2019 is a big year for Evolution Architecture, our team, and our clients! This year we’ll celebrate four years in business, a move to our wonderful new location at the historic Old Rainier Brewery in Seattle, and continued expansion of our team!
As we close Women in Construction week (March 3 – 9), it seems fitting for me to not only launch our official blog where we’ll be talking about project highlights, events, and happenings in and around the Seattle construction scene but to highlight the wonderful, talented women working alongside me at Evolution Architecture.
Wondering where all this inspiration is coming from? Look no further than the Museum of Flight #WICweek breakfast where we gathered earlier in the week, along with industry peers to hear Angie Simon, President of Western Allied Mechanical, share her story. Angie’s recounting of her successes and challenges, along with insights into how she overcame obstacles at a young age in a male dominated field was nothing short of inspiring. If you’ve never heard Angie present, her ability to add comic relief to gender diversity, a topic I imagine most women in our industry are familiar with, was a welcome takeaway.
In the spirit of celebrating all the women who work hard everyday to shape and grow the construction industry here’s a look at our growing team of women who inspire our clients (and me) on a daily basis!
Sameth Fridge
Design Associate
"I'm a huge believer that diverse backgrounds bring different perspectives and there's a place for everyone here in this industry"
What is it about the construction industry that you find appealing?
I love that the work we do directly impacts our community in a positive way and that the industry itself is constantly evolving to serve the needs of the community alongside a focus on sustainability.
Did you have a mentor in your early career?
I had several mentors and learned a great deal from each of their unique styles that I leveraged to establish my own, unique design philosophy.
What stand out characteristics do you believe a mentor should have?
In addition to experience, a mentor should have patience and remain open to new ideas. An important learning from one of my mentors who always encouraged me to put myself out there by joining multiple associations was to invest in myself first through a commitment to continual learning.
What made you choose Evolution Architecture?
The Evolution Architecture company culture aligns perfectly with my core values and I wanted to be a part of an innovative business model that promotes professional judgment and expertise.
What advice would you give other women who would like to work in the construction industry?
It’s important to remember that all women who want to join our industry have the ability to make important contributions regardless of their background. Personally, I’m a huge believer that diverse backgrounds bring different perspectives and there’s a place for everyone here in this industry.
Maria D'Ambrosio
Architect
"Patience, willingness to answer a lot of questions, and passion for what you do"
What is it about the construction industry that you find appealing?
Shaping the built environment and playing a part in improving the world through quality design work.
Why did you choose to become an Architect?
I liked the idea of a job that combines a level of artistic and creative sense with real world constraints, budgets, and problem solving.
Did you have a mentor in your early career?
My dad is an architect and I absorbed a lot of the ins and outs of the field just by being around him and his craft. In high school I began working on projects with him and learned even more. While not a formal mentor, my dad helped shape my path in this career.
What characteristics make for a good mentor?
Simple: patience, willingness to answer a lot of questions, and a passion for what you do.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy the transformative nature of many of the projects we work on, which gives new life to existing buildings. As a firm, we add a lot of value to society and the natural and built environment by renovating and preserving existing buildings rather than always starting new. I gain a tremendous amount of satisfaction from designing and working through to the end result on these types of projects.
As we wrap up Women in Construction Week, my hat goes off to the inspiring women I’m working with both on my team and as clients. I also appreciate the camaraderie and support through the affiliations and partnerships we’ve built but at the end of the day, I still feel most honored to continue working with the best of the best in our industry regardless of gender! Thank you all for your support, the Evolution Architecture team is looking forward to 2019 and we hope you are too!
2019 is a big year for Evolution Architecture, our team, and our clients! This year we’ll celebrate four years in business, a move to our wonderful new location at the historic Old Rainier Brewery in Seattle, and continued expansion of our team!
As we close Women in Construction week (March 3 – 9), it seems fitting for me to not only launch our official blog where we’ll be talking about project highlights, events, and happenings in and around the Seattle construction scene but to highlight the wonderful, talented women working alongside me at Evolution Architecture.
Wondering where all this inspiration is coming from? Look no further than the Museum of Flight #WICweek breakfast where we gathered earlier in the week, along with industry peers to hear Angie Simon, President of Western Allied Mechanical, share her story. Angie’s recounting of her successes and challenges, along with insights into how she overcame obstacles at a young age in a male dominated field was nothing short of inspiring. If you’ve never heard Angie present, her ability to add comic relief to gender diversity, a topic I imagine most women in our industry are familiar with, was a welcome takeaway.
In the spirit of celebrating all the women who work hard everyday to shape and grow the construction industry here’s a look at our growing team of women who inspire our clients (and me) on a daily basis!
Sameth Fridge
Design Associate
"I'm a huge believer that diverse backgrounds bring different perspectives and there's a place for everyone here in this industry"
What is it about the construction industry that you find appealing?
I love that the work we do directly impacts our community in a positive way and that the industry itself is constantly evolving to serve the needs of the community alongside a focus on sustainability.
Did you have a mentor in your early career?
I had several mentors and learned a great deal from each of their unique styles that I leveraged to establish my own, unique design philosophy.
What stand out characteristics do you believe a mentor should have?
In addition to experience, a mentor should have patience and remain open to new ideas. An important learning from one of my mentors who always encouraged me to put myself out there by joining multiple associations was to invest in myself first through a commitment to continual learning.
What made you choose Evolution Architecture?
The Evolution Architecture company culture aligns perfectly with my core values and I wanted to be a part of an innovative business model that promotes professional judgment and expertise.
What advice would you give other women who would like to work in the construction industry?
It’s important to remember that all women who want to join our industry have the ability to make important contributions regardless of their background. Personally, I’m a huge believer that diverse backgrounds bring different perspectives and there’s a place for everyone here in this industry.
Maria D'Ambrosio
Architect
"Patience, willingness to answer a lot of questions, and passion for what you do"
What is it about the construction industry that you find appealing?
Shaping the built environment and playing a part in improving the world through quality design work.
Why did you choose to become an Architect?
I liked the idea of a job that combines a level of artistic and creative sense with real world constraints, budgets, and problem solving.
Did you have a mentor in your early career?
My dad is an architect and I absorbed a lot of the ins and outs of the field just by being around him and his craft. In high school I began working on projects with him and learned even more. While not a formal mentor, my dad helped shape my path in this career.
What characteristics make for a good mentor?
Simple: patience, willingness to answer a lot of questions, and a passion for what you do.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy the transformative nature of many of the projects we work on, which gives new life to existing buildings. As a firm, we add a lot of value to society and the natural and built environment by renovating and preserving existing buildings rather than always starting new. I gain a tremendous amount of satisfaction from designing and working through to the end result on these types of projects.
As we wrap up Women in Construction Week, my hat goes off to the inspiring women I’m working with both on my team and as clients. I also appreciate the camaraderie and support through the affiliations and partnerships we’ve built but at the end of the day, I still feel most honored to continue working with the best of the best in our industry regardless of gender! Thank you all for your support, the Evolution Architecture team is looking forward to 2019 and we hope you are too!