Across the Board: Get to Know Kristin Baum
Kristin Baum, AIA, LEED AP is the Board Chair and one of seven principals at GuernseyTingle. Her role on the board is in Business Development and Human Resources. A Hokie fanatic with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech and 23 years of experience, Kristin has always found herself calling Williamsburg “home”.
“I was born in Williamsburg and my whole family is here,” Kristin says. “I like to say I grew up here, but we moved a lot with my dad’s job. I lived in North Carolina for a while, then Canada for junior year of high school, and I was the new student my senior year in Bedford, but Williamsburg has always been “home” because it was the one constant.”
Family Traditions and Bonds Built Strong
For Kristin, the decision on where to go to college was made at a very early age, coming from a long line of Hokies.
“I went to Virginia Tech, and it was decided in the womb that I was going to Tech because my dad went there, my uncle went, and my sister was already there when I started,” Kristin explains.
Reflecting on how close she is with her sister, Kristin notes that her college years were better when they were together.
“My sister and I lived together when I was at Tech,” Kristin recalls. “She was one of my only non-architecture friends, and she could help me keep my perspective. When you’re in the architecture school, you’re with the same people throughout the entire time, and you eat, sleep and breathe it.”
Meaningful Projects that Make a Difference
While Kristin has participated in many high profile design projects during her time at GuernseyTingle, she sometimes finds some of her most impactful, difference-making work happening in unlikely places.
“I think my most impactful work I’ve done has been with Colonial Williamsburg. The ones that first come to mind are the restroom renovations that I’ve worked on,” notes Kristin. “You’re taking something that was created in the 1950’s that is absolutely instrumental to the success and accessibility of Colonial Williamsburg.”
Function is extremely important, always.
“You have to have a place that everyone who is visiting is able to use and fits their needs,” Kristin explains. “It needs a changing table for children and even for adults, it needs a nursing mothers’ room, it needs a quiet room for children struggling with sensory issues. Those are super impactful. I can remember when my children were little, tripping up the steps of the Merchant Square Restrooms trying to get three little girls into that bathroom and out again. It was designed for traffic in the 1950’s, and those needs have changed now.”
Building on a Legacy of Community Engagement
In addition to supporting several key charities and professional organizations, Kristin also enjoys mentoring aspiring architects, making sure they receive a proper introduction to the field.
“I do a lot in my community – from Historic Virginia Land Conservancy, to Heritage Humane Society, to our local chapter’s Alzheimer’s foundation. I’m also active in our Chamber and Women’s Business Council,” says Kristin. “Mentorship is important to me and in both of those groups we work to bring the younger generation up with us, not a baptism by fire.”
Her love for the local community also shines through in her excitement about designing a restaurant at Billsburg Brewery, an establishment that holds an extra special place in her heart.
“A project I’m excited to work on is eventually getting to the Billsburg Brewery restaurant because my late-husband, Dave, and I did the original Billsburg and while it’s bittersweet, seeing that it’s evolved and grown is so special to me,” Kristin recalls fondly.
Putting Clients, Contractors and Colleagues at the Center
Looking ahead, Kristin says the future of the company is bright as leadership approaches growth strategically and with intent.
“We’re going to need a bigger building! In the 23 years I have been here we have been methodical and deliberate with our growth, and we have continued to grow,” Kristin says.
“For us, it is all about the service; we want cutting edge design, but we don’t have to if it means we’re sacrificing what the client wants. Our relationship with our clients and contractors is the most important aspect to us.”
Helping colleagues get involved in projects is also important to Kristin and ultimately the growth of the company.
“I want to help our newer staff and bring them in more on projects and allow them to have more opportunities for experience and growth,” says Kristin. “We have such amazing young staff and it’s refreshing to see them make the space for themselves and talking to clients. That’s how you grow. You put yourself out there, and you keep trying.”