Employee Spotlight: Ali Higgs

Ali started working for MKSD in 2018 after she completed her Master of Architecture degree at Temple University. Since joining us, she has bought a house in the Lehigh Valley, gotten married and has enthusiastically jumped into many different project types as a designer. The last few years she has spearheaded MKSD’s involvement with the Volunteer Challenge, organizing all the tasks and mobilizing the troops. Ali also manages the materials library in the office and schedules Lunch and Learns to keep the staff up-to-date on the latest building product advancements. With all of that going on, she also finds the time to study for her ARE exams! We are happy to have Ali on our team and happy she could take some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions about herself.

Give us a quick rundown of your LinkedIn/resume.

Northampton Community College – Associate in Applied Science – Architecture

Temple University – Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture

A few weeks after graduation at Temple University I started as an architectural designer at MKSD.

What brought you to the Lehigh Valley, or why did you decide to stay?

I grew up in the Lehigh Valley. Before going to school in Philadelphia, I always knew I wanted to move back. Most of my friends and family live here.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I enjoy crafting, baking, cooking, and traveling. I also love doing house projects – we bought a “fixer upper” 3 years ago.

What is the last TV show you binged watched?

I can’t say I ever binge watched a show, but I like watching This Is Us, A Million Little Things and Survivor.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

It is never repetitive. Some days I am working on a design presentation, construction administration and plan fit outs all within one day.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it that influences the way you work today?

I worked at Moravian Hall Square in Nazareth all through high school and the beginning of college. I was part of the waitstaff in the dining room. It taught me patience and time management. I loved meeting the residents and hearing their stories.

What are three things you can’t live without in your workspace?

Water, post it notes and bright colored pens!!

What are some of your career goals?

Currently I am working towards architecture licensure. I am halfway through my exams.