MARY J STILLS
Parkhill
SAY IT LOUD - TEXAS Exhibitor
Texas Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Collaborating with talented professionals that have similar goals. I enjoy the creative process of taking ideas from rough sketches to construction documents alongside the design teams. I'm also inspired by the work of notable architects.
MARY J STILLS
Bio:
The great architect , Mary J Stills, AIA, CNU-A is an Architect, Principal and Project Manager for Parkhill. Mary is also a Studio Leader for the Higher Education Sector. With over 25 years of experience, her design knowledge is diverse in multiple building types. Her design creativity has received awards at the local and state levels for multiple educational projects. Mary is a member of the AIA, 2016 President of the El Paso AIA Chapter, and the current President of the El Paso Architectural Foundation.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I was a child when I knew building design interested me. I was influenced by family members who left a legacy with their construction work. I studied architectural drafting in high school and knew an architectural career was the right fit for me.
What do you do?
I am an Architect, a designer, a project manager, a studio leader, and a mentor. My professional goals include advocating for my community, with primary focus on children, women, education, and architecture.
What excites you in the work you do?
I'm passionate about designing relevant buildings for my community and feel fulfilled when my projects are occupied and enjoyed. There's a connection to my family too, I am also leaving a similar legacy to the built environment as they did.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Collaborating with talented professionals that have similar goals. I enjoy the creative process of taking ideas from rough sketches to construction documents alongside the design teams. I'm also inspired by the work of notable architects.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Becoming a partner at Parkhill. My work and dedication to my profession has been recognized by my firm. Out of 40+ principals, I am currently the first and only Hispanic female principal. I hope I can inspire more women to hold leadership positions.
Featured Project Name:
El Paso Community College, Rio Grande Campus - Academic Building and Parking Garage
Featured Project Location:
El Paso, Texas
Featured Project Completion Date:
January 2022
Role in Featured Project:
Designer, Architect of Record, Project Manager
Featured Project Description:
Once a flat parking lot, this restricted urban site, will hold a new higher education 7-story facility; 5 levels of parking garage and 2 levels of classrooms and state of the art simulation labs to house EPCC's health programs. The design reflects, conformance to historic requirements, growth of educational programs, parking needs, provisions for social gathering spaces, an outdoor xeriscaped courtyard for the campus and community. The building addresses function, performance, and security.
