Pub. 2 2021-2022 Issue 1

35 actually grew in 2020, increasing from 28 to 32 employees. For Campagna, these programs, plus technology grants from Erie County, allowed her to implement a planned update of equipment and technology that would prove critical to her business. Finding new projects to replace those on hold required creativity, persistence — and patience. “It’s really been important to be nimble and figure out new things, to understand how to look for these grants and find funding when the funding you thought was going to come in immediately stops,” Campagna explained. “I found myself working on a variety of teams, developing a variety of proposals, and I got a whole new set of exciting projects. But it took a much longer process to submit proposals and get interviews — everything took longer.” Both architects are now looking forward. Bonstra | Haresign is focused on transitioning back to full capacity in the office. “For the last year, we’ve been operating the most expensive server farm in the city,” Haresign noted. In line with CDC and local DC guidelines, the firm is gradually working up to 50% capacity this month — a pace it plans to accelerate after July 4th while considering ongoing flexibility for remote working. Integral to planning has been AIA DC’s Operations Professional Peer Committee, which has brought 10 local firms together to collaborate on re-entry methods. On the project front, Bonstra | Haresign is well-positioned to adapt to post-COVID commercial architecture opportunities. ONE LAST THING ... Did you know that you can enjoy your association news anytime, anywhere? Scan the QR code or visit: reflexion.thenewslinkgroup.org Check it out! The new online article build-outs allow you to: • Stay up to date with the latest association news • Share your favorite articles to social channels • Email articles to friends or colleagues There is still a flipping book for those of you who prefer swiping and a downloadable PDF. The firm is already engaged in converting spaces — including schools and two 14-story office buildings — to residential space, and Haresign anticipates the firm’s preservation and conversion work will continue in line with trends — trends that include a strong multi-family residential market and a shift from market rate to affordable housing projects. “The retrofit world was already starting before COVID,” he commented, “And I think that trend is going to continue.” Bonstra | Haresign has picked up a number of new projects with non-profit groups, which Haresign describes as “very satisfying work.” For Campagna, 2020 has inspired career reflection. “My biggest takeaway: to be flexible and to keep re-evaluating all the time — evaluating my projects, evaluating who I work with, evaluating how I actually do the work.” Inspired by her work on recent government-funded restoration projects, which proceeded in 2020 because funds were already allocated, she has a renewed focus on largescale projects that allow her to “do everything I love to do in one project” — from technical evaluation to design philosophy development to regulatory review. Campagna is also focused on supporting women by cultivating project “dream teams” that include women-led businesses. For both architects, the bottom line is adaptability. “Things are moving fast and evolving every single day,” Haresign concluded. “This has been constant for a year and a half, and we’ve had to be nimble and adjust to what’s going on.” b