American Institute of Architects Florida Southwest Featured Architect
Coffee Talk with Stephanie McPherson
October 2020
American Institute of Architects Florida Southwest
Coffee Talk
October 2020 – Stephanie McPherson
How long have you been with your current firm and what is your position?
Studio+ 3 years
Construction Administrator | Architect
What is your must have item?
Day Planner / Calendar and Moleskine Journal. I have tried paperless, but it is not for me. I write everything down; I highlight and color code different tasks, meetings, errands and even days off. I use the Moleskine Journal to sketch, write project notes, list of things to do, and document site visits and field observations.
Favorite song?
Boys of Summer by Don Henley
Favorite quote?
“Make room for things that matter by removing everything that doesn’t” - Brian Gardner
Favorite building?
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Spain by Antonio Gaudi
Were there any particular influences early in your career?
We moved to Miami when I was entering 9th grade and a counselor at my new school asked what I was interested in. I replied drawing and rearranging my furniture in as many ways possible. He suggested drafting and from that point forward I wanted to be an architect. During my first 4 years as a designer I had many mentors but when I switched to CA, I had 1 mentor that taught me everything I know about CA.
What makes you passionate about your daily work?
I love being part of the solution and consider myself a problem solver along with a people pleaser. I challenge myself to beat or meet deadlines to keep the information flowing from the design team to the contractor. I also enjoy working in a team setting where we collaborate on resolutions to problems.
How do you bring back your inspiration, when you feel unmotivated or do not have a productive day?
When I am overwhelmed or just do not know where to start because there is so much to do I clean my desk. I will throw things away, organize, file paperwork, stack paper in neat piles, and start fresh. Clutter makes me feel frazzled; I need a clean organized workspace.
Can you tell me a specific skill that helped you to develop yourself and your career?
Being Tall! Working in a male dominated field has its challenges but I think that my height has given me an advantage.
What is the biggest challenge you have run up against during a project?
Technology. The client’s perception is that with today’s technology we can produce construction documents faster. So, everything is rushed on an unrealistic timeline and we do not have time for quality control and coordination between disciplines. This makes the construction administration side of a project more challenging.
What development would you like to see in the architecture field in the next five years?
Expand inclusiveness and diversity within the profession through K-12 and higher education by establishing ways to advocate for effective paths into the architecture profession. We need to focus on engaging racially and ethnically diverse students, women, and underrepresented groups.
What have proved to be watershed moments for your practice?
Attaining my architecture license was no easy feat for me; starting when it was pen and paper and transitioning to computer generated testing. I was elated when I finally passed that last exam. Passing the General Contractor exam was really an achievement I am proud of.
What are some of the opportunities and challenges your office faces now?
Covid-19 is changing the way we design buildings. We are seeing a trend for more automation to mitigate contagion, with COVID-19 speeding up development of all types of touch-less technology such as automatic doors, voice-activated elevators, cellphone-controlled hotel room entry, hands-free light switches and temperature controls.
Who are your two favorite Florida architects?
Addison Mizner and Carl Abbot.
What trends do you feel are important in Architecture/ Design today?
From a CA perspective BIM, Navisworks and other clash detection programs are important today in assisting the Contractor and Architect in finding items to be addressed prior to finding it during construction.
What do you find most challenging about being an architect in southwest Florida?
Creating a more diverse culture within the profession. We need to engage students in K-12 and higher education to educate them about architecture by volunteering our time and mentoring. Supporting young people holds the power to effect systemic change both in and out of the profession. I participate in the Take Stock in Children Program, STEAM, and volunteer with the Arts in Education Program at NFMAA; educating our youth is of upmost importance.
What is your goal when it comes to your work? What do you want to be remembered for? My goal is to make the project as successful as possible by working hand in hand with the Contractor and Owner as a team by communicating well and providing support. I hope to be remembered as someone who works well with others, is authentic, and builds other people up.
What advice would you give to young architect’s starting out today?
Get a mentor. Find people who have skills and roles that you aspire to; this is instrumental to your career advancement. Mentorship is a two-way street; offer up your time and share your knowledge. Network. A strong network will make your job easier and foster opportunities. Practice Public Speaking. While this is terrifying for some it is an invaluable trait and will come in handy at presentations. Always ask for a raise and counter the first offer you get. They want to see that you are eager and can negotiate.
