March Professional Member of the Month

Thad Long, AIA

SVPA Architects

Vice President

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

Typically, I know ahead of time about a new opportunity, I like to research their business; understand who they are, what they do, what their company values and what SVPA can bring to support or improve all of that. Then I tailor a promotional booklet about SVPA to show our experience that relates to the clients business. Pulling from our nearly 65 years of experience and the longevity of our team members, I highlight our easy-going team and the values we have in common with this potential new client.

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?

Being completely honest, I recognize this is a constant struggle in our business especially now that I have moved into a leadership and business development role. The amount of passion we have for architecture and for the business itself can dominate our life and be constantly on our minds. To help balance and to wind down, I love cooking with my wife. We like to experiment with new recipes and new flavors. We always make it a point to eat at the table together, with or without all the kids, and I’m fortunate to have a spouse that is interested in what I do and can help me decompress from the day by listening to the good and the bad. We turn on music, whatever suites our mood that day, and deal a few hands of cribbage.

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

Well, having Outlook on my phone is certainly and blessing and a curse! Jokes aside, I have really enjoyed listening to podcasts lately. It’s a nice break from listening to the news and the political angst in our country lately. Spotify is also great for creating playlists and researching new artists.

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

This aspect of life, like most, has shifted at different times of life. Currently, my wife and I are part of the PIGS bicycle club (Paired Iowans Going Somewhere) and I am a member of the Pedal CVT group that hosts an annual ride to raise funds for the Chichaqua Valley Trails. This year I have enjoyed sitting back and watching the Bondurant Marching Band Competitions after being an active Pit Member and trailer driver for eight years. Besides coaching I was the President for the Bondurant Soccer Club for 11 years and involved with Youth Wrestling. As I have taken on more of a business development role at work, I have been more involved in various Chambers in the metro area focused on the east and north side and I am a board member for BDI (Bondurant Development, Inc.) besides other organizations like ICREA, Iowa Bankers Association…..

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

First female role model I have to say is “My Mother.”  My mother always worked in more of a professional consulting role. She worked her way up from key-punching without college education. She progressed forward in her career by working hard even when she was taking care of two children as a single parent. This has cultivated in me a respect for women and all they do; their passions, their drive, and the perspective they bring to the table. In my experience, women can be brutality honest, they don’t B-S as much as men. Several women in our profession and in my personal life have impressed with their dedication, honesty and care they put into their family, into their career and into life.

2017 iaWia Annual Report

Iowa Women in Architecture: Annual Report for year ending September 30, 2017

The Bylaws require the Board of Directors to distribute an annual report to the membership. Between August 2016 and September 2017, Iowa Women in Architecture expanded to a membership of 53 members, 21 firms participating as corporate members and a community of 321 participants on the email list.  Our membership was active, continuing, launching and perpetuating multiple initiatives and holding several successful events.  This report details the organization’s activities through September 30, 2017, in support of the following Mission and Vision statements (adopted December 2011).

Educating communities, empowering individuals, and advancing women in design.

 

Mission:

Iowa Women in Architecture (iaWia) is a non-profit, educational organization whose mission is to support and promote women involved in design and construction of the built environment by:

·         increasing the visibility of women in design and related fields;

·         by advocating for issues relevant to women within design professions;

·         by advancing women in leadership positions;

·         and by leading discussion about cultural change in design professions.

 

Vision:

Through activities such as networking, peer-to-peer mentorship, professional development, research and community outreach programs, iaWia aims to:

·         educate members and their communities about issues relevant to retaining and supporting women in the profession;

·         empower its members through education and recognition;

·         celebrate the contributions of women design professionals at all levels; and

·         ensure a sustainable future for women involved in all aspects of the built environment.

I. GENERAL OVERVIEW

Administrative Accomplishments

• Elected Offices for 2016/2017 (09/29/16)
• Established a Reserves Policy (Adopted January, 2017)
• Board Planning Retreat (February, 2017)
• Filed Biannual Report with the Secretary of State (March, 2017)
• Transitioned iaWia website to platform allowing online membership renewal (April 15, 2017)
• Worked with Drake Legal Clinic to update Bylaws (adopted November 2017)
• Submitted Ballot for Offices for 2016/2017 (September 15, 2017)

 

Membership Data

• 53 individual members (paid through individual option)
• 21 corporate members (firms or organizations)
• 53 individual members paid through the corporate membership option
• 4 platinum corporate members
• 2 gold corporate members
• 15 silver corporate members
• 321 participants on email list
• 375 “likes” on Facebook Page

 

Events and Activities:

Open to full membership and/or the public.

