YPC 2016 President Elect

Abby Rodewald

Young Professionals Connection (YPC) Board Position: President-Elect

Hometown: Hudson, Wisconsin

Alma Mater: Iowa State University

What do you do? Landscape Architect at Genus Landscape Architects

Q&A

What’s a day in your job like? Fortunately, the days at my job are always different. Working for a small firm allows me opportunities to really immerse myself in the full spectrum of what landscape architecture is. Some days I may be searching site furnishings and paving patterns, while other days I’m drafting construction field reports and working with clients. A majority of my time is spent working with other designers to elevate our built environment and create spaces for people to enjoy. I work on mostly larger scale, commercial developments or city improvement projects from corporate headquarter buildings to city streetscapes and public parks.

What are your passions outside of work? When you’re not at work, what will we find you doing? I love being active. When the weather is nice you will most likely find me on the Greater Des Moines (DSM) trails either running, biking or taking my dog for a walk.  I also enjoy trap shooting, hunting, camping and really just about any activity that gets me outside.

Where’s your favorite (something) in Des Moines? I love the wide range of things to do in Des Moines from unique bars and restaurants to civic and community attractions.

What is something you would like to see added or changed about Des Moines? I would love to see less parking and more public spaces in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). The plethora of parking spaces available really makes Downtown DSM non-conducive to alternative forms of transportation like walking or public transit.  

What’s a piece of career advice that has served you well? Find an effective outlet for stress. The industry of landscape architecture can be a lot to handle for workload demands. Many days we are pulled in several challenging directions and the left hand does not always know what the right hand is doing. We constantly outline schedules to better manage work flow, but many days a fire ignites and blows it all up. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received was that stress and challenges in the workplace are inevitable, no matter what your field is. Finding an escape and learning to handle challenging situations is what separates a good designer.

What projects have you been involved with in YPC? Over my past three years in YPC I’ve been involved in a variety of YPC projects. Everything from helping to plan the 2015 Inaugural Gala to multiple years of the Golden Circles Games and everything in between.  I’ve volunteered on every committee YPC offers and even served as the 2015 Ambassador Coordinator and 2015 Athletics Coordinator.