2011-2012 Participants
Christie Boron, AIA, LEED AP
CR architecture + design
I have a strong desire to be the best leader I can be. I am seen as a leader at CR and am continually asked to set up and take control and be part of committees that lead our firm. I believe we learn and develop by surrounding ourselves with other effective leaders. I am always trying to find new mentors in my life that can help guide and influence me. Ever since a young age I have found myself taking leadership positions, whether it was captain of a sports team, Student Council, President of AIAS, Retreat leader, Woman in a male-dominated profession, etc. I love to imagine the possibilities and surround myself with individuals who want to push the envelope and take “controlled” risks. This seems like the
perfect group to align with my passions and beliefs.
CR architecture + design
I have a strong desire to be the best leader I can be. I am seen as a leader at CR and am continually asked to set up and take control and be part of committees that lead our firm. I believe we learn and develop by surrounding ourselves with other effective leaders. I am always trying to find new mentors in my life that can help guide and influence me. Ever since a young age I have found myself taking leadership positions, whether it was captain of a sports team, Student Council, President of AIAS, Retreat leader, Woman in a male-dominated profession, etc. I love to imagine the possibilities and surround myself with individuals who want to push the envelope and take “controlled” risks. This seems like the
perfect group to align with my passions and beliefs.
Douglas Burkey, AIA, LEED AP
RWA Architects
For the past ten years, Residential Architecture has been the focus of my career. The spaces I design as a residential architect are intimately important to a person’s daily life. What is important to one person may not be to another. Thus, communication between the architect, client and contractor is key to having a successful project. My hope through being involved with the VISION program is to not only enhance my communication skills, but also become a better leader enabling me to have continued success throughout my career.
RWA Architects
For the past ten years, Residential Architecture has been the focus of my career. The spaces I design as a residential architect are intimately important to a person’s daily life. What is important to one person may not be to another. Thus, communication between the architect, client and contractor is key to having a successful project. My hope through being involved with the VISION program is to not only enhance my communication skills, but also become a better leader enabling me to have continued success throughout my career.
Jeffrey Ewart, LEED AP
Hixson Architecture, Engineering, Interiors
I look at the architectural profession through a “balanced lens” that brings a realistic, yet creative view to problem-solving: Balance of Design and Business practices; Balance of Architecture and Engineering; Balance of Cost and Dreams; and Balance of Work and Life. I love the passion and dedication of our profession. I have also found, however, that the “creative design process” that comes naturally to architects also has significant application to the challenges of life and business. Applying these skills to “life’s challenges” in general, not necessarily to just the built environment, is a broader application of the Architect’s viewpoint and value.
Hixson Architecture, Engineering, Interiors
I look at the architectural profession through a “balanced lens” that brings a realistic, yet creative view to problem-solving: Balance of Design and Business practices; Balance of Architecture and Engineering; Balance of Cost and Dreams; and Balance of Work and Life. I love the passion and dedication of our profession. I have also found, however, that the “creative design process” that comes naturally to architects also has significant application to the challenges of life and business. Applying these skills to “life’s challenges” in general, not necessarily to just the built environment, is a broader application of the Architect’s viewpoint and value.
Shawn Feigh, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
GBBN Architects
I have a strong desire to be the best architect and leader I can be. I have strived to be an active leader in my firm at GBBN Architects and within the AIA both in the local and state chapters. I believe that to be the best you must surround yourself and work with the best around, which is what this Vision Program offers to young professionals and future leaders. As Vince Lombardi said "leaders aren't born they are made, and they are made just like anything else, through hard work, and that is the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal." Through continuing hard work, striving to be the best, and working with the best in the Architectural Profession, we can be the leaders of tomorrow.
GBBN Architects
I have a strong desire to be the best architect and leader I can be. I have strived to be an active leader in my firm at GBBN Architects and within the AIA both in the local and state chapters. I believe that to be the best you must surround yourself and work with the best around, which is what this Vision Program offers to young professionals and future leaders. As Vince Lombardi said "leaders aren't born they are made, and they are made just like anything else, through hard work, and that is the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal." Through continuing hard work, striving to be the best, and working with the best in the Architectural Profession, we can be the leaders of tomorrow.