• November 2016, Negotiation 101 Event with Brooke Benscholter.  Joint event with Commercial Real Estate Women in Iowa
• January 2017, David Zach Presentation to iaWia membership and ISU Design 101 class Jointly sponsored by AIA Iowa, Iowa Chapter of ASLA, IIDA Great Plains Chapter, and ISU College of Design
• March 2017, hosted table at ISU Design Career Fair
• April 2017, Unhappy Hour Event, a collaborative social event with Polk County Women Attorneys.
• July 2017, Networking 101 Event with Danny Beyer.  Joint event with Commercial Real Estate Women in Iowa
• September 2017, Annual Business Meeting and Presentation: From “Glass Ceiling” to “Leadership Labyrinth”: Developing the Next Generation of Female Leaders by Dr. Lindsay Hastings from University of Nebraska
• 6 Breakfast Socials held in Des Moines, 8 Breakfast Socials held in Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area

 

Media and Communications:

Facebook reach statistics, as generated by Facebook: Total “Likes” as of 08/14/2017: 375.

LinkedIn Statistics: 245 connections.

Newsblasts: 23 emailed to iaWia email lists throughout the year for various announcements and invitations. Average percentage of email opens, 44.3%.

Press releases sent to DSM Register, Business Record, AIA Iowa Arch-e-news to announce: An Evening with Futurist David Zach (1/12/17), UNHapppy Hour (3/24/17) and Annual Meeting (9/5/17)

II. VOLUNTEERS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND RECORDS

Board of Directors: Officers were elected and committee chairs were appointed at the annual membership meeting on 9/29/2016 (according to By-Laws).  The Oct 2016 – Sept 2017 fiscal year Board Included:

• Chair: Director of Communication & Outreach – Linda Schemmel [Naura Heiman Godar moves to this position Oct 2017 – Sept 2018]
• Vice Chair, Director of Education & Programs – Naura Heiman Godar [term up in September 2017]
• Director of Accounts – Susanne Roesch [term up September 2017]
• Director of Records & Archives – Jill Godeken [term up Sept 2018]
• Committee Co-Chairs, Communication & Outreach – Katelyn Rutledge and Hannah Schurrer [appointed by committee]
• Committee Co-Chairs, Education & Programs – Eli Goll and Holly Pohlmeier [appointed by committee]
• Committee Co-Chairs, Membership – Susan Judkins and Lyndley Kent [appointed by committee]
• Student Group Representative – Kassia Payne (2016/2017 School Year) and Leslie Forhand (2017/18 School Year) [ liaison to iaWia Student Group, appointed by Board]
• Co-Liaisons, AIA Iowa – Joe Tursi and Mindy Aust [ annually appointed by AIA Iowa in December]
• Past Chair – Laura Kessel [ Linda Schemmel moves to this position Oct 2017 – Sept 2018]
• Registered Agent – Naura Godar [the 2016/2017 elected Vice Chair will serve as the registered agent for three years.]

 

Board Meetings:

Monthly meetings of the Board of Directors occurred on the following dates: 10/26/2016, 11/21/2016, 12/28/2016, 01/25/2017, 02/22/2017, 03/22/2017, 05/24/2017, 06/28/2017, 07/26/2017, 08/23/2017 and 09/15/2017. Minutes are available upon request from the Director of Records and Archives.

 

Treasury (through October, 2017):

Committee Meetings and Action:

For 2016 – 2017, the organization had two committees: Communication + Outreach and Education + Programs.  Each group met as outlined below.

 

Communication + Outreach:

• Members: Meetings held on an as-need basis for coordination / collaboration. Tasks delegated to specific individuals.  Group had 11 active members.

·         Thank you to the following participants who volunteered their time and effort on this committee: Katelyn Rutledge, Hannah Schurrer, Maggie Dougherty, Jackie Manning, Paige Hubbard, Lyndley Kent, Laura Kessel, Heidi Pollmann, and Monica Bailey, Sara Davids, Linda Schemmel.

