As the #1-ranked multifamily architecture firm in North America, Humphreys & Partners relies on our incredible team from around the world to create innovative, one-of-a-kind communities. Valerie Gaughan, a Job Captain in Humphreys’ Houston office, is one of the driving forces behind our client-focused culture. As a Job Captain, Valerie leads projects through Design Development, Construction Documentation, and Construction Administration. She works closely with clients, consultants, contractors and city officials to develop a set of drawings that meets the design intentions and local code. Valerie’s talent for guiding a project to completion is an outstanding example of Humphreys’ dedication to excellence.
Let’s get to know Valerie outside (and inside) the office and see what makes her a true icon of #HumphreysHeroes culture:
- What is your alma mater?
Kansas State University
- Who is your favorite architect and how do they inspire you?
Bruce Goff. The reason I like him the most is that he was actually born in Kansas. I didn’t find out about Goff until I was in college and his work gave me a different perspective around my hometown architecture. I was bored with my hometown because I had lived there for twenty-five years, but he helped me get back into loving where I lived.
- What is the best book you have read this year?
Right now I am reading I know “Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou and I really like it so far. I am recently getting back into reading.
- If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
Japan….and I’m doing it next year for the Olympics!
- If you were not an architect, what would you be doing?
Probably something in youth sports.
- What has been your favorite HPA project to work on and why?
My favorite project at HPA has been Stockyard Lofts in Knoxville, TN. I’ve enjoyed it for many reasons but the main three reasons are that: it is in a great location in Old City Knoxville, the clients are tons of fun to work with, and the plan has a very unique shape with a raised courtyard/pool deck that is going to be awesome to see when it is finished.
We hope you have enjoyed getting to know Valerie, one of our world-class team members here at HPA! Stay tuned for more #HumphreysHeroes blog posts in the future. In the meantime, engage with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram for all things HPA-related.