From AIA Toledo
In recognition of her commitment to the profession, the Toledo Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is pleased to announce that Christine Mowen, AIA, NCARB, LEED Green Associate has been named Toledo Emerging Professional of the Year for 2019.
Chris graduated from Montana State University with her Masters in Architecture degree in 2009. Throughout Chris’s career, she has had the opportunity to work on a wide range of commercial and residential projects in multiple locations across the United States. Before moving to Ohio in 2017, Chris worked in small to medium sized firms in Kentucky, Delaware, New Jersey, and Wyoming where she gained valuable experience, expanded her knowledge, and deepened her passion for her love of architecture. Chris successfully completed the Intern Development Program (now known as the Architectural Experience Program – AXP) and the Architectural Registration Exams (ARE) in 2017 and received her license to practice architecture in the State of Ohio in May of 2017.
Her commitment to the profession of architecture is evident with her involvement in many local area non-profits. Chris is the AIA Ohio Licensing Advisor where she provides guidance and support for those navigating the AXP and ARE processes. She understands the importance of guidance and encouragement in the journey to licensure and strives to ensure new generations of young professions are mentored and advised through their process. Chris is also committed to helping young students explore opportunities in the profession by serving as an advisor of the AIA Toledo High School Design Competition. At the age of 13, Chris knew she wanted to be an architect and because of this she recognizes the significance of nurturing the love of architecture from a young age. This past year Chris has dedicated her time to volunteering as a founding Advisory Board member for the new non-profit, Preserve! Toledo. In this role she helps Preserve! Toledo work toward their mission of preserving Northwest Ohio’s built environment through education, connection, and empowerment through helping organize events, promote preservation techniques, and sharing information about the local historic infrastructure. Chris’s dedication to the profession and giving back to the community also include her time spent volunteering for the Toledo Design Center, being the Social Media Coordinator for AIA Toledo, and being a member of the Construction Specifications Institute, Toledo Chapter.
Outside of the profession, Chris enjoys doting on her 7 nieces and nephews, taking American Sign Language classes, and participating in friendly Nerf blaster competitions with friends. Chris also organizes and facilitates a monthly postcard exchange, and works on updating, preserving, and researching her home in her spare time.
Chris and her husband Tom live in their 1894 Queen Anne Victorian in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Mrs. Mowen will be presented the 2019 AIA Toledo Emerging Professional of the Year Award during AIA Toledo’s Honor Awards Program on April 26, 2019 at Poco Piatti, Downtown Toledo. For information regarding this event, please contact info@AIAToledo.org
