SPT Architecture’s Gina Loomis was nominated and selected as an honoree for Wichita Business Journal‘s Women Who Lead in Real Estate, Construction and Design 2020 collection.

2020 WBJ Women Who Lead in Real Estate, Construction and Design
Gina Loomis

Q. What is your leadership style?
A. My style is mostly participative in nature. I want to involve my team members in the decision-making process, which makes them part of the solution, and promotes creativity. I always strive to lead by example with a positive and open approach. I want to promote a encouraging and progressive work environment where our individuals can continue to enhance their skills and grow in their profession.

Q. When did you first feel like a leader?
A. In high school and college I held leadership roles in various organizations. After college, I held numerous leadership positions in the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) for over 10 years.

Q. Who are your mentors and how have they influenced your career?
A. My mother and father instilled a strong work ethic in me, which continues to be a constant guide for me today. At SPT, Ron Spangenberg has been a great leader and mentor for me. He encouraged me to become a partner at SPT to learn under his guidance and further my career.

Q. What are you doing to mentor women in your industry?
A. On a daily basis, I mentor the younger interior designers in our office, and I work with high school students who aspire to study design. On a more personal level, I mentor my niece, who is currently studying interior architecture at Kansas State University.

Q. Best advice for young women considering your industry?
A. Work hard, listen, and get involved early in your career; continue to engage in opportunities whenever possible.

Q. What female leaders do you admire?
A. Sheryl Sandberg’s book, “Lean In,” inspired me to be part of a Lean In Circle for women in our area. I’ve learned valuable lessons and gained insight about leading as a woman, and also as a mother.

Q. What was your career path?
A. I started as a designer for a commercial furniture company, and then worked for a commercial architectural firm where I obtained my Interior Design Certification (NCIDQ). Shortly after, I became the leader of the interior design department. I joined SPT Architecture in 2006, and soon became a partner with the firm.

Q. What inspired you to choose a career in your industry?
A. As a child, I was always interested in art and interior design. After studying interior design at Kansas State University, there was no doubt in my mind that commercial architecture was in my future. I have never looked back.

Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. The process of planning and designing spaces for my clients, from start to finish is the most enjoyable part of my job. We work on various project types such as medical, hospitality, offices, and education, which give me the opportunity to interact with many different, interesting people. It’s very rewarding for me when my clients see their projects become a reality.