Magic Moment: I was in architecture school when my father, a talented carpenter and wood sculptor, died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 51. Three days before his death he said to me, ‘no matter what you do, be the best that you can be’. I took this to heart and remembered this throughout my entire education and career.

Key Influence: I would say Shiela Penny has been a positive force and an influencer in my career. Shiela is an advocate and pushes for design excellence in the public realm, community involvement in the built environment and sustainable design. What is unique about her is that she leads organizations where these issues can be tremendously challenging because of lack of funding, strong push back and not having the proper collective support. Yet she perseveres with her driving message and moves forward.

Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Equality of women in real estate, design and construction is a challenge. I think it is critical that women support each other in these industries. Not just taking but giving back, and giving and giving back to women. Women to women. It is a give-and-take and women need to do this to move forward in any industry. I don’t think we are as successful as we need to be at it, but I am optimistic.

On Championing Others… I make an effort to demonstrate leadership by motivating, mentoring, empowering employees and architecture students. I believe in lifelong learning and professional development and am an advocate for harnessing the built environment as a vehicle to support health and well-being. I am LEED AP, WELL AP and now WELL Faculty and teach seminars on the WELL Building Standard across North America.

Secret Talent:

Health and fitness has always been an important part of my life. I have completed several triathlons as well as two marathons Including the Boston marathon. Some might say I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie.

I am also the best pencil sharpener around. For me it is one of life’s simple pleasures, therapeutic, meditative, really. It reminds me of architecture school.

One word that captures you: Passionate