Brook Thornton, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Partner, LKV Architects
Women in architecture are a dynamic and influential force. Idaho women architects have been breaking barriers and making significant contributions to the field for decades.
In recent years, some have risen to leading positions in their firms, managing successful practices and designing major projects that shape our state’s built environment.
In this edition of Idaho Architecture, we are celebrating women architects, their work, leadership, and the pathways to equity they are building for the next generation. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Brook Thorton and learn more about the challenges that women architects face in their personal and professional lives. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we did.
Please tell us about yourself.
I grew up here in Idaho and love this state. I married a wonderful man from Wyoming and we have two incredible daughters that keep us wildly busy. I attended the University of Idaho and graduated in 2005 with my Masters in Architecture. I came to work with LKV Architects in 2005, and in 2014, I was made a Partner in the firm. I have been learning and growing in that position since that time.
What led you to architecture?
I started working professionally in 2005, but have always been part of this industry. My father is a contractor and I spent several summers cleaning shops, setting grades for concrete pours and even dabbling in payroll. It was a great crash course in construction. Aside from that, I have always been drawn to creating spaces. At school, I spent hours in woodworking and sculpture classes, anything that was art in 3D form. Architecture was a natural progression from those hobbies.
What are your architectural specialties?
Our firm specializes in K-12 education. Within that project type, I gravitate to those that have a historical component. Renovations of historical buildings can be really challenging but also very rewarding. I enjoy seeing a space that was previously not well-suited for occupants become functional and beautiful.
What challenges have you faced in the field?
This is an incredibly tough industry for anyone, but I believe even more so for women. Initially, I think I spent a lot of time second-guessing myself and didn’t feel comfortable when sitting in a room, as the only female, to speak out. Trust that who you are is enough and be confident in your abilities. It took me a while to figure this out, so I hope that I can help others find that part of themselves a little earlier in their career.
What is the greatest accomplishment of your professional career? Favorite project?
It would be hard to narrow it down to just one project, so I will name two. I recently finished an elementary school for the Boise School District which was such a fun project. A lot of freedom was given to the architects working on their projects, so I was able to incorporate design features that really complimented the architecture of the neighborhood. The other project would be the Idaho State Museum. Working on the museum was one of the most rewarding and challenging projects of my career thus far. From start to finish, it spanned over 12 years, so I was deeply invested and had a really strong desire to see it succeed. On both of these projects, the entire team was really great to work with, which always makes such a difference.
Have you had important mentors during your career so far? Who were they, and what was the most important lesson you learned from them?
I wouldn’t be able to pinpoint just one person. I am blessed with a village of people that have supported me throughout my journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today without any one of them. Each has taught me something valuable ranging from how to communicate with others all the way to not underestimating my value.
What three recommendations would you have for someone starting off in the industry?
- Build up your network. Surround yourself with people that inspire you, push you and support you.
- Find out what motivates you. The work I get to be part of inspires me daily and makes the hard times worth it.
- Never stop learning. You can grow so much from talking with other architects, engineers and contractors.
Do you have any last words that summarize your thoughts for anyone reading your article?
Be true to who you are.
Photos courtesy of LKV Architects
