Gwen Andrews, Director of Finance and Administration, is one of the trailblazing female leaders joining the leadership team. Since coming to Hummel in 2012, Gwen has been instrumental in overseeing day-to-day financial management and assisting ownership in strategic planning. Gwen leads the administrative team that supports every client, project, and employee within the firm. Her holistic oversight ensures that Hummel Architects maintains robust financial health and operates efficiently and effectively in project execution, ultimately benefiting each client served. Gwen’s appointment to Leadership marks a notable shift towards a new legacy of diverse and female ownership for the 128-year-old firm.

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

The new leadership team is a symbol and celebration of how far we have come as an organization, and I am proud to be part of that. When I started our staff was predominately male. We’ve since moved with intention to a more diversified group. I am particularly proud of being the second woman and first non-architect, non-licensed individual to join in leadership.

My role as Director of Finance is to support the business side so others can focus on Architecture and Design. I am grateful to Scott Straubhar and Ed Daniels for their mentorship over the years. They have allowed me to grow in the position and implement innovations to our internal processes and procedures. My goal is to preserve a solid financial foundation that allows the team to concentrate on their work, knowing that the business side is in good hands.

What do you see as the core values of Hummel that we want to celebrate?

Drive: We’re all about pushing ourselves to be better, whether it’s in our designs, our community work, or how we show up every day. We don’t settle for “good enough.” We’re always aiming higher, driven by passion and a desire to make a difference.

Humility: Even with our successes, we stay grounded. Be yourself and bring your authentic self to the work. We know that we’re stronger because of the people around us—our team, our clients, our teammates. We’re always open to learning, growing, and recognizing that there’s always more to do and to learn.

Fortitude: Life throws challenges our way, but we don’t back down. We face obstacles head-on, with resilience and grit. It’s about staying strong and keeping our focus, no matter what comes our way.

Belonging: We believe everyone should feel like they’re part of something bigger. Whether you’re part of our team, a client, or someone who interacts with the built environment, we want you to feel connected and valued. Diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords for us—they’re essential to how we operate.

Innovation: We’re always looking for new ways to innovate and be open to new things and to change. This value drives us to think creatively, experiment, and lead the way in making bold, impactful changes.

Our longevity is a testament to these values that guide us, keeping us true to who we are and what we stand for as a firm.

How do you think fostering work-life balance within a team impacts overall productivity and employee satisfaction?

Employee satisfaction is a top priority for our company. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset and should be able to live fulfilling lives both inside and outside of work. Our cohesive team is key to living out Hummel’s values. Each person contributes a vital piece to our success, and together, we achieve far more than we could alone.

Each member of the Hummel Family strives to be inspired, productive, and engaged wherever their work post may be. Our commitment to cutting-edge technology and communication allows our people to work from wherever they can achieve these goals. By fostering an environment that values balance, we ensure that our people can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing their best to the company.