September Professional Member of the Month

Sirina Reed

DLR Group

Architectural Designer

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

Right now, the most exciting aspect of my current position is learning all the details that go into a project. A lot of steps in creating an actual building are not taught in school and I think it’s exciting (and a bit overwhelming) to learn what the profession is all about.

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton. My favorite part of this book was reflecting on the idea that buildings can bring out specific aspects of our personalities. It speaks about how your surroundings and environments can tap into your psychological layers that may not be easy to access everywhere.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am very new to the professional world. Being a year and a half out of school I am proud of everything that I have learned thus far. I am also proud that I am a part of organizations outside of work, like iaWia, ACE Mentor, and NOMA. These organizations are important in bringing different perspectives and knowledge to designing that will also guide me throughout my professional career.

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

I define success in my career and designs simply by improving the way people live. I really believe that architecture and the built environment can influence people’s day to day lives. Success for me isn’t defined by awards, statistics, or data, but by how I can improve the environment and someone else’s life. Whether that’s sustainable design, creating aesthetically pleasing architecture, creating comfortable and exciting workplaces, or solving any problems that clients may have.

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

My mother is my biggest female role model. She may not know anything about design or architecture, but she has always supported me and my dreams. Especially when I was 8 years old drawing home plans and elevations. She always told me to keep going and would come home with sketchbooks and pencils. She knew what my passion was and did not make me feel like I should do anything else. She taught me to be independent and strong in all aspects of life.

August Professional Member of the Month

Martha Norbeck

C-Wise Design & Consulting LLC

President

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

What makes me most proud is when team members have that ah-ha moment and proceed to embrace green building strategies and tools beyond that single project and I can witness how that shift continues to reverberate within the building community.

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

“No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference” by Greta Thunberg. Her words are succinct and piercing. Such an inspiration.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

DART Central Station was the first project that solidified my understanding of the way the Integrative Process should work. We were able to achieve LEED Platinum because the whole team was rowing in the same direction. We used LEED to set early measurable goals and stuck with them.

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

I would define success as knowing that I am doing something that makes a difference-making every building that I am affiliated with a little better. I can measure my success by the number of LEED-certified projects I have been associated with, energy targets achieved and occupants who tell me they love working in their space. Ultimately, my success is derived from the conviction that my persistence has value.

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

So many amazing women to choose from. Two particular women come to mind. One is my former structures study partner in grad school, Michelle Teague. Michelle is committed, sharp, kind, and committed to doing excellent work. Most notably, she commanded the space that was rightfully hers in a situation, and never anything less. I aspire to channel her spirit. Second is Jenine Benyus, author of Biomimicry. She is a quiet force who surrounded herself with strong women, found a niche, and flourished within it.

2019 IAWIA Annual Report

Iowa Women in Architecture: Annual Report for year ending September 30, 2019

The Bylaws require the Board of Directors to distribute an annual report to the membership. Between August 2018 and September 2019, Iowa Women in Architecture expanded to a membership of 52 members, 17 firms participating as corporate members, and a community of 318 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, 2019, 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 2018/2019 (09/25/18)

• Filed Biannual Report with the Secretary of State (March 2019)

• Transitioned iaWia website to platform allowing online membership renewal (04/15/19)

• Submitted Annual Report to iaWia Membership for Review

• Submitted Ballot for Offices for 2019/2020 (09/24/19)

Membership Data

• 52 individual members (paid through individual option)

• 17 corporate members (firms or organizations)

  • 74 individual members paid through the corporate membership option

  • 5 platinum corporate members

  • 5 gold corporate members

  • 7 silver corporate members

• 318 participants on email list

• 430 “likes” on Facebook Page

 

Events and Activities:

Open to full membership and/or the public.

• September 2018 – Kick-off Event with keynote speaker Whitney Warne hosted at KCL Engineering

• October 2018—Event B with Sarah Madden from Principal Financial Lunch keynote over financial self-care.

