With a diverse range of interests, Connie’s life is colorful. When she’s not exploring the Midwest with her husband and canine companions or domesticating feral cats, she’s traveling to Mexico where she helps mezaleros in rural Oaxaca develop libraries and greenhouses.

With a background in property management, Connie decided to pursue a career in architecture more than a decade ago. Today, she is inspired by sustainable and accessible design and has a broad range of experience. She earned her Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Connie once rode her bike five-and-a-half days from Amsterdam to Paris – in the rain.

• 5 Things Architecture School Didn’t Teach You About Sustainability by Connie Bank