Heather Davis

I have enjoyed being a part of the talented team of architects and designers at Polk Stanley Wilcox for 5 years, and I am responsible for coordination and production in all phases of a project from conception through construction. My experience includes a variety of project types such as higher education, health care, civic and residential. I also actively volunteer with several professional and community organizations such as AIA Arkansas, studioMAIN, Architecture & Design Network, and Create Little Rock.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Best career moment so far:

Receiving my Architecture License! I think all architects would agree: It is a long road through college, logging 3+ years worth of specific work experience, and passing 7 licensing exams. Finally adding “AIA” to my title was a huge milestone!

How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

My dad is a retired bridge contractor, and I inherited his fascination with the built environment. An affinity for art and math lead me toward architecture, where I realized my obsession with straight lines and order would serve me well!

What is a typical workday like?

Depending on the project(s) and phase(s), a day may include sketching and creating preliminary renderings, facilitating consultant coordination meetings, detailing construction documents, and/or spending time on-site inspecting progress and working with contractors to solve any issues that arise.

Most rewarding part of your job:

Seeing a project develop from concept sketch to client move-in day is incredibly rewarding! A great deal of teamwork from a wide variety of trades goes into seeing a project through successfully, and I love being part of that process.

What advice would you give your 18 year old self?

Don’t worry — no one else really knows what they’re doing either!

Favorite part of living in Little Rock?

Little Rock has just enough of the “big city” feel — a little grit! — yet is small enough to see familiar faces everywhere you go. Its size also provides great opportunities for individuals to get involved and make a difference.

If you could lunch with any woman, who would it be?

The great architect, urban planner and design theorist — Denise Scott Brown. To me, the photo of her in 1966, standing in front of the Vegas skyline with hands on hips, epitomizes everything awesome about women in architecture!

Biggest challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career:

Having a job I truly enjoy while also being involved in several great organizations and initiatives that I am passionate about has often caused me to have difficulty saying “no.” Achieving some semblance of work/life balance is an ongoing challenge.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Best career moment so far:

How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

What is a typical workday like?

Most rewarding part of your job:

What advice would you give your 18 year old self?

Favorite part of living in Little Rock?

If you could lunch with any woman, who would it be?

Biggest challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your career:

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Neighborhood you live in

Heights

Hometown

Hatfield

Last good read

Sadly, the only book I’ve opened recently is the 2012 International Building Code

Favorite Food

Mac and cheese

Favorite Lunch Spot

U.S. Pizza

First thing you do at the office each morning

Coffee and emails

Last splurge

Booking a beach condo for vacation!

Hobbies

Biking and learning to play golf!

Dream Vacation

Sightseeing in Egypt or fishing in Hatfield

Favorite Song

"The Longest Time" by Billy Joel

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