July Professional Member of the Month

Elizabeth Seiberling

OPN Architects

Project Architect

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

Everyday is different than the previous day. One day I am in the trenches with the end users designing their space and the next I’m counting bricks on a 1923 building to perfectly place the existing windows. I love the variety and pace of what I do each day. 

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

I mostly read cookbooks; I think I’ll be a baker in my next life. I am currently reading “Tartine Bread”. It is interesting because it goes into a lot of the science of baking, so the reader really understands what it making the dough rise, for instance.  

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I honestly feel like each project is an accomplishment to be acknowledged, but if I had to choose one thing it would be passing the architectural exams. It was long enough ago that I don’t remember the pain of it, but I knew that when it was over I had basically done the architectural equivalent of climbing Everest, at least that’s what it felt like. 

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

I define success in my career as having made an impact on someone or some people for the better. I measure it by observing how those people as they use their space or even talk about the prospect of it. You can tell if it’s going to be successful long before it’s built just by how people interact and embrace the process.  

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

Other than my mom, it is a female architect that I previously worked with – I’m not sure if she would want to be named, she knows who she is. She is the matriarch of the architects that I once worked with as she was the first female architect in that office. I learned a lot about our practice from her, but also how to essentially have it all, career and family. I didn’t know any other female architects to really follow in the footsteps of, so I am glad I at least had her to observe. 

June Professional Member of the Month

Claudia Cackler

Iowa Architectural Foundation

Executive Director

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

I have loved architecture ever since my romp around Europe for independent studies in art history my last year of college.  I am driven to share that passion with others so they develop a sense of the value of architecture and design in creating great, livable communities. That is why being ED for Iowa Architectural Foundation is the perfect job for me. I like the marketing and promotion aspects most, and find excitement in developing creative strategies to spread knowledge of architecture, historic preservation and building. I also have an affinity for architects, which blossomed when working as the head of the Iowa Chapter AIA in the 80’s. In my current position, I am grateful to be doing something meaningful and for the opportunity to work with talented and creative people of all ages.

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

I am an avid reader, both fiction and non-fiction and usually have several books going at one time. One of my favorite recently-read novels is Eugen Rouge’s In Times of Fading Light. Which won the German Book Prize in 2011. This darkly humorous novel tells the story of East Germany through four generations of a family, focusing on Berlin. I am always fascinated by books about or by Eastern Europeans, especially those portraying life when it was “the Block.” It’s interesting to me to hear how they viewed their own government and affairs vs. the perspective on their lives taught to us in the US when I was a child.

In non-fiction, But What If We’re Wrong? by Chuck Klosterman is another great read. He speculates the likelihood that many universally accepted cultural and scientific beliefs of today will someday seem crazy – much like we think about the past in our present day.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

My development work as Vice President, Philanthropic Funding for Twin Cities Public Television. Also writing the nomination to get Sherman Hill Historic District on the National Register back at the time there were fewer than ten homes being restored. At IAF, I was proud of our Mies en Scene event, and hope that this year’s Encore Gala will be even more successful.

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

I am not materialistic, so to me success is making a positive difference in the world, leaving it better than how you found it, moving arts and culture forward and not making someone else miserable by your own achievement. Success is exchanging knowledge, meeting change with flexibility and knowing I’ve given my best to others.

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

Elaine Estes, for her passion for historic houses, preservation and eccentric style. Linda Kerber, my professor at the U of Iowa, who was one of the first in the US to teach Women’s History, which was quite avant-garde at the time. Catherine Allen, a film producer for her grace, intelligence and her passion for history and the arts. Leslie Aisner, entrepreneur and artist who founded Howda Designs. Judy McClure, the second licensed female architect in Iowa, who taught me many building skills necessary for preserving old houses. Eli Goll, the fabulous young architect-in-training whose “joie de vivre” and energy inspires us all!

June Student Member of the Month

Deysy Cruz Escobar

Iowa State University

4th Year Architecture Student

1. Why did you choose the design/construction field?

In high school, I discovered I have a passion for art, and I view architecture as art with a function. A function to characterize cities. A function to help communities, foster healing environments, and principally improve the quality of life of others.

2. What is the most unusual medium you have used for a model, and what did it represent?

I used corrugated cardboard and explored the material quality by manipulating it and braiding it into a weaving. The weaving then shaped into the topography of a site I was working on. I hope to still continue exploring and discovering even more unusual medium in the future!

3. What has been your favorite studio trip so far?

My favorite studio trip was when we went to Chicago. This was the first time I visited a city with such rich skyscrapers and art everywhere you go!  

4. What is the best advice you have received from a professor or mentor?

“You have great ideas and designs; you just have to stop holding back and go for it; be confident that it will be great work.”  - Ayodele Lyanalu

5. How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

I have been able to connect with other students who also have the same interests and participate in events aiding to empower women. I feel comfortable going to professional development events because I know I will always get great feedback and advice!  

Vertical Suburbia  

This modular design aims to provide green space and high tech holograms amidst a crowded urban environment. The green spaces are composed of courtyards which serve as a method of water conservation to reduce flash flooding, as well as a space for program which is enhanced by customizable holograms.

