Meet the Team: Anna Karnitz

HI, ANNA!

“I bring a lot of experience in Revit and want to help utilize that to save us time on documentation so we can spend more time designing and dreaming.”

What is your professional background?

I started my career in the medical field, actually. After attending Luther College for a degree in Social Work and Biology, I ventured into the world of Emergency Medicine as a unit coordinator. I knew it wasn’t going to satisfy my creative itch or pragmatic brain for very long — so I started looking at going back to school. I finished my degree in Architectural Technology and started working at a large firm learning fast-paced, well-executed projects for a national client  before moving to luxury residential development.

What inspired you to work in architecture?

In retrospect, I probably should have known I wanted to work in the field. I grew up in a developing neighborhood — construction sites were our jungle gyms and tree houses. I loved walking through half built homes, imagining what it would be like to live there and how I would rearrange my bedroom furniture. I dabbled in design projects of family and friends as I got older but I chose to go to a college where I felt at home, instead of one that had a strong focus on design degrees. It wasn’t until I found an Architecture Technology degree option (post college) that the design industry started to feel like the right fit.

What do you look forward to most about working at RoehrSchmitt Architecture? 

The team of people and the leadership. Although it's a relatively small firm, I love that no project is “too big”. Everyone has a pretty impressive roster of experience, and comes ready to make things happen. 

How do you want to make an impact on your firm?

I’m hoping to build on the processes the team has already been working to create and make them more streamlined. I bring a lot of experience in Revit and want to help utilize that to save us time on documentation so we can spend more time designing and dreaming.

Favorite tool of the trade?

Revit.

What would your perfect day look like? 

Waking up with the sun, somewhere in nature - like a cabin or camping. First, coffee. Preferably while sitting in the warm rays. A gentle walk with the pup and husband before a monstrous breakfast. The rest of the day would be spent on an adventure of some capacity, hiking, biking, swimming, lots of snacks (maybe ice cream!)  Into an evening of cooking some exotic and complex recipe surrounded by family or friends. Sleeping under the stars would be cool too.

Coffee or tea? 

Definitely coffee.

What is one word you would use to describe your team? Explain why.

Joy. My team has an energy about them that is hard to describe, but it feels like fresh air to be around them.

What’s your favorite thing to do that isn't work related?

Being outside in nature. Whether that’s hiking, sitting on a deck, out on a boat - if it’s outside I’ll be there.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are” - pretty sure it’s Teddy Roosevelt, but the general principle is one that my parents instilled in me.