2019 Women in Building Services: Elizabeth Kirchhoff, SWBR

Name: Elizabeth Kirchhoff

Title: Project Designer

Company Name: SWBR 

How many years have you been in your current field? 6

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? 
Something I am proud of this past year is beginning a new job in a different sector of the building industry. Learning more about designing low income housing and senior living communities has been a rewarding challenge because each project I am involved in is improving the lives of others.

What trend(s) do you predict to dominate your industry in 2019? 
The use of technology has been a dominant force during my time in the industry, but focusing on improving efficiencies in building design and technology will continue to grow in importance over the next year. We continue to look for more efficient ways to use BIM technologies in the design phase and how to reduce material waste/labor or use panelized construction methods during construction.

Which of your philanthropic endeavors are you most proud of? 
I have been a mentor for the ACE organization for five years. We give high school students interested in architecture, construction, or engineering a chance to learn about the industry with exciting, hands-on activities. It has been such a rewarding experience seeing students come back as interns or even employees.

What does it mean to you to be a team player? 
Being a team player is about recognizing the talents and contributions of each team member and how to help your team work together to give the end user the best possible product.