RossTarrant Architects is a firm filled with diverse and passionate professionals who bring so many talents to the table. Our employee spotlight series celebrates the exceptional individuals who contribute to RTA’s unique work environment. This month, we’re proud to spotlight Suzanne Irwin, a Project Manager whose thoughtful leadership, collaborative spirit, and deep-rooted passion for community-centered design have made her an invaluable part of our team.
MEET SUZANNE! 💡
Q. How long have you been at RTA?
A. I have been working at RTA for about 3-1/2 years. After working as a very part-time, solo, residential architect for 20 years while I raised my two sons, I decided to come back to work full-time. RTA provided a great opportunity, and I have really enjoyed my time working with such wonderful colleagues.
Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?
A. I saw architecture as a mix between art and science, which I enjoyed during school. The more I learned about the field, the more I understood that the field also could affect the quality of life of individuals and communities. I have always enjoyed solving problems and finding ways of creating space and solutions that meet what people need and want.
Q. What do you think are the key qualities for success in your position?
A. I feel there are two powerful skills for anyone in a design field to practice and perfect. One is the ability to LISTEN to others – really pay attention to what they are saying and why they are saying it. Follow up with questions to try to understand the other person’s point of view. The second skill is to carefully consider and just think. Take the time to proactively think about what you are seeing, what people are saying and what is being communicated.
Q. What do you enjoy most about designing education spaces?
A. I enjoy creating spaces that serve the larger community in the different towns in which we work. School buildings are community centers and are a source of pride especially for the smaller communities and so to see how excited a whole community is about the improvements to their school facilities is very satisfying.
Q. Beyond your professional life, what do you like to spend your time doing?
A. I love to cook, try interesting restaurants and spend time with friends and family. My husband and I love to travel to visit our two sons, see great architecture, or try out fly fishing spots. I enjoy gardening, quilting, and pottery. I would love to learn how to create jewelry through silversmithing.
Q. What is your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?
A. I really enjoy shows about famous chefs and the restaurants they create or generally shows about food and traveling to lovely places – even just the Great British Baking Show!
Q. What’s a bucket list experience you hope to check off one day?
A. I would love to visit the area of Mexico where the Monarch Butterflies migrate to for the winter and I would like to go to Barcelona and visit the buildings by Antoni Gaudi including the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia.
CO-WORKERS DESCRIBE SUZANNE AS….
Creative • Thoughtful • Kind • Joyful
Suzanne is the best! She always has a positive attitude and is willing to take on any task in order to help get things done. She is someone I greatly admire and I have learned so much from her. – Beth Bauer
I enjoy working with Suzanne as she collaborates so well – always generous with her knowledge and yet open to learning from others. Her supportive nature makes her an incredible person to work with everyday. –Shristi Tamrakar
Whether she’s guiding a project, mentoring colleagues, or exploring new creative outlets outside the office, Suzanne brings warmth, insight, and a steady presence to everything she does.
