Nominee’s Name & Job Title: Amber Holycross, AIA, LEED AP ID+C, Vice President Architecture

Nominee’s Company/Affiliation: Wendel

Nominee’s City & State of Employment: Buffalo, NY

What is your management style?

Growing up, my father worked two jobs to provide for my family. From his example of tireless dedication, I learned the importance of servant leadership. I place myself below my team, working to lift them up and support their goals. They in turn support me and help me grow into a stronger leader.

What advice would you give the next generation of leaders in your industry?

Encouraging more women and minorities to enter the design and development professions. We spend our lives in buildings, they need to represent and serve the needs of the greater population. We create spaces where people can thrive, grow, and find refuge. I encourage those that want to change the climate both literally and figuratively to consider entering the field.

Describe what you would consider to be ONE of your top career highlights:

I feel passionately about growing the architecture profession. I, along with staff from each of Wendel’s regional offices, developed and implemented the firm’s first structured summer internship program for architecture. A 10-week summer curriculum for the interns where they receive weekly enrichment to supplement their professional and educational learning experience.

What was the most difficult experience you have encountered as a leader?

While leadership can be rewarding it can also be exhaustive. Some part of each day places me into a situation where I am not fully comfortable. To be effective and to grow, this discomfort is necessary. To provide balance to the challenges, I consistently remind myself that the outcome of the hard work is the reward.