March is Women’s History Month, and we thought it fitting to celebrate the women that shape, contribute to, and inspire every aspect of our practice. Actively engaging in a more inclusive and equitable work place is an integral part of our firm philosophy. This is reflected by the 71% female representation across all levels of staffing at PMA. Below is a snapshot of the women at PMA, from what they contribute to, how they spend time outside of the fast-pace world of architecture and design.
ROLE: Associate / Architectural Designer
EDUCATION: Master of Architecture, University of Oregon; Bachelor of Arts, Architecture, Cum Laude, Clemson University
While at PMA Halimeda has completed numerous projects, primarily with a focus on restoration and building enclosure design for historic civic and educational facilities, and commercial tenant improvements. She understands how to effectively balance a strong design concept with the cost, sustainability, and goals of the client.
Halimeda is passionate about being an active and contributing member of her community and was a director of the local non-profit Open Architecture for 4 years. Living sustainably and mindfully are important to her. She feels rejuvenated when spending time in nature and her garden, making meals to share, playing music with friends, and reading a new book.
ROLE: Associate / Architect
EDUCATION: Master of Architecture, University of Oregon; Bachelor of Arts, Architecture, University of California, Berkeley
Halla is passionate about rehabilitating historic and existing architecture. Her career has encompassed civic structures and sites, K-12 and higher education facilities, affordable housing, and working directly with private development companies on renovation and rehabilitation projects. Halla’s approach balances technical knowledge, while excelling at organizing project processes to maintain schedule and budget.
She is a registered architect in the state of Oregon, and an Associate Design-Build Professionals (Assoc. DBIA). The Design-Build Institute of America is the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build project delivery.
Halla’s favorite thing to do outside of the office is check out all of the different rivers, lakes, and streams throughout the PNW.
ROLE: Associate / Marketing
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts, Art History, Lewis & Clark College
A creative with a background in the arts – a former professional ballet dancer, lifelong painter, holds a Bachelor of Art, Art History – that works within the world of professional services marketing. Her education and professional experience have trained her to visually communicate complex ideas via a creative lens, implement strategic planning framework, and develop client-care best practices.
Giving back to the community has been a common thread throughout Kate’s career and education. She fulfills this through her involvement with local nonprofits by serving on their board of directors, volunteering her services, or assisting with fundraising opportunities. Kate is the current president of Docomomo US/Oregon, a local chapter of a national nonprofit dedicated to moving modern forward.
ROLE: Architectural Designer
EDUCATION: Master of Science of Architecture, University of Oregon; Master of Science in Historic Preservation, University of Oregon; Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Magna Cum Laude with Honors in Architecture, The Ohio State
Skyla’s interest in architecture and design began in grade school, and has since grown into a career dedicated to solving unique building enclosure challenges for historic properties. In her role as architectural designer, Skyla has worked on small-to large-scale projects from sustainable and historic materials research to construction documents. She is a team player that strives to bring preservation to the community in a way that is approachable, supportive, and celebrates local history.
In her free time, Skyla enjoys collaging, catching up with her friends and family, and spending time with her rescue cat Olive. Some of her favorite PNW activities include berry picking on Sauvie Island and hiking at Mt. St. Helens.
ROLE: Preservation Planner
EDUCATION: Candidate for Degree of Masters of Business Administration in Non-Profit Management, University of Portland; Masters of Science, Architectural Conservation, University of Edinburgh; Bachelor of Arts, History with honors, Amherst College
Tricia is a preservation planner with 5 years of experience on a wide variety of preservation projects. Her specialties include communicating and coordinating project deliverables with local, state, and federal historic review agencies, National Register Nominations, Federal Historic Tax Credit applications, State Historic Incentives, and conducting historic resource evaluations and surveys. She is dedicated to the process of reinvesting in our existing and historic properties.
Outside the office she is #optoutside in all manners of ways including hiking, backpacking, and climbing with her husband and rescue lab-mix pup, Juniper. She is an avid Ultimate player and currently the president of Portland Ultimate, a local nonprofit offering playing and growth opportunities to youth and adults.