Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Bennett.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As the child of an engineer and an incredibly creative talent, I guess you can say I had the DNA to be an architect. When I was young, I was torn between wanting to become either an engineer or a hair stylist. When I look at it now, in a strange way, I feel like (perhaps) I found the “happy medium” between the two seemingly disparate professions. I completed my undergraduate studies at Clemson University and earned my masters degree at Washington University in St Louis. Although I began my career in commercial architecture, I always knew I wanted to own my own firm so I transitioned to residential architecture after about 10 years of practice. I spent another 7 years working in custom residential architecture at Harrison Design in Atlanta. The great recession of 2008 and the birth of my daughter the same year ultimately led to me going out on my own and – along with a friend and former coworker – founding Splice Design, Inc. Since 2010 we have been servicing clients through our Atlanta and New York City offices.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While I love where I am in my career now, getting here wasn’t always easy and definitely followed a course I would never have anticipated. However, when I look at the goals I had previously set for myself, I realize that I have achieved each and every one of them. They may not look like what I expected or feel like what I thought they would but, in reality, I’ve checked them all off.
There were definitely some challenges that I anticipated but there were many that I did not. I knew that being a woman in a still male-dominated profession wouldn’t be easy. From things as simple as a lack of female role models/mentors to subtle (and sometimes even overt) discrimination, I knew that a career in architecture wouldn’t be a cake walk. But I’ve always believed that I can do/be whatever I work hard for and I am making that my reality.
I like to believe that things (including challenges, setbacks, and failures) happen for a reason. And often, what seems at the time like the worst thing that can happen actually turns out to be something wonderful. For me, this happened in 2008. We were in the depths of an economic recession. I had left Harrison on maternity leave in December and as I was preparing to return to work in early 2009, I got a call from my boss. He offered to extend my maternity leave but we both realized this was merely a short-term solution and things were not likely to improve quickly. We agreed that the best course of action was to lay me off and let me start trying to figure out what was next for me. I had never been laid off and, honestly, never NOT worked since I began my career. Added to the professional uncertainty was the experience of being a first-time mother and the challenges and learning curve that come along with that. My entire sense of identity and self worth was in question. With a lot of help from family and friends I slowly got a handle on parenting and professionally Harrison was the first to offer me work as a consultant and Splice Design was born in 2009. One thing has led to another and I have grown my business over the last 15 years and have had the flexibility as a business owner to design my schedule with time to be “present” for my daughter in a way that I probably could not be if I worked for another employer. I had always dreamed of owning my own firm, but I am not sure if I would have ever really done it if I had not been forced to. This truly was a blessing in disquise.
We’ve been impressed with Splice Design, Inc, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Founded in 2010, SPLICE DESIGN is a female-owned, multidisciplinary architectural design firm working with a broad range of clients to provide thoughtful, creative, and innovative solutions.
Serving the Atlanta and NYC markets, SPLICE DESIGN creates residences as well as boutique commercial and hospitality projects and also provides urban/master planning services. We believe design thinking is critical to improving all aspects for our lives. Uniting disciplines, interest areas, and talents, we SPLICE together social, environmental, and cultural aspects of any project. The firm analyzes and engages the relationship between identity, abstract concepts, and spatial sequencing with the systems and materials used to shape the interior and exterior form; providing sustainable solutions and joy-filled environments that fit and enhance the way people live, work, and play.
Splice is concerned with what design does as well as how it looks. We believe in seeing the world through new eyes – in asking to unobvious questions. We practice design by collaboration; inviting our clients, developers, and consultants to work together in revealing the stories that give meaning and value to each unique design.
What we believe that what sets us apart, and what I am probably most proud of, is our commitment to our clients and their satisfaction. There is no greater compliment than when a former client calls you years later and wants to work with you again. We are proud that much of our work is either repeat business or is referred to us by former clients or colleagues. At SPLICE DESIGN we never forget that architecture is a “service” industry. While we value the final product, we understand that the design process is long, involved, and, often, stressful. We strive to make the entire process as smooth, seamless, and enjoyable for our clients as possible.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have been fortunate to have amazing mentors throughout my life – both personal and professional. I have naturally gravitated towards people who have skills or characteristics that I admire. I guess the best advice I can give is not to be shy or intimidated by people you admire or respect. Approach them respectfully. Ask questions. Act/Be interested. Ask for advice, if warranted. And, most importantly, listen and observe intently. Express your desire to learn from them. Most people will be flattered and want to help you on your journey if they know you are proactive and willing to learn.
Networking is also invaluable. Both for your own development and also, often, for business development. Again, find people you admire and whose values and work ethic align with yours. Realize that is isn’t always the size of your network that matters, but the quality of it. Select partners who share the same type of clientele and provide the same level of service as you strive to.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.splice-design.com
- Instagram: @splicedesign (www.instagram.com/splicedesign)
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/splicedesignarch/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-bennett-0
Image Credits
Sara Dorio
Mali Azima
John Umberger