• November 2018—DSM Breakfast Social part 1 of the Impact Series (Psychological Self Care). Hosted at Vino209 moderated by Julia Dellitt a leader in healthcare content strategies at Wellmark.

• January 2019—Student Portfolio Review at Iowa State hosted at Café Diem in Ames. This event was attended by approximately a dozen students to review their portfolios in advance of the career fair in February.

• January 2019—Breakfast Social part 2 of the Impact Series (Financial Self-Care). Hosted at Mars Café in Capital Square moderated by Jill Goedken, owner of Speccetera.

• February 2019—Hosted a Booth at ISU Design Career Fair

• March 2019—Event C Physical Health in the Workday with panelists Annika Peick with Powerlife, Dr. Laura Rehmer with Whole Health Des Moines, Abby Gillard with Select Physical Therapy, Jane Reasoner and Natalie Jensen with Confluence, and Lauren Grant with Zestful Kitchen.

• March 2019—Breakfast Social part 3 of the Impact Series (Professional Self-Care). Hosted at Vino209 and moderated by Leisha Barcus, CEO of the Greater Des Moines YMCA.

• April 2019—Event D, unHappy Hour Event, a collaborative social event with Polk County Women Attorneys (PCWA). Guest Speaker Jennifer Zwagerman, Associate Director of the Drake Agricultural Law Center and Director of Career Development. Hosted at Peace Tree Brewing Company and sponsored by KPFF Engineering.

• May 2019—Event E, Downtown Biking Tour. Joint event with Commercial Real Estate Women in Iowa (CREW) and Urban Landscape Institute (ULI). Carbon 550 apartments, 111 E. Grand Mass Timber Construction, The Scott at East Village Apartments, and Climb Iowa. The group ended at Ernie’s for a networking and social.

• June 2019—Breakfast Social part 4 of the Impact Series (Inter-relational Self Care). Hosted at Mars Café and moderated by Hope Wood, JD.

• August 2019—Event F, ICIW Tour in Mitchellville, a collaborative event with Commercial Real Estate for Women (CREW), Urban Landscape Institute (ULI) and International Interior Design Association Great Plains Chapter (IIDA).

• August 2019—Breakfast Social part 5 of the Impact Series (Physical Self Care), hosted at Vino209 and moderated by Ami Hokomoto from Capital Row.

• The Cedar Rapids/Iowa City group held monthly breakfast socials (11 total) which followed the Thrive Series Workbook as well as independent articles on off months.

Media and Communications:

Facebook reach statistics, as generated by Facebook: Total “Likes” as of 09/30/2019: 430.

LinkedIn Statistics: 381 connections.

Newsblasts: 19 emailed to iaWia email lists throughout the year for various announcements and invitations. Average percentage of email opens, 37.9%.

II. VOLUNTEERS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND RECORDS

Board of Directors: Officers were elected and committee chairs were appointed at the annual membership meeting on 9/25/2018 (according to By-Laws).  The Oct 2018 – Sept 2019 fiscal year Board Included:

• Chair: Director of Communication & Outreach – Heidi Pollmann [Eli Goll moves to this position Oct 2019 – Sept 2020]

• Vice Chair, Director of Education & Programs – Eli Goll [ moves to Chair Oct 2019]

• Director of Accounts – Susanne Roesch [term up September 2019]

• Director of Records & Archives – Andrea Ytzen [term up Sept 2020]

• Committee Co-Chairs, Communication & Outreach – Katie Maki and Paige Oppenhuizen (Hubbard) [appointed by committee]

• Committee Co-Chairs, Education & Programs – Shannon McGee and Heidi Willis [appointed by committee]

• Committee Co-Chairs, Membership – Susan Judkins and Lyndley Kent [appointed by committee]

• Student Group Representative –Leslie Forehand (2018/19 School Year) [ liaison to iaWia Student Group, appointed by Board]

• Co-Liaisons, AIA Iowa – Lisa Kalaher [annually appointed by AIA Iowa in December]

• Past Chair – Naura Heiman Godar [Heidi Pollmann moves to this position Oct 2019 – Sept 2020]

• Registered Agent – Naura Heiman 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: 11/2/2018; 12/7/2018; 1/4/2019; 2/1/2019; 3/1/2019; 4/5/2019; 5/3/2019; 6/7/2019; 7/2/2019; 8/2/2019; 9/6/2019. Minutes are available upon request from the Director of Records and Archives.

