Member of the Month: Annie Portner
/What is a non-profit you support?
I discovered “For Goodness Cakes” in Philadelphia. It is an organization that pairs foster homes & similar groups with local bakers to provide homemade birthday & other celebration cakes. I recently baked a Baby Shark themed cake for a 2 year old!
What are you reading right now?
I am currently reading “Building Codes Illustrated” by Francis D.K. Ching. Perhaps not the most exciting read, but it is helping me study for my NCIDQ exams AND with project work.
What is something you’ve always wanted to do, but have not done yet?
I have always wanted to go on a Hot Air Balloon ride. This past year I went to Albuquerque’s International Hot Air Balloon Festival but missed the opportunity to take a ride. This summer I have a ride lined up in Cappadocia, Turkey!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I participated in a dodgeball league for the first time this past winter through HeyDay sports. It was the BEST and I highly recommend!
What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city?
Too many to choose from! Reading Terminal Market, Tattooed Mom Bar, Magic Gardens, Rodin Museum, Cherry Street Pier, Bok Bar, Dotties Donut, Row Home Coffee (breakfast sandwich on a soft pretzel!), walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge!
More about Annie:
Upon moving back to Philadelphia, after living in Los Angeles & New York City, Annie joined the Gensler Philadelphia team. Although Gensler is the largest architectural design firm in the world, the Philly office is about 35 people (& growing!), providing the best of both worlds. Annie appreciates the resources & opportunities of a large firm, but the close-knit feel of a small firm. Gensler specializes in many sectors, from Digital Experience Design to Sports Stadiums. Annie is a designer focusing on commercial interiors work. Along with her day-to-day project work, she is involved with Gensler’s Mentorship program (at her alma mater Drexel & FAMU), Social Media Team (follow us on Instagram @gensler_philly!), & Community Impact Group. Gensler’s monthly Women’s Forum has been a highlight for Annie, where she gets to learn more about her colleagues & share stories. Personally, Annie is currently training for her 3rd marathon, 1st Tough Mudder, and “too-many-to-count” half marathon. On the weekends you can find her running along the Schuylkill Trail or studying for her NCIDQ exam. She is an avid film photographer, with a goal to create her own library of mood board images to use for projects. Look out for Annie at your next design industry event and say hi!
Annie Portner, Gensler
215.419.7051
Annie_Portner@gensler.com
www.gensler.com
www.instagram.com/gensler_philly/?hl=en