How long have you been working as an architect?

I have been practicing landscape architecture 29 years.

What geographic regions do you work in?

I practice in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.

In one or two sentences, what is the focus of your practice?

At Floura Teeter, we’re dedicated to creating beautiful and sustainable places that serve and enrich people’s lives. Our project types include mixed use/hospitality, senior living, housing, academic institutions, healthcare facilities, public parks, transit, and civic plazas. 

How did your education at NDSU prepare you to be an architect?

The landscape architecture program gave me a solid foundation of knowledge to start my career. I was able to develop a passion for design and the tools that I needed to begin practicing the profession. A few of those would include creative problem solving, organization, time management, and persuasive presentation skills. I went east after school and did not meet many NDSU graduates in my new city but saw that the transition to professional practice was not always easy for graduates from other schools. As a firm owner, I have hired NDSU graduates and interns. They come out of NDSU as prepared, often more prepared, than other students I meet from East Coast universities.

What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned here?

I have worked with multiple disciplines throughout my career: contractors, engineers, architects, arborists, and environmental scientists to name a few. The foundation studio that I shared with architects and other landscape architects, as well as the general courses I took at NDSU, taught me the importance of recognizing multiple perspectives and expertise. When I engaged in joint projects in studio, I developed a good feel for the strengths and weaknesses of both myself and others, and I learned that good teams make successful projects.

What advice do you have for current architecture students? 

My advice to students and young professionals is to find a mentor, someone who has experience leading staff, communicating with clients, or drawing the best detail. Having a strong mentor at any level can accelerate career development. NDSU has an impressive number of Architecture/Landscape Architecture alumni practicing at successful firms across the country. It’s a resource that students should take advantage of to gain internships and career advice.