Cindy Schaumberg

Ankrom Moisan
Principal and Higher Education Studio Co-Leader

31 Years
in the Industry

How did you get started in the AEC Industry?

Interior design has always been a deeply ingrained passion that’s part of who I am. As a child I was fascinated by the simple act of rearranging furniture in my room, creating an entirely new experience within the same space. After high school, an “Intro to Architectural Drawings” course at a local community college confirmed my natural aptitude for design, leading me to pursue a degree in Interior Design at Montana State University. After graduating, I moved to Portland, Oregon, starting in high-end residential design before realizing my passion for commercial interior design. This led me to transition to a smaller interiors firm specializing in healthcare, government, and higher education.

During my three years at that firm, I began my family. With a desire to stay professionally engaged while balancing my new role as a mother, I launched my own business, offering contracted design services to local architects and builders. Once my children were in school full-time, I resumed my career, taking a position at Ankrom Moisan to continue growing my expertise in the field. This journey has shaped my approach to design, combining creativity with practical experience, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to bring thoughtful, functional, and beautiful spaces to life at each stage of my career.

What inspires you to design? Do you incorporate any unique perspectives or values into your designs, and how do you think your experiences as a woman influence your work?

What truly inspires me to design is the opportunity to create spaces that resonate with people on a deeper level. I’m passionate about how a well-thought-out environment can evoke emotions and enhance everyday experiences. I believe that design has the power to shape how people feel, think, and interact with the world around them. I also draw a lot of inspiration from nature, art, and culture—I’m always searching for new ways to bring these elements into my designs. It’s important to me that each space reflects its unique context and purpose, creating something truly special for those who will experience it. At the end of the day, what motivates me the most is knowing that I can improve people’s lives through thoughtful, intentional design. That’s what keeps me inspired and excited about every project.

My approach is rooted in empathy and collaboration, recognizing that each project comes with its own set of challenges, goals, and stakeholders. I prioritize the human experience within a space, considering how it feels and functions daily. As a woman and a mother, I have a deeper understanding of the importance of creating supportive and nurturing environments, whether it's a student’s home-away-from-home, shared common areas, or an educational setting. I also love to bring fun into my work, infusing creativity and energy into designs to inspire joy and engagement. This blend of practicality, emotional insight, and playfulness uniquely shapes my work. My goal is to work closely with clients to develop curated solutions that enhance the user experience and ensure their project stands out in the market, delivering lasting success.

Who have your role models been? Have you had any mentors throughout your career, and how have they shaped your journey in architecture?

Early in my career, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside two incredibly strong interior designers in my community, Linda Czopek and Georgia Erdenberger, who truly helped shape my journey. They took me under their wings, teaching me not only the technical aspects of design but also the importance of creating spaces that genuinely serve people. They guided me through the ins and outs of client relationships and helped me learn how to strike a balance between creativity and functionality. Later on in my career, Karen Bowery, a true trailblazer in our industry, taught me how to navigate the business side of design and empowered me to recognize the value of interior designers from the start of any project. These three women helped me build a foundation grounded in empathy, collaboration, and strength—reminding me every day that design isn’t just about aesthetics, but about making a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives. I’m beyond grateful for their mentorship and support, and their influence continues to shape my approach to design.

How do you think architecture can help address social issues, and how have you seen women lead the way in creating inclusive, equitable spaces?

Architecture and interior design have such a powerful ability to address social issues by creating spaces that are inclusive, sustainable, and accessible to all. When we take the time to truly understand the needs of different communities, we can design environments that promote connection and support people’s well-being. It’s about using design as a tool for change—creating spaces that reflect the values of equity, inclusivity, and community.

I’ve been so inspired by the many women who have led the way in this area. They’ve shown how architecture and interiors can go beyond aesthetics and become forces for social change. Their work celebrates the cultural identities of communities, empowers marginalized groups, preserves heritage, and fosters pride. These designs honor local traditions and create a sense of belonging. It’s incredible to see how thoughtful, adaptable design can have a lasting positive impact, helping to address social challenges and bring people together in meaningful ways.