• Meetings: 10/18, 2/16, 3/16, 6/15, 7/20, 8/22.
• Accomplishments:

·         General: Publicity for events, including press releases and social media updates; held a booth at the Iowa State University College of Design Career Days; launch of two BPR case studies; transfer of website ownership from Happy Medium to iaWia; creation of new Squarespace website with online membership registration and payment; Branding Guideline document created; creation of a Buffer account to manage social media, member of the month redesigned

• Initiatives on Deck:

·          Creation of Corporate member of the month,

·          Support Education and Programs Committee on Leadership Series workbook

Education + Programs:

• Committee Meetings: Held on the second Wednesday each month from 7:30 – 8:30 AM at OPN Architects in Des Moines, IA. Regularly attended by 5 – 8 people; group has 33 individuals on the committee list.
• Accomplishments:

·         General: Established yearly calendar of events for the organization; worked to keep iaWia member costs down at events while still providing exceptional speakers and education events; set standing socials with varying topics and speakers for discussion, collaborated with a variety of organizations and hosted an array of unique events that support the iaWia mission.

·         Statewide Outreach: Coordinated viewing parties in conjunction with events for membership groups in Iowa City/Cedar Rapids and Sioux City

·         Coordination with BPR Task force to celebrate iaWia’s 5th year with an overview of the Best Practices Recommendations prior to the Annual Meeting

• Initiatives on Deck:

·         Develop Leadership breakfast series and workbook for 2017/2018 social events

·         Collaborative events with Iowa Interior Design Association, Iowa Architectural Foundation and continued partnership with AIA Iowa, Commercial Real Estate Women in Iowa and Polk County Women Attorneys

 

Membership:

• Accomplishments:

·         Increased individual membership (through individually paid option and by corporate member paid option) by 3 members

·         Increased corporate members by 4 members.

·         Connected committees with interested members

·         Maintained membership roster and email list

·         Continued a co-chair approach with one chair focusing on member recruitment and the other working on membership records

·         Worked to update membership costs and benefits to better recruit higher corporate sponsorships.

• Committee Meetings: N/A
• Initiatives on Deck:

·         Encourage more allied members and sponsors while focusing on retention and expansion of design professional membership.

 

Student Chapter:

The iaWia Student Chapter aims to build mentorship opportunities with those in iaWia while still in school.

• 2016 Student Members: Anna Bednarko, Marissa Engel, Erin Hunt, Makayla Natrop, Emily Near, Sarah Schneider, Megan Zeien
• 2017 Student Members (to date): Anna Bednarko, Leigha Duckett, Kierstyn Feld, Tara Fallon, Taylor Hess, Emma Lorentz, Mikaela Meierhofer, Rachel Morror, Makyla Natrop, Emily Near, Greta Norris, Daniela Paez, Sirina Reed, Madeline Schmidt, Sarah Schneider, Taylor Shaw, Shelby Worth
• Student Chapter Liaison: Leslie Forehand, ISU College of Design
• Accomplishments:

·         Collaboration with Design 102 Studio - David Zach Presentation (January, 2017)

·         ISU Design Career Fair (March, 2017)

·         Provided Student of the Month information for iaWia Newsletters in collaboration with the Communications & Outreach Committee.

 

AIA Iowa Update:

Though not affiliated with the AIA, iaWia strives to create a positive, productive relationship with AIA Iowa and to promote women’s leadership in AIA.  We have made great strides in getting women elected/involved in AIA Iowa. The following women are AIA Iowa Board Members: Mindy Aust (Past President), Danielle Herman (2nd Vice President), Tonia Householder (Treasurer), Kerry Weig (Director) and Deborah Hauptmann (ISU Representative). Mindy Aust will serve AIA Iowa Liaisons to iaWia through the end of the year. Matt Ostanik will begin serving as the AIA Iowa Liaison at the beginning of 2018 due to the calendar year terms of AIA Iowa.  

 

AIA National Update:

One of iaWia founding members received prestigious AIA National award in 2017:

·         Danielle Herman, AIA Young Architect Award

 

Additional Accomplishments:

• National and Statewide Outreach:

·         This year, additional efforts were made to make sure our statewide members had the same opportunity to view lectures held in central Iowa as well as the means and methods to take their own events in the direction that worked for them.  The Statewide Outreach groups are sectioned into 4 quadrants based on geography. The Southeast section includes Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, the Northwest section includes Sioux City, the East section includes Dubuque, and the Northeast section includes Waterloo and Cedar Falls.

 

Best Practice Recommendations:

·         BPR Presentations:

•   May 2017, Presentation to Chicago Women in Architecture

·         BPR In the news:

•   The BPR document was featured in the AIA Knowledge Net Practice Management newsletter as a resource for creating employee handbooks.