May Student Member of the Month

Mary Azelborn

Iowa State University

4th Year Architecture Student

1. Why did you choose the design/construction field?

I decided I wanted to be an architect in fourth grade, when my class did an online personality survey meant to tell us what jobs we would be best suited for. I remember that there was a graphic with a bunch of engineering and design professionals on it, and the architect happened to be standing in the middle, so I chose them. Then I discovered that architecture actually looked pretty cool, and the rest is history. I think it helped that my parents heard I was interested in architecture and started taking me to places like the Biltmore and Colonial Williamsburg!

2. What is the most unusual medium you have used for a model, and what did it represent?

I used papier mâché to represent large, curvilinear ‘wings’ on the base of a building that acted as acoustic shields for the rest of the design.

3. What is the best studio trip you have been on so far?

Definitely going to Venice last fall!  We got to attend the Biennale, and even presented a project in cooperation with several other studio classes. It was an amazing experience.

4. What is the best advice you have received from a professor or mentor?

This is paraphrased, but Mikesch Mueke once told me that architecture is the sort of profession that takes passion. If I’m not sure about it, if I can’t find joy in the designs I’m creating, then I need to take a step back and reevaluate whether architecture is what I want to do with my life. It’s the reason I declared a second major in art history.

5. How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

As a member of IAWia, I’ve gotten to attend several professional events, including a networking workshop and some of the breakfast socials. Also, as a member of the student group at Iowa State, I’ve gotten access to portfolio reviews and lectures which I wouldn’t have otherwise.

This is a selection of work from my studio classes of the last two years. A full portfolio can be found at https://issuu.com/maryazelborn/docs/portfolio.

May Professional Member of the Month

Annamarie Snider

OPN Architects

Architect

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

The most energizing aspect of what I do is coming together as a team to solve a problem or make a new discovery. I work on historic projects and they often require a bit of investigation work and creative problem solving. Those are the moments I look forward to.

2. What is the last interesting book you read?

I’m currently reading, and have been for a long time, One Hundred years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Needless to say, it’s not too exciting. I want to read all the books on every “you should read” list and have my own list I keep adding to. The last interesting book I read was The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*uck by Mark Manson. I enjoyed his perspective and have adjusted my life slowly to focus on where I have true purpose and meaning. Next on my list is You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero. Might as well keep the theme going.

3. What do you worry about and why?

I am currently working on diverting my attention from worrying to doing. Sometimes there are things in life that require action, others you can’t change and must let go, and lastly some you need to tackle or worry on. That said, one of my biggest worries is Climate Change. I believe this is the biggest challenge facing our world as it will change every aspect of our lives.

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

I love Maya Angelou’s quote about success, and it aligns with me internally: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” Often, we focus on the rat race, pouring over social media or others in our profession and personal lives thinking about how we don’t measure up.  None of that matters, you are the measuring stick.

5. Who were the female role models that inspired you?

For me it’s random. It’s my friend who is the patient mom at the dinner table waiting for her kids to eat the last vegetables on their plates every night. It’s Amelia Earhart and Zaha Hadid, who defied traditional gender roles. It’s my best girlfriends who have shared their positive attitudes, insights and support over the years. Deep down it’s every woman, the small achievements and the huge strides each have taken.  

April Professional Member of the Month

Sarah Coleman

Martin Gardner Architecture

Project Architect

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

The most exciting and energizing part of my job is imparting knowledge on the younger generation.  I didn’t realize how quickly almost 20 years would go and now I find myself one of the older ones in the office.  I also love dealing with construction administration. Finding creative solutions to problems in the field is something I pride myself on.  

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

I am currently reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  I had recently heard her interviewed on a podcast I regularly listen to call “Do it Scared” by Ruth Soukup.  Part of the reason I listen to this particular podcast is to help me figure out what my next big goals should be and to keep me pushing myself.  What I am really enjoying about The Happiness Project is how the author sets an area in her life each month to focus on and develops resolutions to track improving her happiness in that area.  Sometimes we just need to reframe our thinking and it completely changes our point of view.

3. What do you worry about, and why?

What don’t I worry about is probably an easier question to answer.  I am a worrier by nature. I think the underlying theme of my worry is thinking “am I good enough.”  In this day and age, it is easy to get caught up in comparing oneself to others and then never feeling like you measure up.  Sometimes you just have to keep making your inner voice say, “you’ve got this and you are good enough.”

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

I look at success as defining and setting goals and then meeting those goals.  I decided I wanted to become an Architect in 6th grade.  Once that decision was made it was easy to track what to do next, do good in school, get an architecture degree, find a job in the field, and eventually licensure.  Even though start to finish took quite a bit of time, I have been licensed since 2012 and my youngest son is now 4. Lately I have kind of felt like I am floundering to find what my next big goal is going to be.  I think it is important to keep pushing ourselves towards something or it can become easy to become complacent.

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

I hope this answer does not sound too cliché but my answer is my mom.  My mom was a teacher. She ran the household and raised 3 kids. My dad was an airline pilot so he was gone a lot, leaving her often to take care of it all.  I was always encouraged and told that I could do anything or be anything I wanted. So that is why I was not intimidated when it came to selecting a career that, at the time, was male dominated.