Bio:

The great architect, Aimee Sanborn, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is a Principal and Team Leader at MAA with vast expertise and special interest in multi-residential, mixed-use, historic adaptive reuse and sustainable design. Aimee has been responsible for project management and LEED administration for projects nationwide and has led an architectural team with MAA for the past 8 years.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

As a child I entertained myself on long road trips by sketching plans and sections of my dream home. That love grew into a fascination for historic buildings and modern architecture.

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What do you do?

As a Principal and Team Leader at MAA, I am involved in project management and development from schematic design through construction administration. I have also led sustainability initiatives for the firm.

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What excites you in the work you do?

I’ve worked on many historic adaptive reuse projects in my career, and it brings me joy to see buildings that have sat vacant for many years finally being brought back to life and with it bringing an exciting, new energy to the surrounding area.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

I am inspired by architects that focus on the needs of their communities. Architects such as Samuel Mockbee of Rural Studio inspired me to become an architect. His ability to adapt design to respond to a community’s needs and culture is remarkable.

 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

The National truly is my proudest professional achievement. The developer, Todd Interest, and the team of designers, engineers, contractors and city staff put forth a formidable and passionate effort over many years to complete the project.

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Featured Project Name: 

The National

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Featured Project Location: 

Dallas, Texas

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

2021

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Role in Featured Project: 

Project Principal/Architect

 

Featured Project Description:

The design for this existing 52-story tower and eight-story base element allowed for the historic, mid-century high-rise to be adapted for new mixed-use development after being vacant for a decade. The building includes a flagship Thompson Hotel with 219 rooms, 324 Class A multifamily units, 37,000 SF of office space, several food and beverage venues, 43,000 SF of retail space, an observation deck on the 50th floor with stunning views, and state-of-the-art amenities.

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Photography Credit:

Credit is in each file's name. 1 - Kathy Tran; 2 - Gustav Schmiege, 3 - Julie Soefer, 4 - Gustav Schmiege, and 5 - Gustav Schmiege