·         Continuation of BPR: Case Studies in Action:

•   The BPR Case Studies Task Force completed one additional case study and a new perspective that complement the BPR document.

·         Initiatives on Deck:

•   Nomination package for the AIA Diversity Recognition Program.
•   Case Studies in Action

·         Continue to gather case studies that demonstrate examples of best practices in the industry.

III. LOOKING AHEAD

General Organization:

• Roles to fill for the 2017/18 Board: Vice Chair and Director of Accounts
• Finalize the role definition of committee chairs and board members to ensure a more continuous transition during Board/Committee transitions.
• iaWia will be compiling a Policies and Procedures Manual.  The Manual may include the following content: Charter Documents; State of Iowa Filings; Federal Filings; Bylaws; Board Member Roles & Responsibilities; Record Keeping Policies & Procedures; Voting Procedures
• Finalize the Bylaws update to incorporate amendments, reflect current operations and provide language needed to reinforce non-profit status and related regulations.

 

Treasury:

• 2017-2018 Iowa Women in Architecture Approved Budget

Looking Ahead - Education and Programs:

• Chair / Co-Chairs: Eli Goll and Holly Pohlmeier
• Continue to build relationships through informal networking socials.

·         Set leadership breakfast series and workbook series for breakfast socials.  Keep venue, format and time the same while working through the topic of discussion and inviting featured discussion leaders.

• Explore and continue collaborations with other local organizations including, NEXUS, IWLC, Polk County Women Attorney's, ULI and Iowa State University.
• Continue to develop a consistent yearly calendar for all iaWia events.
• Continue to add value to iaWia memberships.

·         Keep event costs minimal for members. But start to build a budget pool to bring in high quality speakers who may require honorariums or reimbursable for travel fees.

·         Provide event that are educational and beneficial to the membership.

• Further expand on the BPR topics and iaWia mission statement. Bring awareness to the organization and our achievements.  

 

Looking Ahead - Communications and Outreach:

• Co – Chair: Hannah Schurrer and Kati Maki
• Best Practice Recommendations:

·         Case Studies in Action – Format, distribute and promote the case study initiative and completed case studies.

·         Survey Tool – Continue to promote the survey as a resourceful tool for firms to internally analyze and assess existing policies and perceptions in their workplace.

• Website:

·         Enhanced utilization and upkeep, offer greater benefits for our members with job postings, events around central Iowa, calendar, and other resources.

·         Coordination with social media platforms

• Public Relations

·         Higher incorporation of event and news press releases to news outlets

·         Increased social media posting

·         More visibility in community by partnering with other women organizations to include iaWia events and news in their newsletters and websites.

·         Continue to refine and update graphics and consistent “voice” standards

 

Looking Ahead - Membership:

• Continue to increase individual memberships;
• Work with corporate membership and firms to utilize the membership categories better

 

Looking Ahead - Student Group:

• Statistical analyses that demonstrate inequities in the profession. The students feel it is important to educate the members and the academic institution to further enhance the progression of empowering women and the new generations to come.  This collected information will be disseminated to the faculty and as a contribution to DATUM, the Department of Architecture's student journal.
• The students are developing 'swag' for branding/identity purposes
• Future events include co-sponsoring an ISU lecture, firm tours, a portfolio night, and a potential day-long Master Class where local women in the profession can mentor the students.

In our sixth year as a group, it has been extraordinary to watch the dedication of our volunteers live out the mission and vision of our group. Thank you to everyone who planned events; coordinated logistics of communications, membership, fundraising and accounting; mentored students; advocated for our mission through research and presentations; attended the events; and provided informal mentorship to each other.  Please contact any officer, committee leader, or the general email address with any questions or comments.

Respectfully submitted by: Linda Schemmel, AIA, 2016-2017 Chair.

February Professional Member of the Month

Brad Paige

SVPA 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 think it is really important to establish a good personal relationship with a client. I would consider myself to be a rather shy and introverted individual so this doesn’t come as naturally for me as it does to others, but if you can show a client how passionate you are about the project (and the profession in general), the client gets really excited too and the process becomes a lot more fun.

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 didn’t play much in college but since graduating, I have started getting more involved in volleyball around the Des Moines metro. It has been a great way for me to meet new people as well as network with other professionals in the area.

