Q: What is your favorite thing about working at SHYFT?
A: My favorite thing about working for SHYFT is that no two days look the same. I wear different hats in many projects that are in various phases; every day looks a little different and keeps me on my toes!
Q: What projects are you currently working on?
A: I’m currently finishing up two InvestDSM renovation projects in the Drake neighborhood. What I enjoy about these projects is the feeling of connection to our local Des Moines community and collaborating with InvestDSM to provide really beautiful homes in an area so historic and special to Des Moines.
I’m currently working on the Echo View Townhomes project, which is a Modern Living townhome development currently under construction in Norwalk, Iowa. It’s really exciting to work on a project that the SHYFT team is involved in from many angles; partnered with DEV Partners for the development, designed by SHYFT architects and designers, built by our SHYFT construction team, and listed by our real estate partner, FORM Home Realty. It’s a great example of what we can accomplish and captures the breadth of our combined skills!
Q: What is the one thing you are most proud of since joining SHYFT?
A: Something I’m most proud of since joining SHYFT is all I’ve learned and the ways I’ve grown in my time here. With a background in Interior Design, I started as a Project Designer and have since grown in my design role while also branching out in a Project Manager role and now a Real Estate Agent for our partner company, FORM Home Realty. I’ve enjoyed getting to expand my skillset and build on my experience in different roles to positively influence future projects.
One thing I’m proud of, especially recently, is my real estate efforts. Last summer, I obtained my real estate license, and have since been working to build and launch FORM Home Realty, SHYFT’s residential home realty company. It’s been an exciting, and at times challenging, journey and from it I’ve learned so much that benefits me not only as an agent, but also as a designer. I feel that being a designer and a real estate agent go hand-in-hand; my perspective has widened in both roles due to my knowledge in the other. I look forward to seeing where it goes!
Q: What are some of your career highlights?
A: A few of my career highlights include:
The South Main development in Pella, Iowa is among my career highlights. This is the first project I worked on at SHYFT. It’s undergone multiple phases over the years and is a truly beautiful project that I’m proud to be involved in.
Central Iowa Shelter and Services brought us on for a Real Estate Feasibility Study in 2019 into 2020. It was a comprehensive study to help CISS understand how best to design for the future for the homeless population they serve as well as the larger community. Since that study, I have gotten to work with CISS on similar studies in other towns in Central Iowa. I feel a lot of pride in these studies and being able to assist such an impactful organization and the work they do within the community.
Something I feel proud of is my involvement in designing SHYFT’s new Des Moines office. It’s special to me to be able to have such an impactful role in the space that we will work from.
Q: Tell us something unique about you.
A: Something unique about me is that I used to live in Las Vegas! I spent about three and a half years there as an Interior Designer working on hospitality design projects; casinos, bars, restaurants, hotels, etc. I enjoyed hiking in the desert, short drives to Zion National Park and San Diego, delicious food all around, and endless shows/concerts. I also became a Golden Knights fan during their inaugural season and was fortunate enough to attend many games in that incredible first season. Go VGK!
Thanks, Morgan, for all you do for the SHYFT Team!