Marsha Miller, Assoc. AIA
Director, Client Relations – Vanderweil Engineers
Professional or personal website
Degree(s)
Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Howard University
Bachelor in Environmental Design & Architecture
Professional interests
Business Development, Marketing, Collaborative Initiatives
BSA involvement
Co-Chair, Marketing/PR Network
When did you first become interested in architecture as a possible career?
My father is a mechanical engineer and always gave me his t-square and plastic triangles to play with. At eight years old I was taking large sheets of paper, taping them together and drawing floor plans of my current and future home! By the time I was in high school I was already taking CAD and shop classes. I enjoyed drawing CAD and all things art - like painting in oil colors, sketching, etc. I knew in middle school that I would apply to architecture school and began working on a portfolio as early as 10th grade.
Tell us about your path to architecture and how it has impacted your career.
After receiving my degree in architecture, my professors in undergrad stressed the importance of getting your MBA so you could better understand business and law in the event you would open your own practice. Once I received my MBA I wondered how I could merge my two degrees. I ultimately found this in the creative marketing practice while doing business development. I felt it was perfect to be able to understand the design process but be able to talk about things with a business acumen.
Has your career taken you anywhere you didn’t expect?
My career has totally taken me into business development - a place that I would not have dreamed in a thousand years I would be doing as a career. I started as a drafter, was introduced to marketing and business development, and never looked back.
People volunteer for a variety for reasons, if you have volunteered with the BSA in some capacity, what did your volunteer path look like, and what motivated you to become involved?
I volunteered with BSA’s Marketing/PR network because it was an opportunity to network, collaborate, and learn from my peers. It also afforded me the opportunity to give back and share what I have learned throughout the years. When I saw the posting looking for a co-chair, I jumped on the opportunity. Now I have the chance to really make an impact by helping shape the types of programs we host each month.
Have you had a memorable experience while working on a BSA initiative that you would like to share?
I have had a great experience serving as the co-chair of the Marketing/PR network with Kate Murphy. It feels great to be able to provide monthly programs that not only our members enjoy, but others in the A/E/C industry.
What are some other professional interests that you want to call out in this interview?
I thoroughly enjoy business development and marketing because it gives me the opportunity to develop and foster connections between individuals in our industry in hopes of not only collaborating on projects, but developing long-lasting friendships.
Who or what deserves credit for your success?
My parents, teachers, and my employers all deserve credit for my success.
My parents: for instilling in me first and foremost a love of God and fellow man and for encouraging me throughout my childhood years to excel in academics and love the arts. From Erector sets and coloring books to trips to the art museum and the library, my parents were always there participating with me in all types of activities that drew me into the design world.
To my teachers from kindergarten to college - from art class to shop drawing class - they provided me with countless wisdom and opportunities to grow, whether it was studying architecture aboard or participating in art classes for the summer.
My employers believed in me and served as mentors - never stifling any opportunities that I had within our industry to grow - whether it involved working with me to submit papers for speaking opportunities or teaching me, without me even realizing that they were training me to be a leader.
How do you believe architecture/design can have the greatest impact shaping a community?
Architects have the ability to transform neglected and poorly utilized areas into sustainable, vibrant, and well-designed spaces that can foster lasting connections throughout communities - throughout our world!
What policy from another city sets an example you think Boston could successfully follow?
Creating a more efficient public transportation system is a main concern that has been outlined by the United Nations as well as other scholars on sustainable cities. An efficient public transportation is also listed as a key characteristic of a sustainable city. I would like to see Boston adopt a policy that recognizes the importance of how much our transportation factors into the environment in addition to being a driver to attract and retain companies and help people commute. We have all this money and resources but they just won’t get things done!
