Not only is Mandy Boam the first female member of Hummel Architects Leadership, but she is also a double threat as a licensed architect and interior designer. Mandy’s appointment to Leadership marks a dramatic shift towards a new legacy of diverse and female ownership.

What does it mean to you to be the first female member of Leadership in Hummel’s 128 year history?

It’s very exciting! From the time I started at Hummel, I was aware of the lack of women in leadership roles. I remember seeing an org chart of the partners from the beginning of the firm, and having a stark realization that there were no females. I always hoped one day to be on that org-chart and am proud to be the first woman.

As a Southern Idaho-native, I have grown up in historic Hummel buildings, and I feel tied to the history of the firm. Our legacy is such an integral part of the Hummel story, and this new generation of leaders will drive the firm toward the future. I believe it is important to create a legacy that is not about one person but the whole team.

In addition to its history, Hummel is known for cultivating talent through a culture of collaboration. How do you see your role in forwarding this initiative?

I have a strong passion for our office culture and our people. I work closely with our staff to determine how Hummel can encourage their talents and skills through mentorship and professional development. In our industry, it’s often said that people don’t hire firms, they hire people, and we strongly believe that our team is the best in the business. As a personal development junkie myself, I know that employees who are encouraged to learn and grow are more confident to contribute their ideas. This is so important in a collaborative studio like Hummel. We are helping to create the next generation of leaders.

At Hummel, we don’t have a rigid structure, and we enable people to set their own goals as an incubator for self-motivated people. Rather than waiting for permission, we encourage people to execute their visions and enable them to be self-directed.

I also think it is important to foster a supportive community for more diversity to come into the world of architecture. At Hummel we believe in and support work-life balance and creating an inclusive workplace. In my own life, as a working mom, I have been able to be there for my daughters and still become a leader.

Looking ahead, what excites you about the future of Hummel?

We have a really talented group of architects and designers, and I am excited to see the innovative designs they develop through close collaboration in our studio setting. Since I come to architecture from a background in interior design, I am excited about the ways we integrate employee health and happiness into workplaces. Creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, energy-efficient, and responsive to the needs of the people who use them is the goal. Natural light, biophilic design, and adaptive reuse offer exciting possibilities for Hummel to explore and implement. Our ability to stay ahead of these trends and continuously adapt to changing demands will set us apart as leaders in the industry.