My experience has been great so far. I have many generations of women to thank for paving the way for my generation. I also have AREW (Association of Real Estate Women) to thank for giving me a wonderful network of women to interact with. HOK was very supportive of my career as is Levien & Company, which is actually a female-majority firm.

In what ways has the industry changed over time and how have these changes impacted you?

I've been out of school for about seven years now, so I've really only seen one major change, which is the economic downturn of 2008. At first, I had no idea that could happen and then I learned that it actually happens in cycles over time. I was fortunate to have remained employed throughout the entire recession, but it really taught me a lot about sacrifice, resilience and business relationships. I will take those valuable lessons with me throughout my career.

What's your favorite building or structure – anywhere in the world – and why?

I would have to say that my favorite structure at this moment in time is the High Line. Not because it is such a cool place, but because of the story and the transformation that it has facilitated in that part of Manhattan. In many ways, it gives me hope for Detroit. I still believe that design has enormously transformative powers and I aspire to use design as a tool for positive change. In fact, while at GSA, I created the concept for an organization that is now becoming a valuable asset in the world of Public Interest Design, a field that I am very passionate about. The organization is called SEED (Social, Economic, Environmental Design) and it is network, evaluation tool and certification process that encourages and facilitates good design by way of triple-bottom-line thinking. Our goal is to help designers and developers balance people/profit/planet, which is one of the reasons why I appreciate the High Line so much.

You're chatting with a woman just graduated with her architecture degree. What advice would you give her to become successful?

I would encourage her follow her passion first and to get her license ASAP before life complicates the already complicated process. I would also impress upon her the value of finding a great network of mentors to help guide her through her career. My mentors are men and women from a wide variety of backgrounds and they have really made all of the difference in my career. It's also really important to pay it forward and mentor younger people who need guidance. To quote The Lion King, it's kind of like the circle of life.