The Women of DVA - Celebrating Their Stories and Careers

For Women's History Month, we're talking to the gals of DVA about work, confidence, creativity, and lifting the next generation of women in the workplace.

 In this article, we talk to Melissa A. Fliegel RA, Holly A. Grambort RA, NCARB, LEED AP, Julie A. Aune NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP, Rachel M. Killen NCIDQ, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate, Sydney Wilson NCIDQ, Rachel Schank NCIDQ, Samantha M. Giuliano, Milka Vranic, Jackie Zikeli-Vaugh, and Madalyn Norman.

1. What does working in this field mean to you?

Rachel Schank:

To be a part of the Cleveland Architectural and Design field means the world to me. I’m living out my childhood dreams far more than I could have imagined. I grew up in this area going to events downtown and am now working on projects within those buildings. It’s surreal to look back on those memories and compare them to now where I get to play a part in the revival of those spaces for others to create memories in.

Sydney Wilson:

When I was very young, I got to go to work with my dad to ‘Take Your Child to Work Day’. He worked in project management, but there were tons of disciplines within his office that I got to pop around during the day. One of these was their design and planning department, which introduced me to AutoCAD for the first time. They graciously let me design my own bedroom using pre-made furniture blocks. It was this very day that the seed was planted for me. Fast forward through my education and onto my professional career, after many years of experiencing space, people, and how these two affected one another for better or, for worse. I’ve learned a lot in these formative years about the bigger things: the importance of inclusivity and creating equitable space. It isn’t just about the placement of furniture or the colors I’m drawn to, it’s the potential to be a catalyst for change through this career path.

Julie Aune:

It means I get to do something that I look forward to each day and I can't imagine being in another field.

Melissa Fliegel:

I have fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming an Architect.

Milka Vranic:

As the Office Manager, working with team members in this field allows me to be a part of the rebuilding and improvement of our community. The ability to be a part of the process from beginning to end and the satisfaction of a job well done in collaboration with other disciplines in the field is very rewarding. 

Emma Blogna:

As a young woman just entering the industry, it means a lot to me to have the opportunity to work with like-minded people on incredible projects. It is special to know that my opinion is valued, and more women choosing this career path means that women will continue to get the representation they deserve in the field. 

Rachel Killen :

I get to do something I love, be creative, and learn something new every day.

Holly Grambort:

As my parents could tell you, being an architect was all I ever wanted to do since I was a very young kid. Luckily, I had supportive parents and teachers that encouraged me to pursue my passion. Now having three girls myself, I am grateful to be able to show them that they are not limited in their options for future careers. 

Jackie Zikeli:
It means that I get to see firsthand that women have many talents and bring a lot of skill and personality to the field. It’s empowering to watch my coworkers go from being young interns to juggling being mothers and running their own projects and meetings while loving what they do.

Samantha Giuliano:

It means I get to design spaces that make everyday life a little better for the people who occupy those spaces. The rooms we occupy have an impact on how we feel, and I think it's really cool that I can impact someone's day, even if they don't realize it.

Madalyn Norman:

Being a marketer in this field means my job is pretty easy because I am promoting a company and people who truly love what they do – and that shines through! Specifically being a woman in this field means navigating a landscape that may still be male-dominated, but doing so with confidence and resilience.

Overall this job allows me to bring my own unique perspective, enabling me to be creative, shape narratives, and foster connections for the betterment of our community.

2. What do you enjoy most about your job?

Rachel Schank:

I love that every project is different. The client, location, project type and needs of the space all change from project to project. It’s exciting to create a new space that adapts to the client’s needs and to see how they respond to the finished project. This field is very collaborative internally as well as working with other disciplines MEP, fire protection, etc. You’re continually learning and expanding your knowledge which contributes greatly towards improving your work. We have a great team at DVA that is supportive and works collaboratively together.

Sydney Wilson:

My favorite part about my job is running through quick design concept iterations in an effort to problem-solve a solution for a client. I love utilizing 3D rendering software tools to efficiently produce idea starters that help clients visualize what their space could look and feel like. Lately, what has been most successful is running with a “kit-of-parts” concept where a client can have a hand in choosing what elements work and what elements don’t. From here, we can prioritize what moves forward in the ideation process. I love the creative challenge that comes along with (our not-so-favorite) design constraints brought forth by our projects – when you finally land on the right solution alongside a client, it is the best feeling!

Julie Aune:

This is probably a common answer, but I love the variety of each day - tasks, projects, schedules, teams, and clients. All projects are different, and they have their own challenges. I enjoy problem-solving and collaborating with the design team. I enjoy the phases and process of design but it's really amazing to see the projects under construction. Nothing beats seeing the completion of a design you've put your creative energy into and improving client's day-to-day, in aesthetics and in functionality.

Melissa Fliegel:

Collaborating with clients, coworkers, and consultants to create meaningful work that positively impacts those who will use the space.

