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Ann SomersMasters of Architecture

Portico jackson / December 2011

ANN SOMERS Like doctors and other professionals, architects' names are usually followed with initials; in their case, with "AIA," designating that they have passed the rigorous American Institute of Architects certification exam. In addition to her AIA status, Ann Somers' name is followed by LEED-AP, meaning she has obtained a professional certification for sustainable design by the U.S. Green Building Council.
"Ive been very interested in sustainability for some time now," says Ann. "I have been involved in the Sierra Club for many years, and I helped start the Mississippi chapter of the Green Building Council. It's important that we look at sustainability seriously."
Ann was raised in Byram and went to school there from first through twelfth grade. "We lived in the country, and I loved it." But she knew early on that she wanted to have a career in architecture, and in Mississippi, the place to study architecture was Mississippi State University. "It was a five year program, and when I started, the program was very new. I graduated in 1981 and was in the fifth graduating class of the School of Architecture."
Architecture students tend to get close to one another, as they are always working on projects together. "Our class was very small. I was one of 26 students, and only four of those were women. Now it's half and half. Architecture is a logical field for women as it combines science and art."
During her time at MSU, Ann took trips with her class to study architecture in other parts of the country. "We went to Boston, Chicago, San Francsco, New Orleans and many other cities. Those trips helped me to decide that I wanted to live in a big city, and I chose New York."
The recession had gotten pretty bad by the time Ann graduated from college, so she worked in Jackson for a year to save money to make her move. "During that time, the recession only got worse, but I was dettermined. I got a starter job and an apartment in NewYork, and after a few months, I got a job at a major architectural firm where I focused on interiors. It was great, because there were many old office spaces in New York that were being renovated."
After four years in the Big Apple, Ann decided to move south again, and took a job at a firm in Savannah. For a year and a half she worked on small commercial and residential projects before moving back to Jackson. "I worked with Ken Tate for a year and a half, and together w edesigned the most wonderful home. I also worked on several medium-sized commercial projects."
From there, she went to Cooke,Douglass, Farr, Lemons Architects & Engineers PA. "Rob Farr, whose father was the original Farr in the firm's name , took me under his wing and become a great mentor." She's been at the firm ever since, becoming a partner nine years ago. "Over the years, my focus has changed from doing projects to overseeing projects and mentoring."
Ann says the profession hasn't changed much over the years. "We have changed how we produce projects for construction. Our goal is always to get the most we can for the owner at the best price and in a quicker time period."
The introduction of technology into archtecture has meant there is less drafting and lettering. "Architects were always known for their unique penmanship. While computers have been used as a tool for some time, architects are now on the cusp of exciting changes, such as showing 3D models of buildings. That's a little easier when presenting to a client who may not be able to visualize things in their head the way we do."
Ann and her husband Jim, a landscape architect, live in Jackson with their four dogs and a cat. "We are passionate about living in Jackson," Ann says. While all of her projects are like her "babies," Ann says that one she is particularly proud of is the William F. Winter Archives and History Building. "I especially love some of the public spaces. My favorite is the public reading room."