She worked for a local firm as a job captain, managing several educational projects. She concurrently embarked upon graduate studies at the University of Arizona, responding to a long term interest in energy-efficient design – particularly in a desert environment - with a goal of gaining some expertise in that area. She received her Master of Architecture, followed by a PhD in Arid Lands Resource Sciences, with an emphasis on energy-efficient architecture. Her dissertation, entitled “Effects of Vegetation, Structural and Human Factors on the Thermal Performance of Residences in a Semi-Arid Environment” provided her with a strong background in climatic processes such as the urban heat island effect and the oasis effect, as well as structural factors impacting the energy consumption of buildings in a desert environment. Susan has lectured on energy-efficient and sustainable design in an arid region, and been a contributor and author of several articles and publications on this topic.
Susan is a registered architect in Arizona and New Mexico and Sonora, Mexico. She holds a certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). She is also a LEED™ accredited professional by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Susan is very active in the community. Professionally, she is a member of the State of Arizona Board of Technical Registration. She has been a member of The American Institute of Architects for 20 years, serving as president of AIA/Southern Arizona Chapter in 2006 and as a member of the Executive Board for four years. She chaired the 2007 AIA/SAC Sustainability Design Assistance Team (SDAT) grant received from AIA National. She is a member of the board of the Cornerstone Building Foundation. She is also a member of the Arizona Builder’s Alliance, where she has been involved in several projects, including their annual Volunteer Day, and was co-chair of their student portfolio design competition in the spring of 2006. Susan is also been a member of numerous community organizations, and has served on several community boards.
