Bio:
The great architect, An associate principal at Cushing Terrell, Shannon leads the firm’s project managers and Billings architectural team. She gives back to the profession most notably in support of the next generation. Active with AIA and NCARB, she is a fierce advocate and mentor for aspiring architects through her work as an Architect Licensing Advisor. A volunteer and foundation board member for the Billings Public Schools, she is passionate about inspiring and empowering young people to help shape our world.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I knew I wanted to be an architect in seventh grade. After completing our piggy bank projects in wood shop class, we learned how to draw differ- ent block configurations in plan and elevation. I was hooked. I still have the elephant piggy bank too!

What do you do?
I am a trusted advisor to our clients, leading teams on projects that shape our communities. As a supervisor, I mentor team members on their career journeys, serve as advocate, and help them strategize to reach their goals.
 
What excites you in the work you do?
Being a part of creative teams. Whether it is leading a project team, listening and helping team members grow, engaging with client teams, or volunteering with fellow community members, I always find energy from the great people around me.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Knowing that as architects we can change lives and our communities. Not only through the built environment, but also by influencing society and culture on imperatives such as climate change, social justice, equity, the economy, and health.
 
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
That graduated From Architecture school and i have received a people’s choice Award in the one of the completion.

Featured Project Name: 
Olsen Ortho Studio
 
Featured Project Location: 
Billings, Montana
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
July 10, 2015

Role in Featured Project: 
Project Manager and Project Architect
 
Featured Project Description:
Olsen Ortho Studio’s goal was to improve the patient experience by bringing the calming effect of nature to the mechanical experience of getting braces. Our solution was to blur the line between outside and inside, orienting the building to leverage landscape, sunlight, and studio workflow. Connecting two landscaped patios, the lobby hosts a waterfall to control acoustics. Patient chairs have creekside views, while the interior design focuses on the soothing parent-child relationship.

Photography Credit:
James Ray Spahn