July Professional Member of the Month

Kelly Altes

IMEG Corp.

Client Executive/ Principal

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

There are two main drivers that keep me motivated to continue to “show up” each day.  The first one is the team I work with daily.  They are exceptional engineers of all different disciplines!  Lucky for me, I get to work with talented people from all over the US.  This keeps me challenged and constantly learning from our team.  The second one is related to the clients we get to help out with exciting projects.  I enjoy getting to know our clients, how they run their business, what products they produce, and figuring out how our engineering solutions can push their business forward.  

2. What was the last interesting podcast you listened to?

The only podcast I listen to is The Ramsey Show.  I like Dave’s no-nonsense approach to callers with money questions.  More regularly, I am subjected to YouTube channels by my kids!  Mark Rober, Smarter Everyday, and Dude Perfect are family favorites.  

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Becoming a Principal and Client Executive for our firm at age 40.  I have put much of my time and energy into my career, going above and beyond in many cases.  My husband and family have also sacrificed so I could invest what was needed to advance my career forward.  My co-workers have advocated for me and supported my goals for advancement.  While achieving this level at such a young age is a source of great pride, it is also something I fully recognize did not just happen by my actions alone.  

4. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Take the risk.  Your colleagues/peers are taking the risk.  Explore - why are you hesitating?  Is your hesitation based on facts?  Or is it based on your perception?  Test your feelings against facts with a trusted mentor.  It is OK to feel fear, it is part of who you are.  Accept it, set the fear aside, and move forward with the scary thing anyway.  Take the risk.     

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

Most definitely my Mom. She leads by example to show me grit, grace, and compassion for others. Life is not always easy or fair, but how you choose to respond to external factors is entirely in your control!

June Corporate Member Project Spotlight

Corporate Member Project Spotlight: MA Architecture

1201 KEO | 1201 Keosauqua Way | Des Moines, IA

Rehabilitation in progress. Estimated completion date 2022.

This rare-surviving early twentieth-century industrial rug works factory complex is being transformed into a highly desirable mixed-use building. When rehabilitation is complete, this one-of-a-kind complex, including a series of distinctive historic spaces and finishes, will shine as an anchor for the northern edge of Downtown Des Moines with contemporary interiors, modern exterior spaces, and repaired historic architectural character. 

June Professional Member of the Month

Brianna Holden

Bolten & Menk

Landscape Designer

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

When designing for a community, an essential part of the process is working with the locals to collect their input that plays a vital part in where the design is headed. It is the most satisfying part of Landscape Architecture to help communities similar to where I grew up create a sense of place, and guide them in a direction the community wants to go.

2. What was the last interesting podcast you listened to?

I am not too big on Podcasts, but I love a good self-help book. The first self-help book I read was a gift from my first boss “Tools for Titans, by Tim Farris”. This was the perfect book for my transition from college into the professional world.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Seeing designs become built. I would say seeing your sketches on paper become a built environment you can go experience is the biggest feeling of reward.

4. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Always be confident, when you are confident others will become confident in you – and put your ideas out there, there is no such thing as a bad one.

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

A little later in life, but my professor at Iowa State, Caroline Westort. She is the most impressive person I have crossed paths with. She is the reason I dove in deep with 3D animation, which has taken me so far. Because of her, I understand the importance of keeping up with the digital world in our profession.

May Corporate Member Project Spotlight

Corporate Member Project Spotlight: INVISION Architecture

UNI Admissions Center | 2020 | Cedar Falls, IA

The University of Northern Iowa wished to design a building that embodied the UNI spirit – success for their students and graduates. They desired a building that would provide a wow factor and a lasting impression for potential students and visitors while being high-functioning and flexible for Admissions staff.

Maggie Watkins, Kerry Weig, and their team at INVISION collaborated with the University to create a space that provided a dynamic and memorable admissions experience. The 1932 structure was modernized to welcome visitors with built-in café amenities, hospitable seating, and technology walls to share stories that bridge the interest of young generations to seasoned alumni.

#invisionarchitecture

May Professional Member of the Month

Heidi Willis

INVISION

Architect

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

Fostering client relationships to a deeper level than the project energizes me. I love getting to a level in the design process that prompts clients’ hidden interests and passions, creating a more meaningful and invested project for all involved.

2. What was the last interesting podcast you listened to?

My one-year-old keeps me on my toes these days so I haven’t gotten into listening to podcasts, but the next book read on my list is I-Engage: Your Personal Engagement Roadmap by Bob Kelleher.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

I had a goal from the start of my architectural registration exams to have them complete by the time our family grew. I met my goal with a month to spare.

4. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Be uncomfortable. It takes being uncomfortable to grow.

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

Becoming a mother in the past year has put a whole new perspective on the loving and caring charisma of my mother. She has always been there to lend an ear, pick me up when I’m down, and bring me back to earth when I’ve flown too high. She has shown me how to love deeply, listen genuinely, and compete intensely.

April Professional Member of the Month

Madeline Bany

OPN Architects

Intern Architect

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

The variety and collaboration. I really enjoy the fact that I learn something new every day and I never know what I may end up doing week to week. I also love collaborating and solving problems with my coworkers, it is so exciting to work through all the possible solutions to a problem and finally find the one that works!

2. What was the last interesting podcast you listened to?

I listen to music a lot more than podcasts, but I found Noble Blood really fascinating.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Being only a year out of school my biggest accomplishment so far has been being able to see something that I designed, built. It is so rewarding seeing something you have put so much time and thought into, in a place where so many people get to see and interact with it every day.

4. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Ask A LOT of questions, and don’t be afraid of not knowing something. Also, it’s cliché but so true, just be yourself and don’t waste your time trying to be anyone else.

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

My great-grandma has gone through so much in her lifetime and is still one of the strongest, kindest, and hard-working women I know. In the profession, Eli Goll has been an amazing mentor and role model to me. She is so involved in our community and so honest and patient. I feel like I can come to her with anything, which has been a lifesaver being so new to the profession!