Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, 1997, WSU Pullman and WSU Spokane
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, 1997, WSU Pullman and WSU Spokane
President of CIDA
Q: Tell us about your leadership journey at CIDA.
A: I took over as managing partner through a transition that began in 2009, becoming president in April 2013 and majority owner in 2015.
Q: How did you become president and majority owner at CIDA?
A: In 2007 and 2008, CIDA worked with a business coach to identify the future leadership of the firm. We embarked on a period of discussions, problem solving and group activities designed to enlighten the potential group of successors about our business aptitudes. I did not anticipate my selection as future president, nor did the existing president and founder, but at the conclusion of the activities, we stood next to each other, understanding this was our path. I am often asked, ‘Did you always want to own your own company or be president?’ And the answer is no. I was fortunate that the process allowed me to see my potential for success in a leadership role.
Q: Tell us about CIDA and the values that guide your work.
A: CIDA Architects & Engineers is a woman-owned multidisciplinary architecture and engineering design firm based in Portland that was established to provide clients with a value-driven alternative to the traditional architectural firm. Our design philosophy is founded in the belief that architecture is best when it is a true expression of the people and institutions it serves. We listen to understand. We create buildings with simple, well-articulated forms that respond appropriately to both function and environment. Through our core values, we strive to be team-oriented, fun, altruistic, genuine, and dedicated problem solvers.
These values additionally inform our approach to community outreach. CIDAGives was created to give our employees an opportunity to give back and support local non-profits and charities through donations, volunteering, in-kind gifting and other opportunities. CIDA provides employees 32 hours a year of volunteer time off, which creates community engagement opportunities that are meaningful, purposeful and tailored to increase positive impact.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about leading CIDA?
A: My favorite part of my job is seeing clients happy and employees successful. I also love when we make a connection with a client, and they trust us to do a project and know we have their absolute best interest at heart. It is about the wins. Life is complicated and clients are investing a lot while dealing with stress, so seeing when a project meets their needs and hearing them say, ‘This is exactly what we wanted,’ is the ultimate success.
Q: Do you or your family have any Coug traditions — connected to your business or beyond?
A: We have many of our own Coug traditions, including showing our WSU pride whenever we can. That means getting decked out in Coug gear for professional photos, driving cars adorned with Coug emblems and sporting full Coug attire on the golf course. We’ve been lucky to watch Coug games as a family and even luckier to have been back for College GameDay in Pullman. That place was alive!
Q: What does being a part of the Cougar community mean to you?
A: I’d say it’s the close-knit nature of the community. We stick together, support each other and send each other business. I have the best group of friends I met at WSU. If I were to call one of them today, they would answer and be willing to help with whatever I asked.
Q: Tell us about the Cougs in your family.
A: I married into a Coug family. I met my husband Aaron in 1992 at WSU Pullman. My brother-in-law Troy graduated in 1994 with a bachelor’s in food science. My sister-in-law DeAnne got her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech and hearing sciences in 1992 and 1994. My niece Emily is currently attending WSU Tri-Cities to get her Doctor of Nursing Practice, and her husband graduated in 2025 with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering. The tradition might continue as my son, who is a junior in high school, has flagged WSU as one of his preferred schools.
Q: Why did you choose to attend WSU?
A: Until high school, I was raised in a very small town in a mountain community. I knew I wanted to go to school for architecture, but I couldn’t fathom going to a big school. Pullman and WSU offer a small-school experience with large-school resources and education options. It felt like home.
Q: What is the most unexpected or farthest place you’ve met a fellow Coug or heard a “Go Cougs”?
A: I meet Cougs and hear “Go Cougs” everywhere I go. During college and studying abroad I heard it often in Denmark, but I think the furthest I recall after graduation is Cancun, Mexico. I love the sense of community that stretches to all areas.
Q: How can fellow Cougs connect with you and learn more about CIDA?
A: CIDA Architects and Engineers can be found at cidainc.com. The best way to reach me is on LinkedIn or any of the office numbers.