Get to know the BSPARK Team
Today Sophia sat down with Sarah Kratzner, our Operations Coordinator at BSPARK Architecture. With a background in Healthcare, Sarah brings a new perspective to the BSPARK Team.
What attracted you to joining BSPARK Architecture in the first place?
I met Sophia through our local community, as she and I got to know each other more she shared more about her firm and her vision for her firm in the future. I was eager to learn more about the firm and architecture. As I did I became more interested in their approach to design and how I could help the firm grow and share the values of the firm with others. All while promoting the firm's focus on health, wellness and a work life balance.
How long have you been with BSPARK?
About a year and a half.
How do you like working with Architects?
Architects tend to be unique in their way of thinking about a new idea or concept, also in their way of planning and implementing. Coming from a very different career background that was mostly in healthcare, it took me awhile to learn to appreciate their way of approaching a new issue and learn to work alongside that. I now appreciate the differences in approach we all take to the same problem and the solutions we are able to produce when we work together with our varying backgrounds.
What was the biggest surprise in working behind the scenes of an architecture office, and seeing the process unfold?
When I started my position, I truly had no idea what architecture was about. I didn’t fully understand what they did on a daily basis. I have learned so much since being on the team, and have grown to have a whole new perspective on the field.
What would you say is the most rewarding part of your job?
Building relationships and operational improvements. I enjoy being able to be out in the community as part of my job and representing BSPARK. I have always enjoyed being able to get to know many people from various walks of life. I am glad I am able to continue to build relationships in my current role with BSPARK. Whether that is with our clients, consultants or the business community.
I also enjoy when we are able to improve an operational process and I am able to watch the visible result of that within our team. It is rewarding to see the work “behind” the scenes have an impact on our whole team.
Thinking back to your childhood and pre-architecture life, do you have any favorite buildings or designed spaces?
I can’t think of a specific example, but growing up where I did there are many more older buildings and houses then there are in Great Falls. I remember a specific feeling when being in those old buildings. A certain characteristic about them. When we were looking to buy our first house in Montana I spent a lot of time looking for that same feeling. A building that felt solidly built, and had those unique aspects of being an old building that had gone through many changes over time.
What is your favorite season?
Hands down, Summer! Even though I spend every weekend in the winter at the ski hill with my family. Summer is my happy place. The warmth, sunshine and being on the water. I work as a river guide very part time in the summer, and have always enjoyed being in and around water. There is just something special about the longer days and laid back pace of life in the summer.
