Building Success Through Professional Development

In the ever-evolving field of architecture and design, continuous learning is not just a necessity but a catalyst for success. At Hoefer Welker, we recognize this need and are dedicated to encouraging our team in professional development endeavors. We believe that the external growth of our firm starts internally with the day-to-day efforts of our people.

Our commitment to fostering professional growth is evident through our support for continuous learning and the valuable insights shared by our team members. As we continue to embrace both professional and personal aspirations, we remain dedicated to helping our team achieve their full potential.

To illustrate how we encourage growth, we spoke with three of our team members about their experiences, valuable insights and what initiatives have shaped their careers and professional development. They answered the following questions:

What community-based or professional development organizations are you involved in and what do you find to be most valuable?

“As a member of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, I devote my time to learning from others while simultaneously educating others about the work I do at Hoefer Welker. Stemming from my passion for being a servant-hearted leader, I'm also involved in the Texas Fire Chiefs Association and the Texas Police Association. Staying involved and giving back not only furthers my understanding of our community's needs but also helps me stay connected to the people I live and work with. I am also passionate about improving our local community and am heavily involved in the Texas City Management Association. Hearing about areas of opportunity and assessing ways to provide unique needs throughout our community brings great value to my life.”

What personal or professional goals are you currently striving toward and how do you aim to achieve them?

“I aim to continue expanding Hoefer Welker’s presence in the Texas market. Our goal is to make a positive impact in our communities and stand out in the industry. By delivering innovative design solutions, we strive to build stronger relationships and set new standards for excellence in the field of architecture.”

Name a recent achievement or milestone in your career.

“One of my proudest achievements was becoming a principal at Hoefer Welker. Leading the firm and guiding our talented team to success has been incredibly rewarding. It has been fulfilling to drive our vision forward and see our collective efforts make a significant impact in the industry.”

What advice would you give to others who are looking to grow their careers?

“People and circumstances change. It’s important to continuously push for better solutions for your clients. Don’t look for quick solutions; look for the right one.”

What community-based or professional development organizations are you involved in and what do you find to be most valuable?

“Being involved in Centurions [Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program] has been beneficial personally and professionally. The program is founded on three pillars – Learn, Serve and Lead. The program not only allowed me to learn about issues and initiatives facing Kansas City, but taught me more about who I am and who I want to be as a leader. I’m also proud to be a part of the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) large firm roundtable for operations. This year marks Hoefer Welker’s first year of being a part of AIA as an organization. AIA is an amazing resource for building connections with other industry professionals. Additionally, I enjoy being a member of EmpowerLink AEC, a woman-focused organization that revolves around professional development, networking and connecting like-minded individuals to drive career advancement. From working to solve impostor syndrome to formulating ideas for community service, each month I get to tackle a new focus point alongside my peers. It’s rewarding to be around like-minded professionals with a similar mission-driven focus.”

What personal or professional goals are you currently striving toward and how do you aim to achieve them?

“I constantly focus on the big picture. It’s important to think long-term and understand how your accomplishments fit into a long-term plan. Consistency is key to reaching your goals of enhancing your career and perfecting new skills.”

Name a recent achievement or milestone in your career.

“In March, I became an associate principal. Achieving this milestone required a strong professional background and the challenge of not being afraid of change. I’ve found it’s vital to constantly challenge yourself and navigate the best path forward.”

What advice would you give to others who are looking to grow their careers?

“Having a mentor is a crucial aspect of establishing a path of growth. They provide guidance and support, keeping you on track and offering valuable advice. A strong mentor can truly make a difference in your professional growth.”

What community-based or professional development organizations are you involved in and what do you find to be most valuable?

“I enjoy my involvement in and attending the events AIA Kansas City hosts. It’s an honor to be a member of the AIA Education Outreach Committee, which promotes architecture as a career possibility for Kansas City schools. I formerly served as the co-chair of this committee for two years and found joy helping kids discover the resources that benefited me as an early professional.”

What personal or professional goals are you currently striving toward and how do you aim to achieve them?

“Nearing the fifth year of my career in architecture, I’m working toward becoming a licensed architect. As I continue to grow within the firm and as an individual, it’s the support from my colleagues that truly drives my success. They help me understand my strengths and what I am capable of achieving.”

Name a recent achievement or milestone in your career.

“I was awarded the 2022 Emerging Professional of the Year by AIA Kansas City. This was a fulfilling recognition of my hard work and dedication. Career milestones like this are what motivate me to continue pushing my boundaries and striving for greatness.”

What advice would you give to others who are looking to grow their careers?

“In the early years, stay hungry but be patient. Good things take time.”