Member Spotlight: Linda Crouse
Each month we try to feature a Chapter member, asking them about SMPS and more.
This month, we're featuring Linda Crouse, a member of SMPS for 40 years! Find out how Linda got into the A/E/C industry, her favorite SMPS memories, her favorite movies and books, and much more!
Linda Crouse
BAR Architects & Interiors
Principal/Director of Marketing
What led you to the A/E/C industry?
My east coast roots inspired a love of cities and my interest in architecture, which led to a focus on City Planning. A course in my senior year as an undergrad included what you could do with a planning degree and marketing was listed. Thus began the progression to A/E/C and marketing for the built environment.
Why did you join SMPS and/or why do you continue to be a member?
SMPS has always been an amazing resource for learning and networking. I was fortunate to be part of the “early” days of Marketing for the Built Environment. Several co-founders and early members of the SF Chapter (Margaret Spaulding, Bill Hankinson, Sandy d’Elia, Jennifer Altenhoff, Gail Gabriel and many others) who were energetic, idea-driven, fun, and supportive, opened the door for me. I just had to walk through to quickly see and experience all the many positive opportunities and relationships within SMPS.
Do you have a favorite memory of an SMPS event?
The first SMPS National Conference in Disneyland and feeling honored to receive an SMPS National award for special PR piece at the awards banquet. Also, not an event, but having the opportunity to interview the State Architect of California for one of the early issues of The Short List, tops the list too.
Do you work from home, in the office, or a hybrid?
Our office is a hybrid and I generally am remote on Monday and Friday, and physically in one of our offices (SF or LA) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. (This is also what we expect of our staff who are in commutable distance to one of our offices.) I generally follow that schedule, although I also take advantage of fully remoting from the east coast about 2 months a year.
Do you have any hobbies?
Hiking (previously skiing until the knee replacement)
Do you have a favorite TV show?
Guilty pleasure –watching just about anything on HTGV!
Do you have a favorite movie?
Hard to name just one – but probably from my childhood The Sound of Music, and more recently from watching many times with my family Mrs. Doubtfire and Elf.
Do you have a favorite book?
So many to name a favorite. Non-fiction: Red Notice by Bill Browder; Fiction: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett; Currently on the nightstand - The Covenant of Water.
Do you have a favorite local restaurant?
Cotogna
Do you have a favorite local spot?
Sunset at Mount Tam.
Do you have a secret skill?
Writing “Lindaricks” (ask Todd!).
What do you like to do most in your free time?
See and hear live music, hike, and explore the unfamiliar.
