2020 Ones to Watch: Kristin Purdy, SWBR

Name: Kristin Purdy

Company: SWBR 

Title: Associate, Project Architect, Sustainable Design Manager

Education: Bachelors of Science in Architecture, University at Buffalo (2007)

How do you contribute to your community or your profession?
I enjoy mentoring emerging professionals and students interested in architecture to help grow and promote the profession. As SWBR’s sustainable design manager, I have presented on sustainability in and out of the office to inform clients and the community about environmental issues to safeguard our planet for future generations. As a member of SWBR’s Board of Directors, I work with the Board to identify and advance strategic initiatives for the firm to achieve the company mission, vision, culture, and values.

What led you to your current profession?
Since the 10^th grade, I have wanted to be an architect. I was walking along the beach on a family vacation and saw other families enjoying their homes on the ocean. I looked at my mother and told her I wanted to design spaces that made people happy like that. Here I am years later a registered architect!

What do you like most about your job?
The optimal building design will foster people’s success and I have had the privilege to work on many meaningful projects. I enjoy using creativity and technical skills to help my clients and my firm design solutions that improve the building occupant’s experience.

Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by the mentors and the support they have provided, both professionally and personally, on my career journey. Since high school, I’ve had many mentors who have influenced me and the architect I am today. I have been fortunate to work with, for, and alongside several people who have been mentors during my career. These individuals have not only taught me work-based skills, but also leadership and people skills. Each one of them has left a lasting impression on me for which I am grateful.