3. In 2017 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?
   I really enjoy readying ‘The Family Handyman’. I purchased a house this past year and it has been incredibly helpful in learning repair and maintenance work.

4. As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside the realm of architecture/design?
   I’ve been a mentor at ACE for about a year and a half now. It is an after school program for high school students and helps them get a better understanding of the architecture, construction, and engineering disciplines. I also volunteer at the Iowa Architecture Foundation. I really enjoy learning more about Des Moines as well as getting to share my knowledge and passion for architecture with other people.

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?
   I’ve worked with a lot of talented female designers since I’ve joined the profession. I had an amazing materials and assemblies instructor, Kris Nelson, while I was in school who had a very strong passion and enthusiasm for teaching. I’ve always been interested in understanding how things go together and it was very inspiring to see someone else share a similar for building assemblies.
   I joined IAWIA mostly to help students in their transition out of school. Personally, it was a bit of a shock for me so anything I can do to help direct students in the right direction and ease the transition is a very positive and rewarding experience for me. This is also a passion I enjoy sharing with my students at ACE.

January Professional Member of the Month

Scotney Fenton, AIA

RDG Planning and Design

Partner and Project Manager

1. Our profession is built on the value of relationships and opportunities; how do you prepare for a meeting with a new client?
I try to research a little bit about the client’s background, including previous projects, their context, and even their history. This gives me a better idea about where they are coming from and opportunities to identify personal connections to people and places.
 

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?
Spending time together as a family has always been important, and it seems like evenings are the best time for my wife, our son, and myself to get together. It is not always structured time, but it gives us a chance to reconnect despite all of our different schedules.
 

3. In 2017 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?
I do rely on my phone now for a lot my news and entertainment, like the Des Moines Register and Netflix. I also listen to Audiobooks through my phone while I’m traveling.
 

4. As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you
involved in outside the realm of architecture/design?
I serve on the Des Moines Historic Preservation Commission, but that’s not outside the realm of architecture very far. My son & I are both in Cub Scouts, and my wife and I are active at church.
 

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?
Several of my grade school teachers imparted a strong interest in math and science that I still carry with me today. I try to learn something every day, and teach something every day, no matter where I am at.

December Professional Member of the Month

Brenda Nelson

Confluence

Associate Principal

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? Our first goal should always be to build trustworthy relationships.  If we do that well, any disagreement that arises can be more easily resolved.   If conflict does arise, “reflective” listening is a good first step.  Work to fully understand what the other party is saying and clarify, by stating it back to them.  Be respectful when stating your own position and craft your words in a way that does not put the other party on the defensive. I’ve found that most people are much more open to resolution when they know we are truly working to build a consensus.

2. Sometimes our careers can be demanding; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle? Playing tennis or working out, is the best stress reliever for me.  I find that heading to the tennis courts after a long day’s work –  is just what I need to decompress.  And most days just aren’t complete unless I have had some time to do a bit of reading on my own.

3. In 2017 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website? Evernote is my go-to app. I started using it after I read the book Getting Things Done by David Allen.  It keeps my mind less cluttered, is always available on my phone or computer, and has curbed my tendency to hand-write a list and promptly lose it.

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

·         Church and Christian lay counseling ministry. 

·         Tennis

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you? My mom is my primary role model.  She was a hard-working professional with an adventurous spirit, very high expectations and a positive outlook. Growing up, our motto at home was “work hard, play hard”.  She taught me that anything worth doing, was worth the chance that you might fail at it.

November Professional Member of the Month

Kari Boyens

Graham Construction

Healthcare Business Development 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?  Listen and then acknowledge that you understand the other person’s point of view.  Most people are open to new ideas if they know you are willing to listen to theirs.

2. Sometimes our careers can be demanding; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?  Working out is definitely my best stress reliever.  I have a lot of variety in my workouts.  I bike, run, lift weights, kickbox and do yoga.

3. In 2017 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?  Pinterest is my favorite app.  It’s my go-to when I need help or ideas…kid’s crafts, fashion, recipes…everything!

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

a.       Joppa Volunteer (Joppa is an organization that helps homeless people)

b.      Coach soccer for my daughter

c.       Member of Lutheran Church of Hope

d.      Member of Iowa Society of Radiologic Technologists (My background is healthcare.  I am still a licensed x-ray tech)

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?  My mom is my greatest female role model.  She taught me very early on that I can do anything I put my mind to.  She is strong, successful and determined.  She taught me how to work hard and always be my best.