Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey D. Rodheim.
Kelsey, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I graduated from college, I really had no idea what I was going to do. It was kind of a sinking, “now what?” feeling. I went to school for architecture but worked at my school newspaper as an advertisement designer – so, I figured my best route was to try out two routes with one internship at an ad agency and another at an architecture firm. I busted my butt just to figure out what I liked to do more.
The architecture firm turned into a job so that decision was somewhat made for me but it’s gotten me to my career today and the initial experience set the tone for my fearlessness to explore in my career and keep myself nimble.
So, like I said, my big girl career started with interior design in San Francisco at a boutique, high-end residential firm. I got amazing experience working on beautiful projects without much budget restriction, but quickly realized I didn’t much care for the extremely personal aspect of residential design. Between managing emotional clients and feeling like I was working for Miranda Priestly, I decided to move on.
I moved to Chicago when I was 23 without the prospect of a job, some student loan debt, and not much money in the bank. The only thing I knew for sure was that I wasn’t interested in residential design and that was the only work experience I could claim. I ended up finding a job at a small firm in the West Loop that focused on corporate interiors and quickly found my sweet spot. I have lived in Chicago for 5 years now and the skyline still gives me butterflies. I was so excited to be working on projects in high-rises around the City that gave me a million different perspectives on its charm.
With my deep rooted love for the Chicago architecture industry, I have since pivoted my career to project management. I work for IA Interior Architects in downtown Chicago and everyday get to enjoy one of the best views of Lake Michigan.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced in my career is confidence to talk to superiors about what I want from my role. Early in my career that came from believing I was “paying my dues”, which an extent I was and that’s okay, but had I been more communicative about my personal goals, looking back, I’m sure my managers would have loved to give me more of the experiences that I craved.
Even still I push to constantly remind myself that in business it’s okay to be selfish sometimes. We all have individual goals that we are trying to achieve – that’s what makes one successful and achieving those goals is what makes one fulfilled. Do not be afraid to ask for that promotion or the raise you think you deserve. If there is a committee that inspires you or a project that you are dying to work on, talk to someone about it. Sometimes, it might seem very frustrating that your boss can’t read your mind – I still question why my husband can’t read my mind but people’s brains have not advanced to that yet!
When you express desires for your career, your superiors will likely be positively responsive to your initiative and appreciative that you confided in them. If that is not the case and you feel that it’s time to move on, do not be afraid to jump. I am a firm believer that career risks are worth taking – most of us spend a third of our lives at work so you better enjoy it!
what should we know about your business? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
IA Interior Architects is a global firm of architects, designers, strategists, and specialists. We focus exclusively on environments through the lens of interior architecture. As I previously mentioned, I’m currently working as a project manager with the firm. Diving into this new role, I quickly realized it is my perfect mix of business strategy and design. I love having more control of the quantifiable elements of the project – budget, schedule – and being able to oversee design from a higher level. I also love the collaborative nature of design and consider myself a people person which has helped me grow as a manager.
At IA, I have focused mostly on corporate interiors. An aspect of corporate design that I find particularly inspiring is how space can promote a brand and transform workplace culture. I think these things are huge drivers especially for new generations coming into the workforce. I love playing a role in helping our clients redefine their work environment, no matter how big or small the project. At the end of the day, we are improving that work-life experience for their employees.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I am lucky to work for a company that champions female leadership and to have grown in my career at IA under the direction of a prominent, insightful female manager. The guidance and experience that I’ve been afforded have helped me also grow confidently in my position as a female in my industry.
I think, no matter the industry, there is a common challenge of females having a hard time promoting each other. The “lean in” concept is what we strive for, but occasionally we find ourselves in competition with one another to achieve our goals and reach leadership positions. Unfortunately, we as females still feel that we’ve got more to prove in the workforce and that tends to escalate the competitive nature rather than promote championing each other.
I am not sure of the answer, but I think the more we can encourage each other and be each other’s advocates, the better off we will be as a group. I strongly believe in women’s ability to lead – our general nurturing tendencies, and the creative solutions that those qualities enable, make management styles more effective. But first, we need to cure our own insecurities that come with being a woman in the workforce.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.linkedin.com/in/kdrodheim
- Phone: 916.346.7612
- Email: k.rodheim@interiorarchitects.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsyde
Image Credit:
Portrait mode
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