 

Treasury (through 09/30/2019):

Committee Meetings and Action:

For 2018 – 2019, 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: Maggie Dougherty, Lyndley Kent, Heidi Pollmann, Katie Maki, Jasmine Au, Paige Hubbard and Anna Bednarko.

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

• Accomplishments:

  • General: Introduced Instagram account and highlighted members, events and member resources (articles and podcasts)

• Initiatives on Deck:

  • Creation of Corporate member of the month

Education + Programs:

• Committee Meetings: Held on the second Wednesday each month from 7:30 – 8:30 AM at INVISION Architecture in Des Moines, IA. Regularly attended by 2 - 4 people; group has 13 individuals on the committee list.

  • Thank you to the following participants who volunteered their time and effort on this committee: Eli Goll, Holly (Pohlmeier) Ernst, Naura Godar, Jill Boetger, Brenda Nelson, Susan Judkins and Kierstyn (Feld) Feldlavy.

• 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: Cedar Rapids/ Iowa City group consistently held own monthly breakfast socials and grew their outreach significantly. 

  • Researched and secured insurance Special Event Insurance and Management Liability Insurance for 2019-2020.

 

Membership:

• Accomplishments:

  • Increased individual membership (through individually paid option and by corporate member paid option) by 37 members.

  • Increased corporate members by 25 members.

  • Connected committees with interested members.

  • Maintained membership roster and email list.

• 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.

• Student Liaison, Leslie Forehand, resigned from ISU and let the Board know she would be stepping down as Liaison in summer 2019

• Student Board: Kierstyn Feld, Madeline Schmidt,  

• Accomplishments:

  • Students presented their Research on “Gender Disparity with Instructors and Jurors in Architecture School” at the Kick-Off Meeting (September 2018)

  • ISU Design Career Fair (February 2019)

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

  • Officially recognized as ISU Student Organization

  • Established social media presence (@iowastateiawia on Instagram)

  • Developed and published Student Chapter Bylaws

  • Hosted Suzanna De Baca (Business Publications Corporation President) lecture

  • Hosted Portfolio Night with IAWIA professionals

  • Hosted Puppies and Pizza event during Finals Week (May 2019)

 

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: Danielle Herman (President), Danielle Herman (Secretary), Tonia Householder (Treasurer), Toi Sullivan (Director), Kayla Ohrt (Associate Director), Deborah Hauptmann (ISU Representative), and Nicole Becker (AIAS Preseident). Lisa Kalaher has agreed to serve as the AIA Iowa Liaisons to iaWia through the end of the year.  

iaWia member Tonia Householder was awarded the prestigious AIA Iowa Young Architect Award at the September 2019 Awards Banquet

 

AIA National Update:

Many Iowa Women in Architecture Members attended the 2019 AIA National Convention in Las Vegas, NV, although our group did not present this year.

One iaWia member received prestigious AIA National awards in 2019:

• Jessica Terrill, AIA Young Architect Award

Women’s Leadership Summit, Minneapolis, MN (September 2019)

• Three iaWia members attended the WLI in Minneapolis. Chair, Heidi Pollmann was a member of the planning committee.

 

Additional Accomplishments:

• National and Statewide Outreach

  • 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. In 2018-2019 the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City group was the only active statewide group.

  • Cedar Rapids/Iowa City

             Liaison:  Brenda Nelson (Confluence)

    • Accomplishments: This group hosted breakfast social every month, and provided their own article topics for months when they weren’t discussing the Thrive workbook.

