What does it mean to be the chief advocate for the AIA?

A huge part of my job is to communicate the value of design professionals to policy-makers and to the public. Iowa’s architects play a vital role in our everyday lives — community planning, housing, sustainability, building codes, historic preservation and more. Our association is the voice for architects who quietly practice their profession.

What attracted you to the organization?

AIA Iowa and its national parent organization are highly respected trade groups. Architects design visually pleasing vertical structures that are sustainable and functional. But, more importantly, architects are responsible for health, safety and welfare of the general public. Architects are also problem solvers. The far-reaching impact of the people in this industry attracted me.

Are you a designer at heart?

I am no designer, but I’ve always appreciated quality design. Today we expect buildings to be functional and lasting and attractive. Ninety-nine percent of the time we don’t think of the talent and hard work it takes to create that structure.

What is the industry’s greatest challenge?

Because of the significant economic uncertainty, businesses have been hesitant to start major building projects. That has hurt our industry for several years. Business leaders are looking closer at every component of their bottom line. One area many businesses forget to look at is energy efficiency. Good design makes a difference. Architects can help businesses save real money by being smarter about how they use resources. Architects have become true project navigators in that they can design the aesthetics of a structure and help find qualified contractors in construction and engineering and other areas to help move forward any project. We need to better explain the new roles architects can play in a project.

What do you consider your greatest career achievement to this point?

Finding creative ways to move goals forward. I worked for Mike Reagen at the (Greater) Des Moines Chamber (of Commerce Federation) in the late 1990s and he taught me to be relentless in focusing on the organization’s goals and to always have my ducks in a row. While at the chamber, we found new ways to assertively promote our metro to the world. At the Iowa Bankers Association, I changed a money-losing department to a significant revenue generator while cutting staff. While at Wixted Pope Nora Thompson, I refined a customer, client, prospect tracking program. Wherever you work today, you must be adaptable.

What is unique about managing an association as opposed to a for-profit business?

For-profit businesses exist to make money by selling products and/or services. Associations exist to assist their members in achieving overarching industry objectives. Association work is all about promoting and protecting the members who make up your industry. … the ground is always shifting in association work.

How did you make your first dollar?

It was actually my first $5 for cleaning the dirt and grime off the outside of Mrs. Margaret Bartelt’s house in Perry. I was 10 years old. My parents framed the money. My father said I should look at the framed currency and be reminded of how hard it was to earn my first income. I still have that first five dollars in a frame at home.

What do you do for recreation?

We have three daughters who are very active. I hate to miss any of their activities. They are my recreation for the time being, and I am enjoying every minute of it.