TZL 1549 (web)

ON THE MOVE PROJECT ARCHITECT L. LORRAINE JACKSON REJOINS KAI IN DALLAS- FORT WORTH, TX OFFICE KAI has announced the rehiring of L. Lorraine Jackson, AIA, RID, NOMA as a project architect at its Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, office. Jackson previously worked for KAI as a project architect from June 2018 to January 2023. As a KAI project architect, Jackson is poised to elevate the company’s design standards to new heights. Her visionary approach aims to enhance internal design processes and overall product quality. With a passion for innovation and excellence, Jackson will foster a spirit of collaboration among the entire project team, both internal and external. She is dedicated to leveraging industry best practices and maximizing the use of all available resources, ensuring that every project not only meets but exceeds expectations. Jackson’s commitment to delivering outstanding results aims to help KAI achieve remarkable design outcomes, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to budget, time, and quality standards. “KAI is thrilled to have Raine return to KAI

after a brief time away,” said KAI Managing Partner Brad Simmons, FAIA. “Raine is an experienced architect with a passion for community projects. During her previous years with KAI, she was a valuable member of our Design practice in DFW, showcasing her talent and flexibility on an impressive range of project types. Raine’s return to KAI as project architect is a terrific example of a talented and respected team member ‘coming home’ to take on a larger leadership role in our rapidly growing DFW Design practice.” Jackson is a dynamic, Texas-registered architect and interior designer with over 14 years of experience. Her impressive career design portfolio includes the new H.S. Thompson Elementary School, South Oak Cliff High School and H.I. Holland Lisbon Elementary School in the Dallas Independent School District; renovations to Sam Houston High School in the San Antonio Independent School District; and new McCowan Recreation and Aquatics Center in Desoto, Texas. Jackson is a graduate of Kansas State University’s College of Architecture, Planning, & Design where she received a master’s degree in architecture. She

also has advanced knowledge of many graphic communication programs, including Microsoft Office programs, Adobe Creative Suites, AutoCAD, REVIT, SketchUp Pro, SU Podium, and more. She is a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects and sits on the board of the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter. She was also named recipient of a DFW NOMA Young Leader Award. She works to inspire change as the IMPACT Award Co-chair on the board of the North Texas Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE). She is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and an AIA Dallas 2021 Emerging Leaders Program graduate. An award-winning designer, her work on the Dallas County South Government Center was featured in the Beyond the Build Environment SAY IT LOUD(er) exhibition in collaboration with AIA San Antonio, Women in Architecture. Beyond the office, she is the owner and lead artist at WanderBrush Studio, a traveling Paint & Sip Studio in the Dallas area which allows her to combine her passion for people, art and entrepreneurship.

Now let’s examine the role that managers play. Manager and organizational support for employees who want to be involved in company committees is essential. Managers can support their employees by having open conversations with them about their interests and goals. Remind them of the different ways they can participate in the company and follow their passion. Work with employees to understand how joining a company committee can be balanced with their workload – some committees may only require one hour of dedicated time per month and still providing the benefits described above. In summary, participation in company committees strengthens an employees’ engagement, sense of belonging, and innovation. It can also help employees develop their leadership skills and diversify the pool of employees who are developing leadership skills and good candidates for promotions. Manger support is key. While it can be difficult to balance typical job duties with committee involvement and other non-billable tasks, the benefits to the employee and organization are worth it. Lalitha Benjaram, EIT is diversity and inclusion program manager at Mead & Hunt. Contact her at lalitha.benjaram@ meadhunt.com.

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invisible diversity of our leadership teams. Committees provide an opportunity for employees of different backgrounds to gain leadership skills and experience, which in turn makes them strong candidates for promotions. These leadership skills will also directly benefit their performance as part of project teams. 3. Building strong relationships. Company committees provide opportunities for employees to collaborate across disciplines and locations to build relationships. These connections are especially critical for employees who work remotely and/or identify as underrepresented groups in our industry; having a support network can make the difference between navigating challenging situations and leaving the company or industry altogether. Strong peer connections also lead to overall job satisfaction and informal mentor/mentee relationships. 4. Increased productivity, innovation, and growth. Engaged employees feel included and know they are contributing to the direction of the company. Employees that feel engaged and valued are also more productive. When they feel heard, appreciated, and connected to the organization they put in extra effort to achieve project and organizational objectives. Company committees can foster innovation by encouraging creative thinking and problem solving.

THE ZWEIG LETTER AUGUST 12, 2024, ISSUE 1549

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