Alissa Brandt

Vice President of Interior Design

Ankrom Moisan

30 years in the industry

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in architecture, and who or what influenced you most along the way?

I was drawn to architecture and interior design because of the creative freedom they offer and their ability to shape experiences that people genuinely connect with. From the beginning of my career, I understood that spaces have the power to tell stories, honor place, and create lasting meaning. Travel and research deepened that understanding by reinforcing the importance of culture, history, and context. Those early experiences shaped my belief that the most successful design is rooted in community, intention, and impact rather than aesthetics alone.

Over the course of my career, interior design has evolved significantly. What was once viewed as a secondary component of the process has become a strategic discipline that positions projects, defines trends, and elevates the human experience. That evolution mirrors my own journey. Early in my career, I focused on the significance of interior design in shaping meaningful outcomes for individual projects. Today, my focus has expanded to elevating teams, strengthening the firm as a whole, and thinking holistically about long-term success, impact, and legacy.

Can you share a project you’re especially proud of and explain what made it meaningful—either professionally or personally?

A project that continues to stand out is Aegis Living Lake Union, the first senior living community built to meet the rigorous certification standards of the ILFI Living Building Challenge. The opportunity to create a healthy, sustainable environment for residents entering a new chapter of their lives was deeply meaningful to me, both professionally and personally. Designing for aging populations challenged me to think more deeply about dignity, autonomy, wellness, and the emotional experience of transition.

Beyond the design itself, the project required close collaboration with ILFI to establish a viable path for senior living communities to pursue Living Building Challenge certification. That work helped expand what is possible for sustainable design within senior housing and set a precedent for future projects. It reinforced my belief that high-performance sustainability and senior living are not mutually exclusive, but mutually reinforcing.

Designing senior communities carries a profound responsibility. Residents are often moving into unfamiliar environments, and our role as designers is to create spaces that feel safe, welcoming, supportive, and healthy. Thoughtful design has the power to ease transition, foster connection, and build community between residents and staff. Families entrust us with creating environments that support comfort, dignity, and autonomy, and honoring that trust was central to my work.

How do you see diversity and inclusion influencing better design outcomes in architecture today?

We are not designing for a single person or demographic. We are designing for people across a wide range of life experiences, abilities, and identities. Inclusive design means creating spaces that meet people where they are and continue to support them as their needs evolve. People’s needs are not static, and we have to find ways to allow spaces to adapt alongside them.

Diversity at the design table directly influences better outcomes. When teams bring varied perspectives, lived experiences, and ways of thinking, creativity expands, and assumptions are challenged. The result is architecture and interiors that are more flexible, empathetic, and responsive. Inclusion is not a layer added at the end of a project. It is foundational to creating spaces that truly serve the people who inhabit them. As leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure diverse perspectives are present early, when decisions have the greatest impact.

Have you had mentors or advocates who played a key role in your career growth, and how important is mentorship for women entering the field now?

Mentorship builds confidence, but advocacy opens doors that confidence alone cannot. The AEC industry has historically been male-dominated, and having strong women mentors and advocates was critical in helping me gain confidence in my voice, my skills, and my seat at the table. My mentor, Karen Bowery, was a fierce advocate for equity. She never backed down when it came to ensuring designers were respected as integral contributors, and her leadership had a lasting influence on how I approach my own role today.

Mentorship gave me guidance, but advocacy created opportunity. As my career has evolved, so have my mentors, each one helping me grow in new ways as my goals changed. Today, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is mentoring others as they begin their journey—helping them build confidence, feel supported, and recognize their potential. Learning does not stop at any stage, and I remain committed to continual growth for myself and those around me.

How do you balance creativity with the technical, regulatory, and business demands of architecture?

I believe creativity thrives when we allow ourselves to think big before becoming constrained by technical or regulatory requirements. Those requirements are not obstacles. They are opportunities to push ideas further and arrive at more thoughtful, innovative solutions.

Compliance and safety are essential and foundational to the skill set of every designer and architect, but they do not need to define how a space feels. Well-designed environments should meet all requirements seamlessly while still feeling warm, intuitive, and supportive for the people who use them. Balance comes from strong problem-solving skills and the ability to see possibilities where others see limitations.

What changes have you seen for women in architecture over the course of your career, and where do you think progress is still needed?

Over the course of my career, I have seen a meaningful increase in the number of women entering the industry and stepping into leadership roles. Women are leading boldly, shaping conversations, and bringing perspectives that balance technical rigor with thoughtful, human-centered decision-making.  

Progress is visible, and it is encouraging. My hope for the future is that women in leadership become so normalized that it is no longer something we pause to notice. True progress will come when leadership diversity is reflected consistently across firms, rather than treated as an exception. Continued focus on equity, access to leadership opportunities, and long-term support remains essential to fully realizing that future.

How do you see the conversation on sustainability going in our industry?

Sustainability is no longer optional. It is a responsibility, and Interior design plays a critical role in sustainability because it directly affects daily health, comfort, and behavior. While certifications remain important, there is a growing shift toward implementing sustainable strategies because it is the right thing to do for both people and the planet.

As an industry, we have a responsibility to minimize waste, use healthy materials, and design systems that conserve resources while supporting holistic wellness. Access to daylight, views, nature, and responsible material choices are now fundamental expectations. Each generation continues to raise the bar, pushing us to create spaces that leave communities better than we found them.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey?

Watching someone I mentored step confidently into leadership reinforced that impact extends far beyond any single project. The most fulfilling moments of my career have come from seeing others grow, thrive, and step into the designers and architects they aspire to be. Supporting people as they gain confidence, take on leadership, and realize their potential has been far more meaningful than any award or recognition.

Fulfillment comes from helping people find solutions, think bigger, and achieve goals they may not have initially thought possible. This perspective has shaped my leadership approach and reinforced my belief that success is measured by the impact we have on others.

What advice would you give to young women or girls who are considering a career in architecture or the broader AEC industry?

Be bold. Be brave. Share your ideas. Do not be afraid of being wrong. Be afraid of not being heard. This industry can be demanding, with long hours and tight deadlines, but if you truly love the work and commit to the long game, the opportunities are extraordinary.

I wish I had realized earlier that I earned my place at the table. My voice mattered because it brought value. Change is inevitable, and learning to embrace it rather than fear it is critical. Not every idea will land, and that is not failure. It is an opportunity to refine, elevate, and grow. Define your core values early, let them guide your decisions, and trust yourself. Stay curious and never stop learning.

During International Women’s Month, what does recognition like this mean to you, and how can the industry continue to better support and elevate women’s voices year-round?

At this stage in my career, recognition feels less about individual accomplishment and more about collective impact. It reflects the work we do together and reinforces the importance of investing in the next generation of designers and leaders.  

I did not reach this point alone. I was supported by mentors, advocates, and teams who believed in me, and I see it as both a responsibility and a privilege to extend those same opportunities to others. Leaders who are accessible, engaged, and genuinely invested in their teams create environments where people feel safe to grow and contribute. Recognition creates visibility that can be leveraged to elevate others, not just individual careers. For me, this affirms that my path was right for me and that focusing on people is the most meaningful legacy I can leave.