February Professional Member of the Month

Anna Squier

Modern Studio

Owner & Designer

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

Every single day is exciting and energizing.  As the owner of Modern Studio, a small Midwest design studio, no two days are the same as I continue to further develop my business plan, design approach, and client base. I am constantly learning across all spectrums of the profession – design, marketing, finances, collaboration – and am continually energized by the amazing community of collaborators in Central Iowa and the passionate clients who I get to work with.  

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

I have been working hard to finish my ARE’s, which is long over due on my end.  I love reading, but recently the only materials on my night stand are study books. I will say, I’m an avid reader of design publications, so Dwell Magazine and Australian Architecture are always on my coffee table and provide constant inspiration.

3. What do you worry about, and why?

As a business owner and a young woman in the architecture profession, I constantly worry about failing. There are a lot of risks being out on my own, running a company, and working towards establishing something meaningful in the design profession.  I worry about establishing my worth and my talent, proving that I and Modern Studio are capable of outlasting just a few years, and worry about making a positive impact in the design world and community.

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

How I define success has changed over the past few years. It used to be largely focused on being the best, being the top performer, doing as much as I could, etc. I quickly learned those measurements were not sustainable in being successful.  Now, success to me is more focused on: Am I doing something I am passionate about? Do I have balance between work and personal life? Am I helping people and making an impact? Are my clients happy? Is what I am working on helping me towards my ultimate goal? I have found it is important to think about long term goals and find success in making small steps towards that big picture goal. Success does not come over night and is measured by many things that take place day to day, month to month, year to year. Work hard, be passionate, stay driven, and success will come.

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

I have been fortunate to have many role models in my life, both male and female. Some of the women were the very founders of this organization who encouraged me to get involved and ultimately take on the role of Chair a few years past. This amazing organization allows you to be inspired & encouraged by female role models daily.  Ann Sobiech Munson and Mindy Aust are two champions in my life and great leaders in the profession. Both have acted as meaningful mentors in my career. I also need to mention Kate Schwennsen, an admirable leader for women in architecture and my mother. Seeing her push boundaries and witnessing her professional accomplishments has encouraged me to look beyond norms and fear, and work hard towards accomplishing both what you want and deserve.  

January Professional Member of the Month

Susanne Roesch

AIA, LEED AP BD & C

Hubbell Realty, Design Manager Hubbell Homes

1. Our profession is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; how do you prepare for a meeting with a new client?

I like to keep an open minded attitude whenever I meet a new client. I think it is very important to build relationships, to learn something about my client, and to build rapport. I find that a project goes a lot smoother if there is a mutual understanding between the clients which I consider a part of my team.

2. We often design to improve the health of people and the environment; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?

I love to bike and row. In winter my evenings are short as I exercise early in the morning. After work I like to relax at home, plan my next travels, make jewelry, or paint. I would love to read more but typically fall asleep after a short time.

3. In 2019 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?

WhatsApp, Podbean, NYTimes.

4. As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside the realm of architecture/design?

I volunteer for the American Lung Association, Easter Seals, and Ronald McDonald House. I'm an active member of several bike clubs, support activities at the Art Center, and chair the Marketing efforts for the annual Regatta of the Des Moines Rowing Club.

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

I didn’t have any role models growing up but I was always inspired by strong independent women who found their own way: My German teacher in High school, fellow female architecture students at Stuttgart University, Germany, and female Architects I met in Iowa like Laura Kessel (Past iaWia President), LaDan Omidvar, and Kate Schwennsen, to name a few.  As I get older I'm increasingly inspired by women outside of architecture, women with a strong sense of self, like my good friend and business owner Ali Hatfield and Roe Crosbie, owner of Tero International.

December Professional Member of the Month

Lyndley Kent

Neumann Monson Architects

Architect

1. Our profession is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; how do you prepare for a meeting with a new client?

I go into it ready to listen. Listening is important in all meetings, but especially with new clients. We must understand client’s motivation for a project and goals in order to deliver the right product. That is one of the best parts of this profession, making clients ideas come to life.

2. We often design to improve the health of people and the environment; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?  

I usually curl up with my dog and catch up on the day’s news, watch some tv, or go for a walk. I love to cook, but mainly keep the large meals to the weekend and stick to something easy during the week. Our weekday go-to is tacos.  Funny how many leftovers get reimagined into some sort of taco too.

3. In 2018 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?

I love my Spotify, especially since it works with my speaker system at home. I love creating playlists and finding new songs to jam to.

4. As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside the realm of architecture/design?

I am currently participating in the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, in which I’ve learned a lot about the community I live in and met many great professionals outside the design industry. We are currently planning a fantastic event to benefit the West Des Moines Human Services. Hopefully we will see some of our members there!

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

Basically, any woman who was unapologetically themselves. To name a few, RGB, Dottie Hinson, my Mother and Grandmother, Michelle Obama, Leslie Knope, and our iaWia Members.  

November Professional Member of the Month

Heidi Pollmann, ASLA, LEED AP

Ryan Companies US, Inc.

Regional Marketing Manager

1. Our line of work is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; what have you found is the best way to communicate in times of conflict?