How do you see the conversation on sustainability going in our industry?

Sustainability in design has become a central part of a larger, ongoing conversation in our industry, and it’s exciting to see how much it’s evolved. It’s no longer just something to consider on the side; sustainability is now at the heart of how we approach every project. It’s about rethinking how buildings function, how we use resources, and how we create spaces that genuinely work in harmony with the environment.

As an interior designer, I’ve found that the materials we choose are a huge part of making that happen. More and more, I’m drawn to renewable, locally sourced materials that have a minimal impact on the planet throughout their lifecycle. I’m also really focused on selecting materials that can help restore ecosystems, reduce waste, and promote biodiversity. In my view, using materials that benefit the built environment and the Earth is an essential part of the design process.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey?

The most fulfilling moment of my career came when I first stepped into a children’s clinic that I designed and saw families truly enjoying the space—families who had often arrived in scary or stressful situations. Watching them move through the rooms, relax in the areas I had carefully crafted, and interact with the environment I had shaped was an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing that space, which had once been just an idea, come to life and serve its purpose in such a meaningful way was deeply powerful. It was so gratifying to realize that the design looked great and also provided comfort, functionality, and a real sense of belonging where it was needed most.

That moment made me realize my passion for design goes beyond aesthetics; I understood that design isn’t just about how things look, but about how they make people feel and function every day—it’s about enhancing the lives of those who inhabit a space, especially in challenging times. Since that realization, I’ve focused on creating designs that serve people in meaningful ways. That experience deepened my understanding of design’s impact and continues to guide my work. It drives me to prioritize the end-user experience, knowing that the spaces we create shape how people feel, work, and interact.

Tell us about some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on.

Murano Senior Living in Seattle, WA: Designing the 24-story Murano Tower was one of my favorite projects because it offered the opportunity to help redefine what senior living could be—retirement reinvented. The project allowed me to create a vibrant, contemporary space in Seattle's First Hill neighborhood that combined thoughtful design with art, fostering community and sparking creativity. This project truly embodies the concept of retirement reinvented, transforming senior living into a dynamic, colorful community where residents can engage with one another, enjoy their environment, and continue to grow. It was an incredible experience to be part of something that redefined the senior living experience and also made it a space for continued creativity and connection.

The 818, Tucson Speedway Student Housing in Tucson, AZ: This project stands out as one of my favorites due to its deep connection to the local culture, geography, and geology of Tucson, Arizona, and the unique opportunity it presented to blend art, design, and community in a meaningful way. The "Artifact" concept, inspired by Tucson's rich art scene, allowed us to create spaces that felt both unexpected and familiar, offering moments of intrigue while embracing the local aesthetic. What truly makes this project special though is its impact on the students and the sense of community it fosters. Integrating security, social programming, and environmentally friendly features created a space where students could truly thrive. This project wasn't just about creating a building; it was about creating a space that honored the vibrant culture of Tucson and that students could truly call home.

What advice would you give women just entering the industry?

My advice to women entering the interior design industry is to embrace your unique flair and let your creativity shine! The design world is full of possibilities and your individuality is your superpower. Don't be afraid to try out different styles and explore what truly speaks to you. Developing your own vibe will help you stand out in this exciting, yet competitive field.

Stay curious and keep your finger on the pulse of new trends, tech, and materials to keep your designs fresh and exciting. Find mentors who inspire you, build a supportive network, and enjoy collaborating with others in the industry. Trust your gut, but also be open to learning and evolving along the way.

And most importantly, advocate for yourself! Interior design isn’t just about making spaces look beautiful—it’s about sharing your vision and creating strong connections with clients and partners. Own your expertise and confidently negotiate your worth. Stay true to who you are, and remember, your unique contributions will leave a lasting mark!