Emily is a Principal and Chief Marketing Officer. Emily is an IALD Associate, is LEED AP ID+C certified, and has been with Rushing since 2010.

What inspired you to get into your field?

I knew I wanted to be a part of the building design industry since I was in middle school.  As a child, I consistently drew sketches of cities and buildings and mapped out floor plans well before I was properly trained. Design was my calling.  It was after I graduated college with my architectural interior design degree, I realized how many specialties were harnessed under the umbrella of an architect.  I loved how lighting design was the perfect blend of both technical and creative.  The spaces we inhabit (both interior and exterior) impact everything about us: our mood, perception, comfort, and health.  I was immediately hooked and never looked back.

What do you like about working at Rushing?

In the 13 years I have been at Rushing, it has always been a place that gives back what you put in.  It’s a company that empowers ALL individuals and values diversity.

How have you grown since joining Rushing?

Oh, so much!  And I’m still growing!  I am forever a learner.  I think the biggest form of growth for me is continuing to realize and harness new skills beyond what is familiar.  It’s so easy to get stuck in what you do best, yet often we flourish beyond our expectations when we accept new challenges.

What are a few of your favorite projects you have worked on at Rushing?

Two that come to mind are the Nexus Condos and Lumen Stadium.  Both very different projects but both fun and excellent teams to work with.  The Nexus condos had a wonderful architectural and interior design team that I really enjoyed coordinating custom, complex lighting details for both interior and exterior spaces.  The Lumen stadium project required several mockups on the roof that were exciting to coordinate, and we had a great time putting on our creative hats preparing concept design packages illustrating state-of-the-art dynamic LED systems.

Which of our core values do you most resonate with?

Courageous transparency.  I love the fact that you can become a stronger individual by sometimes just saying “I don’t know.”

Who inspires you and why?

Mother Nature! We are forever connected to this earth no matter what. I’m always in awe how we can solve complex design issues and satisfy an inherent aesthetic desire just by referencing mother nature’s designs.

What’s on your bucket list?

To take a family sabbatical abroad.  Traveling has always been such an important part of my life and I want to show and teach my children about the beautiful diversity of this world.