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ms Q+A: Melissa Ratermann, LEED AP BD+C

Maggie Kearns Francis

June 15, 2020

Melissa In 100 Words or Less

I’m an Architectural Designer for our building systems group and started working at ms as an intern in 2011. I became full time after I received my master’s degree in architecture from The Ohio State University in 2014. I’m currently working on designing several buildings and also assisting with the construction phase on many projects. The best part of my job is seeing projects under construction reach completion and being a part of the process the whole way starting from just a sketch on paper. I married my husband Scott in 2017 and we have the best little dog, Otis.

The Speed Round

What was your first job?

Milking cows on my parent’s dairy farm

 

Next item to cross off your bucket list?

Visit Banff National Park

 

Best concert you’ve attended?

Country Concert in Fort Loramie, Ohio – it’s also my hometown.

 

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A veterinarian

 

If you could eliminate one thing from your daily routine, what would it be?

Getting ready for work every morning

 

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird

 

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?

That’s a tough one, maybe finance/investments

 

Make your bed every morning or leave it unmade?

My husband makes it

 

Last book you read?

Genius Foods by Max Lugavere – it’s life changing.

 

Dream vacation destination?

Greece

 

Talker or listener?

Listener

 

If you could have an endless supply of one food, which would you choose?

Ice cream

Tell Us More

What sets ms apart from other engineering & architecture firms?

The people. I’ve worked with some people that have changed the way I think about things and have made my career so much better and truly enjoyable. They make me a better person and have made me more successful.

 

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned while working at ms?

Life after college is all about connections. Career connections mean everything to me.

 

If you weren’t an architect, what would you be doing?

Social media marketing. I’ve always loved technology and being able to create something that persuades others just by the visuals of it.

 

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

To express confidence in yourself.

 

What would you go back and tell your 22 year old self?

Things in life happen for a reason and not to stress about controlling that so much. Take chances and roll with it.

 

You’ve got one day in Columbus. What do you do?

House hop to visit friends, shop, dinner and drinks in the Short North.

 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Most people that know me well, know that I’m always up to something. Whether it’s hanging out and doing things with friends and family, spending time my husband, playing with little Otis, or just being outdoors. The majority of my free time goes to helping my parents out with their new business – they started a flower farm this past year and it’s the most amazing and beautiful adventure that I help out with. I do all of the photography and a lot of the behind the scenes setup and organization. Check it out – D&D Blooms in Anna, Ohio.