HVAC Designer
"I had the privilege of learning from some of the best at BR+A early on in my career. Being on-site and getting to work with an entire design and construction team as they built a new hospital gave me foresight into what makes a project and team successful."
Tell me about yourself.
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago alongside 3 sisters. I went to University of Missouri - Columbia and moved to St. Louis after graduation. I’ve been in St. Louis for almost a decade and have grown to really love the community; its food scene, its parks, and its people. I’ve done the Chicago Marathon and am currently training for the Colfax Half in Denver this May. I’m a dog mom to Archer, a 3-year-old Golden Cavapoo, who is also my running buddy. I love to play golf, do Pilates, spend time with family and friends, and spend time outside. My husband Matt and I got married about a year and a half ago and are enjoying our newlywed era. With my family all over the country, we travel a lot!
What does your typical day look like?
I'm an early riser and usually start my day with a run through Forest Park or Pilates class before starting the workday. For the last 3 years, I've been working on-site for one of our healthcare projects. Each day is different, which is one of my favorite parts about my job. Spending the workday in a jobsite trailer means working with all the people involved in the project. Getting to work with the Owner, Architects, Contractors, and Trade Partners on a day-to-day basis to build a new healthcare tower has been an invaluable experience. Before being co-located on the job site, I was part of the Design Team, so seeing a 3-D model become reality was not only rewarding, but an incredible learning experience. With the Project nearly completed, I spend 1 day on-site each week, and a few days traveling each month, otherwise I'm at the office working on new projects collaborating with design and construction teams. The constant problem solving and team culture make my workday enjoyable.
What’s your favorite part about working here?
There are many, but my top 3 are the people, the complexity of projects, and the wealth of opportunity. I started in the St. Louis Office when it had just opened, and it’s been an amazing experience to be part of the growth. I had the privilege of learning from some of the best at BR+A early on in my career. From being on-site and getting to work with an entire design and construction team as they built a new hospital, gave me foresight into what makes a project and team successful.
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
WUMC Campus Renewal Project Phase 1 and 3 have been the most significant in my career. I had the opportunity to be on-site during the end of construction Phase 1, which was an invaluable experience. I was part of the design team for Phase 3 of the project and had the opportunity to see that design through construction. From day one of my career, I have been working on the WUMC Campus Renewal Phase 3 Project, and nine years later I have seen it go from 2-D sketches to a 16-story building in my neighborhood. Living right near campus, I see the positive impact it has on the community. Little did I know, I would become one of the first patients in that hospital, but it gave me a sense of comfort knowing that I was getting the best healthcare in one of the most advanced facilities in the country. I spend a lot of time in Forest Park, which is adjacent to the hospital campus, and I have an immense sense of pride seeing the skyline of Hospitals from the park. It's so gratifying to be part of an industry that creates physical buildings that make a difference in the health of our region.
What inspires you?
What inspires me most is the opportunity to see and give back to those in need. Making a meaningful difference in someone else's life, whether it's through mentorship, service, or support, gives purpose to the work I do and keeps me grounded in what really matters. Another source of inspiration for me is taking ownership of my own path by making thoughtful decisions and being accountable for the outcomes. The balance of service to others and personal responsibility motivates me to grow and lead with intention.
Tell me something about yourself that I wouldn't know from reading your resume
Before I chose to go down the path of Engineering, my Mom and I started a small baking business called ‘Sugar Fairies’. I have always loved to bake but after working at a bakery in high school, I learned how challenging the industry is and felt like it was not something I could pursue. I still find any excuse to bake but just for neighbors, friends, and family.
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
Victor, Idaho/The Tetons is one of my favorite areas in the country. [My partner and I] spend time there every year skiing and hiking with family and friends. We also got engaged and married there so it will always be a special place to us!
What's the greatest lesson you've ever learned in your career so far?
Build connections and trust with people in the industry, chances are you will work with them again, or work with them in the future.