    • The group had steady attendance at every breakfast social.

• Collaborations:

  • Polk County Women Attorneys, CREW, ULI, and IIDA

• iaWia member, Eli Goll was televised on the local ABC affiliate station at eh iaWia/PCWA unhappy Hour event to promote equity within the design professions

III. LOOKING AHEAD

General Organization:

• Roles to fill for the 2020 - 2021Board: Vice Chair and Director of Records and Archives

• Finalize the role definition of committee chairs and board members to ensure a more continuous transition during Board/Committee transitions.

• Finalize the Bylaws update to incorporate amendments, reflect current operations and provide language needed to reinforce non-profit status and related regulations.

 

Treasury:

• 2019-2020 Iowa Women in Architecture Approved Budget

Looking Ahead - Education and Programs:

• Goals:

  • Continue to empower student group to attend IAWIA events and host their own.

  • Work on AV and technology consistency to record IAWIA events and lectures and host them on website.

  • Grow IAWIA statewide outreach. Garner more memberships outside of central Iowa. Identify and support key liaisons from other regions to help promote and organize events.

  • Grow Des Moines Education and Programs Committee.

  • Continue to build relationships through informal networking socials.

  • 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.

• Initiatives on Deck:

  • The year ahead will theme on the Impact Series, an initiative that encourages exploring how design and designers can impact the world around us for IAWIA membership.

    • Develop Impact breakfast series and workbook for 2019/2020.

  • Continue to explore collaborative events with the Polk County Women’s Attorney’s (PWCA), Commercial Real Estate for Women (CREW), Urban Landscape Institute (ULI) and International Interior Design Association Great Plains Chapter (IIDA).

  • Explore collaborative events with Women in Construction, Iowa Architectural Foundation, and foster partnership events with AIA Iowa, NEXUS, and Iowa State University.

Looking Ahead - Communications and Outreach:

• Co – Chair: Kati Maki and Anna Bednarko

• 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.

Looking Ahead - Membership:

• Continue to increase individual memberships;

• Work with corporate membership and firms to utilize the membership categories better

 

Looking Ahead - Student Group:

• Student Group Liaison : Ann Sobiech Monson

• Student Coordinators: Elizabeth Mahr (President), Mary Azelborn (Vice President) Emma VanZante (Secretary), Kelsey Maier (Treasurer)

• Initiatives on Deck:

  • Boost morale

  • Gain membership

  • Facilitate smooth transition between the current and next year’s Board

  • Host speed mentoring session (March 12)

  • BYOB (Bring Your Own Banana) Ice Cream Social (April 14)

  • Increase dues collection in future years

Looking Ahead - StATEWIDE OUTREACH:

• Hosta kick-off event at Cedar Ridge Winery (CR/IC) and have Chair attend.

• Continue to have monthly breakfast socials in Cedar Rapids/Iowa City.

• Advertise the Reduced Fee Membership option to non-Central Iowa potential members.

• Record lectures from all Central Iowa events and edit and upload to our website for remote viewing opportunities. Alex Michl (OPN Architects) has agreed to do a beta test, pro bono, for the December 2019 event.

• Coordinate with regional contacts about the potential for larger, regional events.

• Continue the CR/IC’s involvement with the Kirkwood Community College interior design and architecture collegians.

• Recognize liaisons in Sioux City and Dubuque to assist in growing our iaWia membership.

• Recruit Education and Programs committee members from outside of Central Iowa.

Looking Ahead - NATIONAL OUTREACH:

• Pursue collaborative AIA National Convention (Los Angeles, CA) seminar speaking opportunity with AIA NY titled, “AIA Women in Architecture: A Coast to Coast Exchange”

• Update Women in Design Display and display at Central States Regional Convention in Des Moines, IA in September 2020.

• Re-submit for the ASLA National Conference (Miami, FL October 2-5)

• Continue to explore partnership opportunities with organizations in neighboring states.

