Kamilah Moorehead - Architect, Pond & Company
As a licensed architect at Pond & Company, Kamilah coordinates with clients, consultants, engineers and product representatives and manages multiple projects for contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Florida Army National Guard, and the Florida Department of Health. She’s also a founding board member and secretary of Becoming Collegiate Academy, where she advises on architectural issues, planning and construction. She’s dedicated and ambitious as hell, and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.
The Basics:
Hometown: St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Current city: Jacksonville, FL
Alma mater: Florida International University
Degree: Master’s in Architecture
Very first job: Party City
Hustle: Architect, Pond & Company
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why?
I admire Simone Biles for her story, her courage, her drive, and her dedication. She’s a true testament to how far faith, hard work, and dedication can take you.
What’s your favorite way to start (or end) your weekend?
My favorite way to start my weekend is with a funny movie or tv show—comedy is an essential part of my life. During the hectic work week, I tend to overlook how important and healthy it is to laugh. My favorite way to end my weekend is with a sunset stroll along the beach. The soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore helps me mentally prepare for the week ahead.
What book(s) have you’ve gifted the most and why?
A huge part of my success has been believing and having faith. The bible has exemplary teachings on faith and claiming blessings over one’s life.
What albums do you have on repeat right now?
I currently have SURFACES’ 2019 album “Where the Light is” on repeat. It’s definitely feel-good music for me, and takes me back to my calypso and steel pan roots.
Favorite place you’ve traveled to and why?
Thailand has the perfect blend of culture, nature, and architecture. The beaches on Thailand’s southern coast are breathtaking, the temples are spectacular, and the food is wonderful; however, the elephants were my absolute favorite.
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle, providing a summary of your roles and the work you do daily.
As an architect at Pond & Company, I coordinate with clients, consultants, engineers and product representatives to determine functional or spatial requirements, the integration of building systems and the selection of materials. I develop scope, generate construction documents, and prepare specifications for several building types including schools, hospitals, offices, warehouses, and maintenance facilities. I manage multiple projects for continuing services contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Florida National Guard, and the Florida Department of Health. I perform code analysis to ensure that projects comply with current building codes and programmatic standards. I am also a founding board member and secretary of Becoming Collegiate Academy. I advise the board on architectural issues, planning and construction. I sit on the finance committee, the academic committee, and the facilities team. I review the budget to ensure funds are being allocated correctly, I verify that BCA meets its annual academic goals and that BCA’s facility will meet the needs of its students and staff.
What about architecture sparked your interest? When did you know it was the right path for you?
Initially, architecture was a hands-on field; the idea of working with my hands to design sparked my interest. Since architecture is now primarily computer-based, my continuous interest in architecture comes from the ability to design in a career where the possibilities are endless. At eight years-old, when I told my parents I wanted to be an architect, I knew this was the right path for me.
What have been some of your projects so far? Why? What would be your next “dream” project?
Most of my projects have been in the healthcare sector: cancer centers, neonatal intensive care units, operating rooms, physical therapy rehabs, laboratories, and automotive mechanic shops. I dedicated most of my time to healthcare projects because of their importance to society. Healthcare architecture tends to be very challenging, technical, and often requires innovative design solutions that keep me intrigued. My next dream project would be designing a school. I come from a family of educators; as a result, education holds a special place in my heart.
What skills are essential to working as an architect? Do you think having an industry niche is important?
Problem-solving skills, analytical thinking skills, design skills, communication, presentation, Building Information Modeling (BIM) software skills, and teamwork are all important skills to have in this field. I do believe having a niche in architecture is important. I often asked myself, is it better to be good at everything, or great at one thing? It took a few years for me to answer this question, but it's best to find one sector you love and master it! The key to being successful in architecture and landing projects will be one’s level of expertise and specialized experience.
How have your past professional and academic experiences and lessons prepared you for the work you do today? How have they not prepared you?
My academic experience prepared me for never-ending deadlines in the real world. Most people know that architects rarely sleep while pursuing their degrees. We all think it ends when we graduate, but that is not the case. Architects often take work home and spend many late nights trying to meet deadlines. My past professional experience taught me how important it is to develop client relationships. In architecture, presentation skills, communication skills and prior experience will be the key to being awarded projects. These skills have become essential in maintaining continuing service contacts. Job security in architecture is obtained when you have recurring work from clients.
What’s one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve made in your career?
I invested time, money, and energy in getting licensed—my most worthwhile investment! The Amber Book was also a worthwhile investment—I highly recommend it to any young architect. It’s a series of animations that touches on several important concepts covered on the ARE exam.
How has being a woman impacted your professional experiences? What can we collectively do to support and empower women in your industry today?
Being a woman has motivated me to achieve excellence. In a predominantly male field, I had no choice but to excel in every task I was assigned. I often felt as though I had to prove that I was just as good as or better than the men. If not, I would be overlooked for promotions and new projects. To support women in the industry we need to continuously recognize the work that women are doing in the field. Women should be encouraged to obtain their architectural license and firms should aim to provide more support towards licensure. Organizations such as Women in Architecture need to have a more prominent presence in the community.
How has being a WOC impacted your professional experience? What can we do to create more supportive and inclusive work environments inside and outside of your industry?
As a WOC I always felt like I had to do more, work longer hours, and accept a lower salary to be given opportunities or keep a job. To create a more supportive and inclusive work environment I truly believe that it always comes back to education. We have to educate others on the dynamics of minorities and women in the workforce. It is only until we fully understand the dynamics of the past and present with the challenges they present that can we truly be supportive and inclusive. We have to continuously make an effort to address inequality issues that arise with a transparent approach. Companies should be held accountable for not having a diverse staff. We should encourage and provide more incentives for diversity in STEM careers. Women in these fields should be trained about salary negotiations and receive guidance when applying for positions in predominantly male fields.
What’s one thing you’re proud to have accomplished in your career thus far?
I am proud to be a licensed architect. Less than 1% black of women architects. It is a rigorous process, and many individuals aren’t able to complete the six required exams.
What is one of the biggest obstacles you’ve faced in your work? How’d you overcome it?
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced in my work is constantly having a seat at the table with no one that looks like me. Being a young black woman in a predominantly white male field always evoked a sense of feeling like I didn’t belong. I had to overcome this by telling myself that I earned my seat at the table—I have the experience, the qualifications, and the knowledge—regardless of my age, my ethnicity, or my gender.
How do you rest, recharge and find inspiration?
Traveling. I pick a place I’ve never been to before and just go. As I explore new places, I discover different architectural styles and beautiful landscapes that inspire and recharge me until the next adventure.
Career and/or life advice for other babes?
Be bold, be courageous, be fearless, but most importantly, be confident.
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