firm has a unique design workshop process that brings us into the communities of our clients to get their input on the designs. We spend a day or two hand drawing concepts for them and presenting them. It is a really rewarding experience to meet the people who our work benefits.

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

Honestly, I haven’t taken the time to read very much lately. The last interesting book I listened to was “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” by Hank Green. A lot of the storytelling I consume though is through podcasts while working on drawings or doing projects around the house. I enjoy a wide variety of them including but not limited to true crime, political, and mental health podcasts.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m proud of finishing my exams this past spring and getting my license. I also am proud whenever I can use my unique skills like graphic design and architectural photography to provide additional value to my firm.

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

As a recovering perfectionist, I’m working on redefining success for myself. My new definition involves doing my best every day and accepting that each day’s best effort doesn’t have to be the same as the day before or the day after. In addition, being exhausted at the end of the day isn’t a way to determine if I did my best that day.

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

My piano teacher from childhood was an amazing female role model for me. She was a retired schoolteacher that taught piano in her home because she loved teaching. Although she passed away years ago, she continues to inspire me to do the things I love. I hope to be as happy, kind, and caring as she was when I am older.