Christopher Scott Graham, AIA, LEED AP
LWC
I understand that one goal of this program is to fill a void of folks within our generation which seem to be absent from leadership roles within our industry. This is likely due, in part, to a shift in attitude from our predecessors about work and civic duty. For many within our generation, work has become merely a means to pay the bills. In order to truly emerge as a leader, both in community and industry, one must have a passion for the work that they do and how this passion and expertise can be used to better the community. I believe, whole-heartedly that the work of the architectural industry can shape not only the built environment but those who experience it. I feel that I do have the passion
for the work that our industry does and how it can shape the environment around us.
LWC
I understand that one goal of this program is to fill a void of folks within our generation which seem to be absent from leadership roles within our industry. This is likely due, in part, to a shift in attitude from our predecessors about work and civic duty. For many within our generation, work has become merely a means to pay the bills. In order to truly emerge as a leader, both in community and industry, one must have a passion for the work that they do and how this passion and expertise can be used to better the community. I believe, whole-heartedly that the work of the architectural industry can shape not only the built environment but those who experience it. I feel that I do have the passion
for the work that our industry does and how it can shape the environment around us.
Bryan Greene, AIA
Champlin Architecture
My biggest failure has been my lack of active involvement in organizations outside my “9-5” job. A goal of mine is to selectively seek opportunities within the profession and beyond that I hope will mhelp me grow professionally and personally as well as allow me to bring my skill sets and expertise to the table to help better my community/society. I am ambitious and goal-oriented. I see myself as a future firm leader. I am eager to improve upon skills I already possess and to develop those I am currently lacking. I hope to always continue absorbing knowledge which will help me be a better architect and citizen.
Champlin Architecture
My biggest failure has been my lack of active involvement in organizations outside my “9-5” job. A goal of mine is to selectively seek opportunities within the profession and beyond that I hope will mhelp me grow professionally and personally as well as allow me to bring my skill sets and expertise to the table to help better my community/society. I am ambitious and goal-oriented. I see myself as a future firm leader. I am eager to improve upon skills I already possess and to develop those I am currently lacking. I hope to always continue absorbing knowledge which will help me be a better architect and citizen.
Zoe Hardy, AIA
Tilsley & Associates
My greatest challenge in the last few years has been the transition from straight ‘worker bee’ to project‐manager. Since I’m in a small firm I still do a fair amount of my own drafting, the transition to handing the bulk of this work to partly‐trained co‐ops and recent grads has been a challenge. So many times I find myself feeling like I’m wasting more time marking something up 3 times for someone else to draft correctly than it would take me to just draft it the way I want it myself.It is an interesting change in perspective to go from doing to telling, and has stretched my interpersonal communication and time management skills beyond what they were just a few years ago. Thought it is definitely
still a work in progress. I try to seek out and study the style of people who have
that special leadership gift, who engenders in their team members a drive to be and do
their best.
Tilsley & Associates
My greatest challenge in the last few years has been the transition from straight ‘worker bee’ to project‐manager. Since I’m in a small firm I still do a fair amount of my own drafting, the transition to handing the bulk of this work to partly‐trained co‐ops and recent grads has been a challenge. So many times I find myself feeling like I’m wasting more time marking something up 3 times for someone else to draft correctly than it would take me to just draft it the way I want it myself.It is an interesting change in perspective to go from doing to telling, and has stretched my interpersonal communication and time management skills beyond what they were just a few years ago. Thought it is definitely
still a work in progress. I try to seek out and study the style of people who have
that special leadership gift, who engenders in their team members a drive to be and do
their best.
