October Professional Member of the Month

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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

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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!

Iowa Women in Architecture named 2018 AIA Diversity Award Recipient

Iowa Women in Architecture has been selected as an honoree for the 2018 AIA Diversity Recognition Program, which “recognizes architects and organizations actively committed to making the architecture profession a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable profession”.

Read more here in the official press release on the AIA website.

Thanks all to our members' hard work pulling together the submission! Watch a short video here summarizing the group’s work on their Best Practice Recommendations. AIA aired it at the Architects Foundation Booth at the national AIA convention in New York in June.

If you haven't read our Best Practice Recommendations document, click the link to check it out. A task force developed a set of best practice recommendations for policies that address work-life balance and career development challenges in order to enhance recruitment, retention and engagement of all employees!

August Professional Member of the Month

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Jill Boetger

Ryan Companies US, Inc.

Project 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?
    I have to remind myself to slow down and not try to immediately fix the problem on my own. I do my best to listen and be open to another perspective. Everyone has something to offer and something to teach if we’re willing to listen and have a genuine desire to learn.  Usually, there is a common ground or a hybrid solution that both sides can agree to.

  2. Sometimes our careers can be demanding; how do you wind down in the evenings to maintain a balanced lifestyle?
    My evenings are spent with my husband TJ and our two boys Zavier and Greyson. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is a continuous challenge, but we do our best to try and be present during family time. Most nights feature cooking/eating as a family followed by watching tv or reading together before bed. Revisiting some of our favorite childhood chapter books with our kids has been fun.

  3. In 2018 technology is at our fingertips - what is your favorite app and/or website?
    At work the app I use the most is Procore. We use it for all things project related (drawings, financials, meetings, RFIs, photos, etc.). It’s been a game changer for punch lists.  One the personal side the two apps I find myself going to are Class Dojo and Pinterest. Class Dojo allows me to get a glimpse into my kid’s daily lives at school. I love it when their teachers post photos of all the fun/silly/creative things they’re doing.

  4. As professionals we are versed in community interaction and collaboration; what are you involved in outside of your profession?
    The two organizations that are near and dear to my heart are the ACE Mentoring Program and Iowa Women in Architecture. ACE is a free after-school mentoring program for High School students that allows them to get first-hand experience with the Architecture, Construction and Engineering disciplines by going through a mock project. I’ve been involved with ACE for 12 years as a mentor, team leader and member of the Board of Directors. I have the honor of serving as the Chair for our Central Iowa affiliate this year.  I’ve also been very fortunate to be involved with Iowa Women in Architecture for the last 4-5 years. I was the Co-Chair for the Education & Programs Committee from 2014 to 2016 and have remained involved with that committee. Our events and programs are enlightening and empowering and I can’t say enough for our socials. I look forward to them and really enjoy the great conversations that come out of those mornings.

  5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?
    My parents were my first role models and really set the stage for me. They always told me that I could do anything I set my mind to and have continuously supported and encouraged me along the way. I’m so thankful for them.  Professionally, I’ve had a lot of great mentors. Many females stand out: Ann Reinhart, Nicki Jensen and Heidi Pollmann. One of my most influential mentors has been Brian Clark, which is a testament to the fact that women don’t need only female role models. In our industry there are not always female role models readily available so be open to learn from whomever inspires you.