RossTarrant Architects is a firm filled with diverse and passionate professionals that bring so many talents to the table. Our employee spotlight series celebrates the exceptional individuals who contribute to RTA’s unique work environment. As we wrap up 2025, we’re thrilled to feature Debra Shockley, our Quality Control Manager and a principal at the firm. For 25 years, Debra has enriched RTA with her extensive expertise and larger-than-life personality.
MEET DEBRA! 💡
Q. How long have you been at RTA?
A. 25 years! It is amazing to think back at how much our company has evolved. Everything was drawn by hand and specifications were typed and now everything is computerized, and our office is almost completely paperless! It is exciting to wonder where AI will take us.
Q. What is your favorite part about your job or working at RTA?
A. I get to work with everyone in the office at some point. Every day is a different set of questions and challenges, which means it is never boring!
Q. Can you describe a typical day in your role with quality control?
A. A typical day would be spent reviewing the drawings and specifications of a project before it goes out to bid. I think of buildings as a puzzle, every piece depends on the other piece. It is always rewarding to get all the pieces to come together into a design that meets the owner’s needs.
Q. Can you share a project you are particularly proud of and why?
A. I am a 1981 graduate of Woodford County High School. I am proud of being able to be involved in the new Woodford County High School that students will attend in January 2025.
Q. Beyond your professional life, what do you like to spend your time doing?
A. I have always enjoyed gardening. The past several years I have focused on landscaping our yard with plants native to Kentucky. My goal is to provide food and shelter for birds, animals and pollinators and be an attractive design.
Q. What is something that you cannot live without and why?
A. Three things. Besides my husband Bart, our two new kittens rank right up there. Puck & Oberon are 5 months old now. We have not had kittens in about 20 years. We got them from the Itty-Bitty Kitten Rescue that has its origins in our office! Our house went from looking like two adults live in it to two toddlers live in it.
Q. When you’re in charge of the music, what playlist are you putting on?
A. According to my Spotify Wrapped for 2024 I am putting on everything from Neil Young to Chappel Roan! Little something for everyone!
CO-WORKERS DESCRIBE DEBRA AS….
Thorough • Knowledgeable • Caring • Hilarious
Debra is a fantastic human being and cares about all those she works with and shares the world with. Her level of knowledge with regard to design is incomparable and is a great resource and asset to the entire office. We could not do what we do without her. – Randy Brookshire
Debra is an incredible mentor to our staff and she elevates the quality of every set of documents our firm produces. Plus, she is absolutely hilarious and makes working at RTA so much fun! – Stacey McChord
We deeply appreciate Debra’s extensive expertise, mentorship, and infectious humor that elevate our team and make RTA such a dynamic and enjoyable place to work. Her commitment to quality and passion for her craft truly drive our success and inspire those around her.
