What led you to a career in architecture?
Jaime: I grew up in a construction family, my dad was a superintendent for Elder Jones out of Minneapolis, MN, most of my life. He was also a former owner of a concrete company and a small business owner specializing in home remodeling, building pole barns, bunkhouses, and even constructing two of his own homes. So, I was always going to job sites with him and helping him with the many projects he was working on. In high school, I took a housing class and an AutoCAD class, and I fell in love from there!
I studied architecture, civil, and mechanical engineering. I didn’t like mechanical drawing, drawing precise nuts and bolts; it wasn’t for me. Civil was great, it taught me a lot of information I use daily in architecture, and I enjoyed being able to do GIS surveying. But architecture truly pulled me in because we had professional architects teaching us with real ‘in the field’ experience, and their attention to detail was astounding.
My first on-the-job training was working for a civil engineering company for a couple of weeks, and then I worked construction in Minnesota for the remainder of the summer, since architecture jobs were limited in South Dakota. It’s crazy how school has changed so much over the years. I’m grateful for all the technical experience I was able to gain, as well as the construction background I grew up with.
How has your work in architecture influenced the way you view the world around you—cities, people, or even nature?
Jaime: I am one of those people who go into a building or outdoor space and constantly look at all the minute details of how it was built or the design aspects that were incorporated into it. I am often zoned out of conversations because I am too zoned into looking around at everything in the space. I drive by places, take inspiration pictures, and sometimes I have to even say “oh man, I would not have done that” when I see something that I am not a fan of! Architecture is very influential on people. We design our homes to make us happy, we design spaces to be comfortable, we design spaces to be accessible, we choose paint colors or textures to get certain feels or reactions from people; it is all very important. So when I work with clients, I want them to know that when I am working with them, their project is my priority, and their design or ideas are supported and understood. Architecture has influences in my life in more ways than one, and some ways are simply indescribable.
What do you think differentiates JLA from other firms when it comes to our approach to design?
Jaime: We really have this ‘no ego’ approach and really great values we stand by as a firm. We listen to understand what our clients need, and we strive to exceed expectations. We pride ourselves on providing amazing rendering and construction drawings. We don’t push projects out just to get them done. We have a high attention to detail and an inclusive team that works hard and great with each other—we build off of each other and support each other. Trust is strong here, we rely on each other, and we aren’t afraid to ask the questions we need to get the jobs done.
What Are some of the challenges You are seeing in architecture right now?
Jaime: One of the biggest challenges in architecture right now is keeping up with changes to building codes. Wisconsin will be updating its codes soon, and while that’s necessary, it can be expensive. If we don’t update them in a timely way, it can end up costing clients more in the long run and slow down the building process.
My hope is the state considers offering tax breaks or grants when the new codes roll out. That would help offset the costs and keep construction moving forward.
Another challenge is that different cities or counties can interpret the same rules in different ways. This can make it confusing, even when we try our best to follow the rules. It’s not always easy! And if you’ve ever tried to read a building code book, let’s just say, it’s not light reading. Some of it can really make your head spin!
What advice would you give young designers just starting out?
Jaime: I honestly recommend starting at a technical school. It was one of the best things I did for my career. I gained so much experience and technical drawing skills during my associates degree, that when I went for my bachelor’s degree, I was already years ahead of the others in technical capability. I truly believe it is what has helped advance my career to this day.
Also, if you are interested in designing, take art classes in high school, take AutoCAD classes, SketchUp, Lumion, Revit, etc. classes. Any class option you are offered early on, do it. Learn how to read a tape measure, that is pretty important, too! Seriously, though, have fun at creating, researching and asking questions. Reach out to an architecture firm to shadow if you are interested in learning more about architecture. We are always looking to teach others about our industry.
What is a noteworthy project you have worked on at JLA? What are you currently working on?
Jaime: The View at Huxley Yards, an affordable housing development going up in Madison on the old Oscar Meyer site. This building stands out because of our great internal team and how well we work together. It is also unique because it is a WHEDA project with specific design guidelines we have to follow on top of building codes and accessibility codes, so incorporating all three has been challenging at times. Other projects I am currently working on are: Seven20 East Washington, Apex at Verona, Park Reserve Stacked Flats, and I recently just finished the new JLA Milwaukee office remodel.
Jaime Anderson, Associate AIA, is a Senior Project Specialist/Project Manager in JLA’s Milwaukee Office. She is a graduate of Minnesota State University-Moorhead and Lake Area Technical Institute. Jaime has been with JLA since 2022.
ABout Eye for Architecture
Welcome to Eye For Architecture, a blog series that brings you behind the scenes and into the personal journeys of professionals shaping the built environment. From early inspirations and academic challenges to pivotal projects and lessons learned on the job. Eye For Architecture offers a candid look at the journey, the passion that drives their work, and how each team member found their own eye for architecture.