Melissa Kops, Project Manager, Associate at Pirie Associates

How many years have you been in your current field? 16 years

Which project, deal, or transaction was the “game changer” in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? I think the premise of this question is flawed. Very few of us get one big break. Instead everything I have done has contributed to furthering my expertise and advancing my career. Especially in architecture, it is a slow, steady journey to excellence.

What would you tell your daughter about entering this profession? I would tell her that she should do whatever she is passionate about, regardless of her gender, and I would also say that she can use my expertise and experience as an advantage I didn’t have if she chose to go into architecture.

If your life were made into a movie, what actor would you want to portray you and why? Natalie Portman because she is incredibly talented, but also doesn’t take herself too seriously.

What are you planning to do differently in 2020 to have a positive impact on your career? I plan to develop and strengthen collaborations with others.

What was your favorite job and what did you learn from it? Again, every job is a learning experience, and each project feels like nurturing a child, and I just can’t play favorites.