Amy Willson: Bitter Sweet

I first met Amy when she came to our studio for a lecture Tom Palfrey and I were giving for John Adam’s “Principles and Practices”—a UVIC Cultural Resource Management Course.  After our session she came up to me and asked, “what would you look for when hiring staff?”  She explained that she was just finishing her degree in Art History.  I told her I would look for someone who had a diploma in Cultural Resource Management because the UVIC program is an excellent one.  It didn’t seem long before she contacted me again during the process of getting her CRM diploma.  She applied to be an intern.  I had a number of applicants.  When I interviewed Amy I told her that this industry is not always glamorous and often there are very difficult deadlines to meet.  I asked her how she would deal with difficult challenges. She thought for a moment and then replied, “Well… I think I would feel the fear and then work through it.”  Her answer instantly attained her the internship.  Once she had completed her diploma I was very fortunate to be able to hire Amy.

Amy during UVIC CRM Internship, 2006

I believe in apprenticeships and the value of mentors—perhaps because I have been very blessed by the mentors in my life.  Amy blossomed as a young interpretive planner, graphic and exhibit designer as she worked closely with myself and our team.  She cheerfully took on any project—even the drudgery jobs—with cheerfulness and enthusiasm.  She worked with my father, Jean Jacques, and he appreciated her fresh approach to design.  I remember a classic day when we were all working in the board room and Amy reached over and grabbed the pencil out of JJ’s hand just to sketch out her point!  We were all stunned but JJ took it well and they bantered back and forth as the design emerged.

(L) Amy presenting design options for Wanapum Heritage Center. 

(R) Amy helping Nick Johnson at the Jackson Hole Historical Society's Slim Lawrence BBQ

Amy’s talents have grown and our team has had the rich pleasure of working with Amy and sharing each other’s lives.  She is everything and more I could have ever hoped for in an apprentice.  She has developed into an excellent designer in her own right.  She is no longer the apprentice.  Long past are the days of her internship… 8 years ago in fact!  Many times Amy was pushed to "feel the fear and work through it".  Each time she faced one of these moments she would play the Rocky theme song "Eye of the Tiger" and jump into it with both feet and much courage!  Way to go Amy!  We are so proud of you!

 

Amy and Yvette work out a design challenge

Amy and Jean Jacques working on Grand Ronde Cultural Center

I hold on to my team with an open hand, and truly desire that they are happy, whether it be as part of our team or wherever life leads them.  We are quite like a family here and it is with happiness for Amy that I share our news that she is moving back to Vancouver. It is with a very heavy heart that we see her go.  A very, very heavy heart! 

We thought we’d share a bit of our story as many of you might like to send Amy a note before she goes.  Her last day at the office will be June 27^th.

—Bianca Message, President

Amy Looks Back...

I remember almost a decade ago when I first learned that the job of exhibit designer existed.  I was finishing up my undergrad in Art History with the intention of pursuing a design job in the film industry.  As an elective to finish up my degree I took a museum studies course.  Bianca was one of the guest speakers and after that day my choice of career was set.   

After 6 months of being an intern at André & Associates I was hired as a design assistant.  Over 8 years later I have moved my way up to designer...marketing coordinator...interpretive planner...graphic designer...GPS...Food Taster....the list goes on.   

Starting out in a company that is literally a big family can sometimes be intimidating however this was not the case at André & Associates.  They welcomed me with open arms and I couldn't imagine working with a better group of people.  Leaving AAID is like leaving my family and I will bring with me gratitude for the years of experience, mentorship, support, professional development, and friendship.  

I cannot thank Bianca, Bill, Tom, Andy, JJ, and Yvette  (and past members of AAID) enough for making me the person and designer I am today.   

—Amy Willson, Designer