Name: Amber Holycross AIA, LEED AP ID+C
Title: Vice President, Architecture
Company: Wendel Companies
Where are you from? Olean, NY
How many years of experience do you have? 18 years
Why did you choose architecture as a profession? As a young child I enjoyed building physical spaces out of anything I could find around the house. As I grew up, I was always intrigued by urban spaces and the built environment. Visiting cities excited me. Studying and practicing within the field of architecture has allowed me to combine my passions with my interests in art, math and science.
What Industry of Architecture do you work in? My experience is fairly diverse. I've worked on residential (single and multi-family), historic adaptive reuse, commercial, retail, educational, institutional, and healthcare projects
Best project or most unique/favorite project? My favorite projects have been adaptive reuse conversions into residential, mixed-use. I worked on three such projects while at Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation. The final redevelopment was the Mentholatum Building on Niagara Street in Buffalo. The project team came together and did a really amazing job transforming the iconic building. To this day, I smile every time I pass it. As architects, we seek opportunities to change our communities for the better and leave a little piece of ourselves in our work for posterity. This project gave that to me.
What is the most inspiring part of your job? Everyday I am inspired by the projects I work on and the amazingly talented people I work with. I have worked at several firms and companies throughout my career and I am grateful for the project opportunities I have been entrusted with as well as all I have learned from my diverse teams.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues architects will face in the coming years? Reversing the damage we have done to the environment is the most pressing challenge facing architects. We are responsible to be leaders in the movement through action, education and innovation.
Are there any other college degrees other than architecture you would recommend that has helped your career? I am currently completing a Master of Professional Studies in Commercial Real Estate at Georgetown University with expected graduation in May 2022. Working in commercial real estate has allowed me to leverage my design background with my interests in the greater process of implementing a private development project. I have been exposed to purchasing, entitlements, financing, design, construction, and ongoing property ownership/management. Understanding all aspects of the process has helped me to become a stronger architect and provided me with alternate views of a project.