Coffee Talk
October 2020 – Stephanie McPherson
How long have you been with your current firm and what is your position?
Studio+ 3 years
Construction Administrator | Architect
What is your must have item?
Day Planner / Calendar and Moleskine Journal. I have tried paperless, but it is not for me. I write everything down; I highlight and color code different tasks, meetings, errands and even days off. I use the Moleskine Journal to sketch, write project notes, list of things to do, and document site visits and field observations.
Favorite song?
Boys of Summer by Don Henley
Favorite quote?
“Make room for things that matter by removing everything that doesn’t” - Brian Gardner
Favorite building?
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Spain by Antonio Gaudi
Were there any particular influences early in your career?
We moved to Miami when I was entering 9th grade and a counselor at my new school asked what I was interested in. I replied drawing and rearranging my furniture in as many ways possible. He suggested drafting and from that point forward I wanted to be an architect. During my first 4 years as a designer I had many mentors but when I switched to CA, I had 1 mentor that taught me everything I know about CA.
What makes you passionate about your daily work?
I love being part of the solution and consider myself a problem solver along with a people pleaser. I challenge myself to beat or meet deadlines to keep the information flowing from the design team to the contractor. I also enjoy working in a team setting where we collaborate on resolutions to problems.
How do you bring back your inspiration, when you feel unmotivated or do not have a productive day?
When I am overwhelmed or just do not know where to start because there is so much to do I clean my desk. I will throw things away, organize, file paperwork, stack paper in neat piles, and start fresh. Clutter makes me feel frazzled; I need a clean organized workspace.
Can you tell me a specific skill that helped you to develop yourself and your career?
Being Tall! Working in a male dominated field has its challenges but I think that my height has given me an advantage.
What is the biggest challenge you have run up against during a project?
Technology. The client’s perception is that with today’s technology we can produce construction documents faster. So, everything is rushed on an unrealistic timeline and we do not have time for quality control and coordination between disciplines. This makes the construction administration side of a project more challenging.
What development would you like to see in the architecture field in the next five years?
Expand inclusiveness and diversity within the profession through K-12 and higher education by establishing ways to advocate for effective paths into the architecture profession. We need to focus on engaging racially and ethnically diverse students, women, and underrepresented groups.
What have proved to be watershed moments for your practice?
Attaining my architecture license was no easy feat for me; starting when it was pen and paper and transitioning to computer generated testing. I was elated when I finally passed that last exam. Passing the General Contractor exam was really an achievement I am proud of.
What are some of the opportunities and challenges your office faces now?
Covid-19 is changing the way we design buildings. We are seeing a trend for more automation to mitigate contagion, with COVID-19 speeding up development of all types of touch-less technology such as automatic doors, voice-activated elevators, cellphone-controlled hotel room entry, hands-free light switches and temperature controls.
Who are your two favorite Florida architects?
Addison Mizner and Carl Abbot.
What trends do you feel are important in Architecture/ Design today?
From a CA perspective BIM, Navisworks and other clash detection programs are important today in assisting the Contractor and Architect in finding items to be addressed prior to finding it during construction.
What do you find most challenging about being an architect in southwest Florida?
Creating a more diverse culture within the profession. We need to engage students in K-12 and higher education to educate them about architecture by volunteering our time and mentoring. Supporting young people holds the power to effect systemic change both in and out of the profession. I participate in the Take Stock in Children Program, STEAM, and volunteer with the Arts in Education Program at NFMAA; educating our youth is of upmost importance.
What is your goal when it comes to your work? What do you want to be remembered for? My goal is to make the project as successful as possible by working hand in hand with the Contractor and Owner as a team by communicating well and providing support. I hope to be remembered as someone who works well with others, is authentic, and builds other people up.
What advice would you give to young architect’s starting out today?
Get a mentor. Find people who have skills and roles that you aspire to; this is instrumental to your career advancement. Mentorship is a two-way street; offer up your time and share your knowledge. Network. A strong network will make your job easier and foster opportunities. Practice Public Speaking. While this is terrifying for some it is an invaluable trait and will come in handy at presentations. Always ask for a raise and counter the first offer you get. They want to see that you are eager and can negotiate.