FORUM

March 2023

Our Newest Fellow

I Am A Proud Member Of The American Institute Of Architects (AIA) Because... it’s OUR professional organization. It educates, supports and looks after us. It makes us stronger as a professional group that is tending to get marginalized overtime. It also serves as a vehicle that allows us to get together to share stories and experiences which provides a deeper connection with our members and lets us have some fun!

I was born at Sunrise Hospital in 1966. It seems like the next day I started wanting to be an architect. I graduated from Chaparral High School, spent two years at UNLV, finished my Bachelor’s degree at University of New Mexico and received my Masters degree from the University, Illinois Urbana Champaign. I was President of AIA Las Vegas, then life took over when I had two wonderful baby boys. I taught fourth year studio briefly at UNLV. I started Aptus in 2003 - in September we will celebrate our 20 year anniversary!!! I’ve been fortunate to practice architecture in our valley for a long time and hopefully have contributed and added to the quality of life and sense of community.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned? To be humble and patient. Still learning…

Where will you be in 20 years? Hopefully at my drawing table with music in the background collaborating with fun, talented and passionate colleagues.

What person, living or dead, would you most like to talk with? Ramen with Maya Angelou and Benjamin Franklin

If you were to change one thing about our profession today what would it be? We need more education on the business side of architecture. It will allow more understanding and patience about our profession when starting and a higher rate of success when venturing out. And–it might make me sound old–but I would make learning how to hand draw a requirement!