As designers, we learn the value of clear communication, the importance of listening and how to build consensus. I think this training has helped me in my role as marketing manager where I frequently work with very different personality types to craft a message, sell ideas and meet (often stressful) deadlines. I try to see the other person’s perspective, weigh all the options, pick my battles and stand up for what I truly believe.

2. Sometimes our careers can be demanding; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?

There are few things more relaxing to me than cooking. In an industry where projects can take a very long time to come to fruition and where sometimes we never get to see the end user experience a space, cooking provides instant gratification, a creative outlet and a way to connect with others. I try and start my day with a workout (either bootcamp at the Y or a run with friends)—and sore muscles are the perfect excuse to take a warm bath with a good book.

3. In 2018 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?

Pinterest is definitely a favorite of mine as it allows me to save and share recipes, design inspiration, gift ideas and travel plans. I maintain a long ‘Want to Read’ list on Goodreads and by using the Buy Me a Pie app, my husband and I are able to share a real time grocery list (so that I have more time to read!)

4. As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside of your profession?

I’m honored to be serving as Chair of Iowa Women in Architecture this year. I also serve on the WIRED (Women Interested in Renewal, Education and Discovery) committee at St. John’s Lutheran Church which provides networking, education and outreach opportunities. Recently I served as a coach for Girls on the Run, a program for 3rd-6th grade girls focused on developing self respect and healthy lifestyles through lessons and running. Ryan Companies also encourages community service through partnerships with Bethel Mission, Rebuilding Together and Meals for the Heartland.

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

I originally became a landscape architect to design golf courses (which I did for the first 4 years of my career). Even more than traditional design professions, golf course design is male dominated with Alice Dye known as the “first lady” of golf architecture and not many after her. While I never met Alice, I was fortunate to meet and caddy for several LPGA professionals (Kathy Whitworth and Pat Bradley) who actively encouraged me to pursue my dreams.

After our move to Kansas City in 2002 I worked for Patti Banks Associates (now Vireo), a woman-owned business. In addition to the owner, Patti, I worked with many talented, strong and influential women including Lynnis Jameson who I am proud to call a role model, mentor and friend. She sparked my interest in walkability and mass transit and over the years has helped me to keep my priorities straight, set boundaries and maintain a work/life balance (and she shares my love of food and travel).

October Professional Member of the Month

Paige Hubbard

Genus Landscape Architects

Designer

1. Our line of work is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; what have you found is the best way to communicate in times of conflict?
I feel that talking with someone face to face is often best in times of conflict because it’s easier to read the other person’s emotions and the give and take helps to resolve the conflict faster. I think that it can be very easy to misread an email or text and can drag something out longer than necessary.

2. Sometimes our careers can be demanding; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?
Knitting and Sewing are two of my hobbies that I like to do in the evenings to help me relax. There’s something about working with my hands and the rhythm of the needles that gives me meditation. I also love to cook with my fiancé and play with my cats.

3. In 2018 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?
I am a huge fan of Instagram. I’m a very visual person and love the way that you can communicate through photos. A website that helps me daily is the Missouri Botanical Gardens Plant Finder because their information is highly credible and accurate. If you need to know something about a plant, then you need the Missouri Botanical Garden.

4. As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside of your profession?

When I first moved to Des Moines I became involved in Young Professionals Connection because I didn’t know anyone here and wanted to become involved in the community. I made a ton of friends, joined the marketing committee where I could put my design skills to use, and got to know and fall in love with Des Moines. As a non-native, I can officially call myself a die-hard Des Moines advocate.

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?
My mother is my biggest role model because she’s always been a strong and fierce female. I would also say some of my female professors at Iowa State University helped to inspire me and kept me going when I wasn’t sure what I was doing. All the women in IaWia continue to inspire me and help guide me on my career path. The designers in this City are amazing in how they balance their work and outside lives.

September Professional Member of the Month

Laura Kessel

RDG Planning & Design

Landscape Architecture Studio Director

1. Our line of work is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; what have you found is the best way to communicate in times of conflict?

I was on our high school debate team and had to research and argue both sides of a topic. Trying to understand the other side of the conflict is critical to coming to a solution rather than becoming more deeply entrenched in the issue.

2. Sometimes our careers can be demanding; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?

We work hard to try to have meals together as a family and spend time outdoors in our yard or at a park. Though my boys are ages seven and nine right now; they also still let me read to them every night – a tradition that I won’t stop until they absolutely make me. We just finished a book on Alexander Hamilton (thank you Lin-Manuel Miranda for making history so fascinating to my boys – the power of the arts!).

3. In 2018 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?

Anything that saves time! My absolute favorite website is Grateful Chef’s website. In two minutes, I can order reasonably affordable, nutritious, locally-prepared meals for our family.

4. As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside of your profession?

Those who know me well, know that I can’t ignore politics. When I can, I make time to advocate for political issues including policy action for climate change.

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

Where do I even start? I think this warrants a small thesis, but instead a bullet-point list:

• My mom and mother-in-law who show the importance of service to others on a daily basis

• The founders of iaWia and the continued volunteers who keep this great group going

• Many amazing co-workers (past and present) who have shown how to be resilient, supportive, and talented

• RGB!