I AM AIA
Haley Krommenhoek
A dynamic member of Rushing’s integrated design team, Haley specializes in high rise residential projects and coordination with Seattle City Light. Haley holds a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Seattle Pacific University, where she competed with the gymnastics team. With more than ten years of industry experience, her expertly-designed power distribution, emergency, lighting control, communication, and fire alarm systems support many of the recent and in-progress additions to the Seattle skyline with 30+ story residential towers Cirrus, Cielo, Tower 12 and 9th and Lenora among them.
What is the Value of AIA to You?
AIA enables me to participate in region-specific continuing education and meet like-minded, industry professionals.
What Project Are You Working on Now?
We are completing full electrical design on 1120 John, a project involving two 18-story office towers. The site has overhead primary power lines, network underground infrastructure, and transmissions lines nearby, so there is an incredible amount to coordinate with Seattle City Light and I’m enjoying the challenge.
How Do You Explain What You Do for a Living?
It is always exciting when the question comes from someone unfamiliar with architecture. I am still in the process of becoming licensed. Nevertheless, I often end up explaining the licensure process. After the third or fourth acronym like NCARB, NAAB, ARE, AXP, PPD, etc. the conversation tends to revert to something different.
What Inspired You Today?
Our offices are undergoing a tenant improvement project designed by my colleagues. Watching these designs come to life as our office TI comes to a finish helps me realize how lucky I am to work with such talented people.
Has Your Career Taken You Anywhere You Didn’t Expect?
I never expected that I would be a business owner.
Where is the field of Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Headed?
In order to be more energy efficient, design is becoming more technical and is becoming more integrated. Decisions on building systems often requires experts from multiple discipline experts to coordinate together to make the best decision for the project.
Can Design Save the World?
A great design can inspire and teach; both items are critical to future generations to continue to make progress for a better future.
What do you Hope to Contribute from Your Work?
I want to contribute reliable electrical systems that meet code as well as environmental and client needs and to have fun with all internal and external members of the design team on a project while creating incredible structures together
What is Your Favorite Seattle-Area Structure?
The Ballard Locks. The combination of industry, wildlife, water, and innovation reminds me of all the things Seattle is known for
If You Could Sum Up Your Outlook on Life in a Bumper Sticker, What Would it Say?
Work hard and get outside.
