MEET Whitney Allred

What do you do at your current firm? 

I focus on a broad spectrum of business development, marketing, and communication with a sensibility for design and thoroughness. I identify and inform the leadership of potential leads and facilitate proposal development—similarly, I research capital plans and public records for enhanced positioning. I collaborate with all levels of staff and engage with consultants and other members of the design community on teaming pursuits. I assist with marketing strategies and prioritize various tasks in a fast-paced environment to simultaneously meet aggressive and multiple deadlines.

What inspired you to join SMPS? 

The support, kindness, and dedication from each member inspired me to join SMPS. Each person is ready to lend a helping hand and is willing to share advice. SMPS has made me feel like I belong to something more significant in our marketing for the A/E/C industry. Each interaction and conversation has been a valuable education and networking opportunity.

What’s one thing about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I have four years of experience as a woman in the trades, including masonry, plaster, and painting on commercial and residential projects throughout Texas, Wyoming, Utah, and Oregon. I also apprenticed under adobe, earth block, natural lime plaster companies, and a leading old-world artist in the industry. I worked on many unique projects and learned a lot about job site protocol. Expanding on my fine arts education, experience, and European art study abroad program, I wanted to learn how to create authentic Venetian murals. I wanted a better understanding of art, design, and construction – all in one, and the trades were a way for me to achieve that goal.

In the early 2000s, I was the only female on the job site every time in every state. Not always accepted in certain regions, especially down by the broader, laborers could not understand why I was there, and many of them were not happy about it. All parties required me to hide when any individuals crossed over the border. A woman was not allowed to be seen in those circumstances then. I witnessed some very extraordinary situations.

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

All kinds of Seafood. I cannot get enough of any of it. 

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date? 

I have been a wilderness survival guide instructor in the red rocks of Southern Utah during the summers and the Northern Uinta Mountains in the winters with no tools, pack gear, or resources. Like Bear Grylls, in a way. I had a satellite phone in case of emergencies. I only had to use it one time during my tenure.