October Professional Member of the Month

Madison Dierks

Confluence

Landscape Architect

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

I love creating spaces that become important to people and add to their quality of life.

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

I just listened to an old episode of Radio Lap on how trees, regardless of species are connected underground by fungus. The trees can use this fungus to communicate with each other and share nutrients regardless of species. The episode name was “From Tree to Shining Tree”. The book “The Hidden Life of Trees” also touches on this topic.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am proud of a lot of projects I’ve worked on, however, I am currently ecstatic that I am a licensed landscape architect.

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

Reach out! People genuinely want to help when they can. Building connections and community go a long way in building confidence in your career. Showing up and being active in your community also shows that you are willing to be reached out to and the cycle continues!

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

While at Iowa State I was inspired by several of my female professors. These mentors were each dedicated to their projects and so willing to share their experiences with me. Julie Stevens, Julia Badenhope, and Mimi Wagner all provided me with firsthand knowledge by offering me internships. Heidi Hohman and Julie Stevens were influential in encouraging action after school, without inspiring terror of the unknown. Julie and Heidi were also influential in my participation in a fellowship after graduation.