{"id":4580,"date":"2016-11-29T17:36:53","date_gmt":"2016-11-29T17:36:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/modelo.io\/blog\/?p=4580"},"modified":"2020-11-26T06:03:05","modified_gmt":"2020-11-26T06:03:05","slug":"design-manifestos-sarah-hempstead-schmidt-associates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/blog\/index.php\/2016\/11\/29\/design-manifestos-sarah-hempstead-schmidt-associates\/","title":{"rendered":"Design Manifestos: Sarah Hempstead of Schmidt Associates"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Design Manifestos: Sarah Hempstead of Schmidt Associates<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
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Sarah Hempstead (Photograph courtesy of Schmidt Associates)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Sarah Hempstead is an expert at combining inspiration and perspiration alongside owners to deliver signature solutions with a purpose. As the CEO of Schmidt Associates<\/strong><\/a> in Indianapolis, Indiana and the Principal-in-Charge of the Higher Education Studio, she brings her master-led approach to each project and to the many happy owners of those projects.<\/p>\n

Sarah understands that building trust comes before building consensus, and that there isn\u2019t a building without both. That\u2019s why she leads her team to collaborate within a framework that\u2019s proven to produce results on time and on budget. That\u2019s why owners and stakeholders love working with her and following her direction. Modelo<\/strong><\/a> spent some time learning about how Sarah got started at Schmidt Associates and about her current role.<\/p>\n

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On becoming an architect<\/strong>
\nI had taken every math class offered at my High School. One of my favorite math teachers suggested I try one of his other classes, Design & Drafting. I loved it, and he recommended I become an engineer. I researched it and decided I wanted be an architect. He said I should be an engineer because they have better hours and make more money. I started touring architectural and engineering schools, applying, and receiving my acceptance letters. It looked like architects were having more fun, and the rest is history.<\/p>\n

On discovering her voice as a designer<\/strong>
\nI\u2019m not a disciple of one type of style per say, what influences me is thoughtfulness\u200a\u2014\u200awhat does someone need a building to do and how the piece fits into a larger puzzle. How does it need to work for them to succeed? Every project can have a sense of wonder and delight, every project can enhance mission and build community\u200a\u2014\u200awith a thoughtful sustainable approach to design.<\/p>\n

On joining Schmidt Associates<\/strong>
\nI accidentally ended up at Schmidt Associates. My fianc\u00e9, now husband, was working here and said, \u201cyou should meet Wayne (our Founder), you would really like him.\u201d We met, I really liked him, and thought I could learn from him. So I came here and 15 years later I am now CEO.<\/p>\n

Since joining the firm, I\u2019ve had the opportunity to push design further, while still maintaining a sense of Midwestern sensibility. We can push the box from both the architectural and engineering sides, while meeting the needs of the clients. Culturally, the understanding the public has of design has shifted, which is a great opportunity to go even further.<\/p>\n

On specific principles she strives to adhere to<\/strong>
\nProjects need to be mission driven and form must follow function. It\u2019s been said so many times, it is almost boring, but it is still true.<\/p>\n

Schmidt Associates functions out of the premise that our designs aren\u2019t our building. They are our clients building. Acting through Servant Leadership, we lead our clients through a process to meet their needs. This includes thinking holistically about the life cycle of the structure from the architecture to the engineering and the buildings sustainability. The building can\u2019t just meet their needs today, but needs to look into the future.<\/p>\n

On her role as CEO of the firm<\/strong>
\nAs we move into our next chapter as a firm, our core DNA remains exactly the same. We remain laser focused on excellence and service to our clients, our community, and to each other. That said, we are faced with a period of enormous opportunity to build on a strong foundation of unparalleled expertise and service. We are going to capitalize on this opportunity by:<\/p>\n