14C — October 30 - November 12, 2015 — Executive Women in Business — M id A tlantic
Real Estate Journal
www.marejournal.com
Executive Women in Business
Cheryl A. Smith, AIA, LEED AP, Cope Linder Architects LLC I have an uncanny ability to communicate and motivate others
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he helps me balance my over- achieving ideas with reality in a light-hearted, fun-loving way. What impact has social media/networking had on your business? Networking, especially with other professional board mem- bers, has introduced me to many connections that have helped me to be more knowl- edgeable of current building envelope issues. This knowl- edge has contributed directly to my firm, by helping us de- sign higher performing build- ings for our clients. Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about your current position andwhy you chose the field/ profession you are in today. I suppose one could say that design and construction was in my genes; it was what I knew and loved to do as I was growing up. My father was an entrepreneur and a contrac- tor; I learned a lot from him about construction, business, and the development world. I also learned from my mother, who was the taste maker of the family, how to design and become a leader in the commu- nity. I think that I found the best of both worlds because as an architect, I can design great spaces and buildings, but also have an understanding of how things get built that helps me relate to contractors. What qualities and/or per- sonality traits do you feel make you most successful? I never give up; I always think that as a team, we can find a successful solution. I also have an uncanny ability to communicate and motivate others to achieve. What was the most de- fining moment for you in the profession you are currently in? Being nominated for my first board seat on the ACEMentor Program Eastern Pennsylva- nia Affiliate board of directors was extremely rewarding. My involvement in the program and on the board strengthened my confidence and my team leadership abilities. Tell us about your family. I’m the oldest of four siblings, amhappily married to a terrific husband, and have two young adult stepdaughters and sons- in-law with whom we spend a lot of time. Together our family enjoys gardening and canning, wine making and tasting, and continued on page 16C
h a t wa s y o u r greatest profes- s i ona l a c c om-
industry? As a national leader in build- ing envelope technology, I lead much of the firm’s technical side of the practice, from re- views of code and constructabil- ity issues to complex building envelope performance analysis. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? My husband, who is also an architect, has had the stron- gest influence on my career. I see first-hand what he has achieved in business over the years, which in turn has helped me develop my own career. He is my strongest advocate, and
Cheryl A. Smith, AIA, LEED AP Principal Cope Linder Architects LLC Years with company/firm: 25+ Years in field/real estate industry: 25+ Real estate affiliations: AIA, NIBS, BETEC, BEC-Philadelphia, DVGBC
plishment in 2015? 2015 has been simply in- credible for me. I was recently elevated to principal; my team was awarded the opportunity to host the next Building En- closure Science & Technology BEST 5 Conference; and I was selected to serve as the AIA Liaison for NIBS/BETEC, which has opened unique doors for me to connect with both institutions. What was your most no- table project, deal or trans- action in 2015?
My most notable project in 2015 has to be the start of con- struction – after years of work- ing on design and documenta- tion – for a 51-story mixed-use
tower at 15th and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia, to include the city’s first WHotel. How do you contribute to your company and/or the
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