Monica Lowry, AIA
FRCH Design Worldwide
I will bring a unique and diverse point of view to the VISION program. I am eager to learn and excited at the prospect of being a part of this amazing program. My interest is piqued even further when I hear excellent feedback from my peers who have previously participated in the program. I really look forward to learning from the panelists and my fellow VISION participants. I recognize that while I am doing well in my career, I need to continually challenge myself and grow as a leader within my company and profession. I believe that the VISION program can be an important element as I try to continually hone
my skills and elevate my contributions to architecture.
FRCH Design Worldwide
I will bring a unique and diverse point of view to the VISION program. I am eager to learn and excited at the prospect of being a part of this amazing program. My interest is piqued even further when I hear excellent feedback from my peers who have previously participated in the program. I really look forward to learning from the panelists and my fellow VISION participants. I recognize that while I am doing well in my career, I need to continually challenge myself and grow as a leader within my company and profession. I believe that the VISION program can be an important element as I try to continually hone
my skills and elevate my contributions to architecture.
John Millar, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
THP Limited
The Vision program is very exciting and a program that I think a profession needs badly. I believe life is a balance of family, work, and the community. I think it is important to always make the place you have been better than when you arrived; whether picking up a piece of trash or volunteering to lead a group at work. I see the Vision program as a way to pull together my love of architecture and community service.
THP Limited
The Vision program is very exciting and a program that I think a profession needs badly. I believe life is a balance of family, work, and the community. I think it is important to always make the place you have been better than when you arrived; whether picking up a piece of trash or volunteering to lead a group at work. I see the Vision program as a way to pull together my love of architecture and community service.
Daniel Montgomery, AIA, LEED AP
MSA Architects
I have been working as a Project Architect for 6 years now. I have gone through a leadership training course, the "Leading Edge," but it was offered through the West Chester Chamber Alliance and was not geared at all to architects. This more specific training would supplement the real life training I’ve received from being thrown into the position of Project Architect and the more general training I’ve received from being a part of the Leading Edge.
MSA Architects
I have been working as a Project Architect for 6 years now. I have gone through a leadership training course, the "Leading Edge," but it was offered through the West Chester Chamber Alliance and was not geared at all to architects. This more specific training would supplement the real life training I’ve received from being thrown into the position of Project Architect and the more general training I’ve received from being a part of the Leading Edge.
Jason Schneider, LEED AP BD+C
KZF Design
I understand that the Vision program is not a passive event; one must contribute in order to succeed. I’ll get out of the program what I put into it. I also see this as an opportunity to hone skills; communication and presentation to be exact. Lastly, this is a program where I will have the opportunity to speak with and be mentored by highly experienced professionals. I intend to take the lessons learned and share them with others. It would be selfish not to do so.
KZF Design
I understand that the Vision program is not a passive event; one must contribute in order to succeed. I’ll get out of the program what I put into it. I also see this as an opportunity to hone skills; communication and presentation to be exact. Lastly, this is a program where I will have the opportunity to speak with and be mentored by highly experienced professionals. I intend to take the lessons learned and share them with others. It would be selfish not to do so.
Steve Scott
K4 Architecture
I learned that no one person can know everything about a project. We all have areas of strengths and weaknesses, and a good manager recognizes his weaknesses and surrounds himself with support staff that compliment his skill set. By recognizing each team member for their strengths, they were eager to take ownership and responsibility for their portion of the project, and ultimately feel more responsible for the projects success. I am an individual who wants to be involved and make a difference in the community around me. I encourage and push the people around me to want more from their life and career; to better themselves and their family; to give back to the community and to leave their mark.
K4 Architecture
I learned that no one person can know everything about a project. We all have areas of strengths and weaknesses, and a good manager recognizes his weaknesses and surrounds himself with support staff that compliment his skill set. By recognizing each team member for their strengths, they were eager to take ownership and responsibility for their portion of the project, and ultimately feel more responsible for the projects success. I am an individual who wants to be involved and make a difference in the community around me. I encourage and push the people around me to want more from their life and career; to better themselves and their family; to give back to the community and to leave their mark.