Elaine Kross’s job is to find the best solution. This is a back and forth process between her, the client, and her team. She says, “Where there’s good communication, there’s a solution.” Listening is essential for an architect. Out of that you get authenticity, and understanding.

Designing for public buildings is the most recent step in her career. She draws comparisons: “Both public and private projects are driven by budget but private development is often based on maximizing profit.” At Noll & Tam, she appreciates the level of community outreach and creating thoughtful designs for a larger audience. From this standpoint, the values captured in her work are the kind that last for generations.

She is captivated by fleeting moments. A train moving in twilight, or floating on a lake surrounded by mountains. “I’m already missing it as I witness it,” she says. Her greatest joy is hearing her child laugh.