• Kick off BPR Task force to update our Best Practice Recommendation

• Reiterate that firms with Corporate Memberships can participate in the Firm Survey as a benefit to their membership

• Encourage firms to participate in the Case Study Surveys (develop Task Force to spearhead)

In our ninth 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: Heidi Pollmann, ASLA, 2018-2019 Chair.

July Professional Member of the Month

Caitlyn Hayward

Martin Gardner Architecture

Interior Designer

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

I love being able to use my creativity and intuition each and every day, and designing beautiful and accessible spaces with my amazing team!

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

The most recent book I’ve finished is Everybody Always by Bob Goff! In it, Bob tells some of the extraordinary stories of his life, which vividly illustrate ways to intentionally love and know the people around you.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am the proudest of my very first project I was involved with from start to finish, the Kalona Community Center. I was integrated into every aspect of the project, and our team worked incredibly hard together. Seeing the final result was my first taste of knowing I can make a difference in a community!

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

Success is knowing that you can make a difference. Celebrate each and every victory with those you care about, no matter how small!

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

My mom is someone who has shown me what sacrificial work ethic and love looks like every day of my life. I have seen her work hours on end for our family, not only to provide but to show us how to be a committed part of an effective team. One other strong role model in my life is my high school drama teacher, Mrs. Krum. She taught me to own my sense of style, and to be confident in my voice!

June Professional Member of the Month

Hannah Roush

Heery Design, A SLAM Studio

Architect

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

I thrive on compiling information through new experiences and exposures. From crafting specifications to preparing for publications, engaging healthcare professionals to mentoring future architects, and solving issues on the construction site to programming hospitals, I am constantly gaining insight and developing interconnections.

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

I am drawn to books to escape my daily surroundings and usually find myself nose deep in a fiction novel when I have some spare time. At the other extreme, in the past few years, I have read books on natural birthing, baby sleeping habits, nourishing meals for toddlers, and parenting techniques. The book I started most recently though, has to do with neither. Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink speaks to the events at the New Orleans hospital during Hurricane Katrina. I hope to find some wisdom applicable to my work in healthcare design.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Several years of my career were devoted to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, where patients and families can now find treatment and healing. There are many aspects of this work that give me pride. Personally, I grew in my career from an intern to a licensed architect, throughout this project. Early on I focused mainly on producing documentation and assisting in the design, over time I gained responsibilities in coordination with consultants, presenting to hospital representatives, and developing solutions during construction. The building itself was thoroughly designed and detailed, including aesthetically pleasing solutions as well as code conformance and cutting-edge healthcare delivery methods. When I come across articles on new research created in this building, Member of the Month social media posts from friends finding themselves and their families receiving care, and ‘The Wave’ at the Iowa Football games, my pride is re-ignited.

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

A successful life is a balanced life.

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

My mother and grandmothers are strong women with close-knit families, who also pursued careers. They taught me to value and strengthen family ties, but also to find passion and drive outside of my family.

May Professional Member of the Month

Cassandra Coffin

Rohrbach Associates

Project Designer, BIM Manager

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

The people I work with and the variety of project types we do. I love coming in and seeing the passion and creativity around me. It drives me to work harder each day.

2. What was the last interesting book you read?

I’ve recently been going through political biographies, the most recent is The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama. The last architecture related book I read was Architecture of the Absurd: How “Genius” Disfigured a Practical Art by John Silber.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am proud of all my projects and my ability to adapt and learn new technology to help my office move forward.

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

Success is being able to do what you love every day and be proud of that work.

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

.Three stand out. The first was my highschool CAD/technology teacher Ms. Freebolin who advocated that I pursue architecture and exposed me to different aspects of the profession early on. The second is Kate Schwennsen, FAIA who encouraged me to pursue my own educational path at Iowa State and blend both of my passions - law and architecture. The third is my mother, who has always supported me and has one of the best work ethics I have ever seen.