Member Name with Appellation(s): Amy Simmons, Account Executive Interface

Education: BA in Communications, Simpson College

Employer with Location: Interface – Iowa/Western IL

Years in Design: 0

Years in IIDA: 3 as a member, 14 as a sponsor

IIDA Great Plains Chapter City Center: Des Moines

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What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

“The harder you work, the luckier you get.” I often attribute successes to luck, but it’s great to keep in mind you are a lot less lucky if you aren’t putting in the work.

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How do you record your ideas?

I use the notes on my iPhone a lot. I really love to write, and I seem to get my best ideas when I drive. So if a creative thought pops into my head, the notes app provides a quick way to record ideas. I would like to write a book one day. It would probably be non-fiction and draw from some of the interesting characters in my life. In my notes right now : “Adorable Bosses” a few short stores centered around some of my quirkiest bosses. Also in the works: a book about my Dad called “What a Guy Oughta Do—worldly wisdom from a small town man”

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What might we find on your desk right now?

A pile of notes taken during Teams calls that Iwill never reference again.

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What book is on your nightstand?

“The New Menopause” because it’s coming for us all ladies!

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Do you have anything in your home thatyou’ve designed/created?

I have a lot of poetry and short stories. My grandfather passed over 20 years ago, but he was very impactful in my life. I wrote a little tribute to him for my grandmother after he passed. When my grandmother died this year they sent it home to me. It hangs in my office now.

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When needing a break from it all what helps you escape?  

Spring and summer are my favorite months because my flower gardens are my escape. I love to work mindlessly very early in the morning dead-heading and watering. There is something really soothing about it. When I can’t escape that way in winter or fall, I would say music and podcasts are my outlet.

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