Alumni Spotlight: Mariah Meyer, AIA
Tell us about yourself. What do you do?
My name is Mariah Meyer, AIA. I am President and CEO of BRR Architecture, a 300+ person, national architectural design firm based in Overland Park, Kansas. I graduated from the KU School of Architecture and Design in 2002. I am married to Andy, who is also an architect and KU grad, and we have two daughters, ages 8 and 11.
What led you to this profession or why did you choose it?
When I first thought about a profession, it was not architecture! My father worked as an architect, and I wanted a different path. However, once I ended up in architecture school, I found a place I could excel. I am detail oriented, curious, creative and a strong planner – all of which have contributed to my success in this industry.
What does a typical day look like at your job?
Working in architecture is rarely the same every day! Though my job as President will continue to grow and evolve, I would say typically I’m working with my team and strategizing with them on how to meet the needs of their clients. Most days I am meeting with other leaders to discuss the needs of our team or our clients and to make sure we’re balancing those needs appropriately. I also do my best to connect as often as I can with our emerging leaders and new graduates to offer advice on projects or for their career path; I enjoy connecting with as many people as I can throughout the day.
What is a favorite project you have worked on and why?
One project which comes to mind was my team’s work with AMC Theatres’ Roosevelt Field project, which was built in Garden City, NY. This project was complex – as the client chose to renovate the existing theater while also adding an addition to the building. Our team also included an interior renovation, which spanned two stories. Being an old theatre there were complex accessibility and constructability issues that we had to solve. The renovations included new concessions, box office, new escalators as well as upgrades to the lobby, bathrooms and auditoriums, including stadium seating. This project is a great example of a beautiful execution of something that at times seemed frankly impossible.
What advice would you give your college self?
My advice to my college self would be to always think about the bigger picture behind what it is you’re working on. Don’t take anything at face value without thinking about a problem from several different angles. Another piece of advice would be wherever you are, make the most of it. Contribute your best self rather than constantly looking for whatever else is out there. Wherever you are or whatever you are doing, do your absolute best.
What makes you proud to be a KU Alumni?
KU, and especially my experience at the School of Architecture and Design, truly prepared me to enter my profession. I often tell new grads that even though they may not know all there is to know about being an architect, their college career taught them how to think critically and as long as they can do that well, the rest they can learn on the job. KU excels in teaching people new ways of thinking and seeing the environment around them. As one of the top architecture schools in the Midwest, the faculty pushed us to do our best and deliver our best work. Plus, during my time at KU, I created lifelong friendships and met my husband. Being an alumnus of KU makes me part of a truly unique group, and I am glad to wear my Jayhawk colors to represent it.