Emma Blogna:

The thing that I enjoy most about my job is being able to creatively design a built environment that better suits the needs of all different kinds of people. Being able to help people in this indirect way is extremely rewarding and makes for some beautiful spaces.

Milka Vranic:

I enjoy the exposure to diverse projects and teams that collaborate well to produce a successful project that has a positive impact for our client and their mission.

Rachel Killen:

I like the variety of the day-to-day. In just one day, you could be working on construction drawings, meeting with clients, and on a job site. It keeps things interesting.

Holly Grambort:

It’s hard to say “most” because there are so many things, like problem-solving, working with a team of talented people, and making positive changes in the community, but one thing I enjoy a lot is sharing this field with young people. I’ve had the opportunity to speak one-on-one and in groups with students who are interested in architecture and design and it’s fulfilling to expose them to what it means to be an architect and also show them an example of a woman in this profession. On my most recent outing with a class from a STEM school, it was the girls who asked the most questions, and I was so proud of them for their curiosity and confidence! 

Jackie Zikeli:

Anyone who knows me will laugh, and know that I love to be social and enjoy meeting a variety of people. I love to see new products come through the door and get the opportunity to view the exciting new finishes that the Interiors team is working on.

Samantha Giuliano:

I really enjoy that I get to draw every day, while simultaneously problem solving. I've always loved to draw, and being able to use that skill to solve the complicated puzzle that is a building, is something I really appreciate.

Madalyn Norman:

I love that I get to be creative and use my skills to support passionate and talented people in the architectural field. Every day, I am inspired by the innovative designs and the dedication of our team to bring them to life. It's incredibly fulfilling to collaborate with architects and designers who are driven by a shared vision of creating spaces that not only meet our client's needs but also elevate the human experience. Being able to communicate their expertise and the beauty of their work through marketing initiatives is rewarding.

3. What advice would you have for women looking to work in these fields?

Rachel Schank:

Don’t be afraid to start or be intimidated by the common misconceptions of our field. Your creativity deserves to be heard and seen. Embrace all parts of a project and give it your all because that will create the most successful and rewarding projects. I encourage the idea of shadowing a professional for a day so that you can expose yourself to a few of the daily tasks of the profession. There are so many opportunities within our field that people aren’t always aware of and if there’s interest within design it’s better to have a full understanding of all the possibilities within our profession.

Sydney Wilson:

My advice would be to cling to your passions, be willing to learn and grow and don’t expect to know it all. No two projects are ever the same – you won’t always know the right answers, you might not always love every single design element that your client does, and field conditions are often an unforeseen wrench in your plans. It won’t always be the perfect project, but it can still be a successful one if your head and your heart are in it.

Julie Aune:

I'd encourage women that their ideas and contributions are invaluable and to be confident in sharing their perspectives. I'd also recommend connecting with other women in the field. Never stop growing and share your experiences with others.

Melissa Fliegel:

There is room for you to excel. Learn from every opportunity and don’t take criticism personally.

Emma Blogna:

Being in a (mostly) male-dominated industry, I would advise women to confidently enter this field. It’s important to stand up for yourself, make strong decisions, and always start the day with a positive attitude.

Milka Vranic:

When I initially started working in this field 30 years ago, women were a small percentage of the workforce. That has changed drastically since then! I have noticed that potential candidates in this field are successful when they are involved in this field early in their education. Make sure to take advantage of High School shadow opportunities that firms offer. This will give the student a better understanding of what additional skill sets are important to potential employers in today’s competitive job market. Start your internships early in your college career – get your foot in the door!

Rachel Killen:

Confidence goes a long way. Be confident in yourself, your ideas, and the knowledge and experience you bring to the table.

Holly Grambort:

Don’t be afraid to speak up, especially when you are the only woman in the room. It still happens more often than you would think, and it’s easy to be intimidated. You are more knowledgeable than you think you are!

As they say on TikTok:

 “How hard can it be? Boys do it. How hard can it be… boys do it.”

Jackie Zikeli:

If you think that you want to be an Architect or Interior Designer, definitely shadow someone in the field and dig into the difficult parts of the job rather than just seeing the fun side. When I first started at DVA, I was blown away by the programming and skills required that take up the majority of the workday for our designers. I love to see the product schemes when laid out but that is a small percentage of the hard work that goes into completing a project. 

Samantha Giuliano:

I would want to remind them, that your gender should not influence what you want to do in life. If there’s something you really want to accomplish, it has everything to do with who you are, your interests, your experiences, your curiosity, your knowledge, and so on. So continue to learn as much as you can, be open to growth, be curious, ask questions, and be confident in your abilities.

Madalyn Norman:

Not only being a woman but being a young woman in any industry can be intimidating, but I would want to encourage all women to add up their worth and times it by 10; confidence and knowing your worth go a long way. Learn some resiliency techniques and use them often. Trust your gut, and fake it until you make it. Use your resources and use every opportunity to learn!