Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company its specialties, its history, the size of its staff.
Elise Fett: We provide architectural, engineering and TRPA (Tahoe Regional Planning Agency) consultation and design for residential, multi-family and small commercial projects. Because of our ability to carry the project through all phases, (including our understanding of existing and proposed structures plus our award-winning reputation with TRPA), we thrive on the complexity of projects around Lake Tahoe. I'm personally very fond of the small house remodel projects where inches matter and creative design is critical while maintaining "Old Tahoe Charm."
NNBW: What role do you play in the company?
Fett: Architect, engineer, TRPA consultant, president, manager and marriage counselor to couples designing, building and remolding their homes.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Fett: I had a passion for architectural design and a natural strength for math as I was growing up. My father suggested that I acquire education and experience in a combination of both disciplines so that I could design projects efficiently.
NNBW: What is something no one knows about your job?
Fett: It is most important for me that the clients enjoy the process and have a project they love in the end. The work necessary to acquire TRPA permits is unpredictable and more difficult than acquiring building permits.
NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasn't it your first choice?
Fett: This was my first choice and I'm so pleased that I was passionate and persistent enough to not only achieve the goal of architectural engineer but to have great clients in beautiful and challenging environments. I would love to be a professional dancer on the side. Who knows, maybe I will get on "Dancing with the Stars."
NNBW: What do you like to do when you're not working?
Fett: Play at the beaches or in the snow here in Lake Tahoe with my son plus bike, snorkel, ski, kayak, row, fly and enjoy the company of my friends and family while I do those activities. Having a celebration and being surrounded by good people is the best.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Fett: Persistence, positive attitude, people skills, gratitude and paying attention to details like any profession. Initially, during education and internships, take the jobs that give the best experience for what you want to specialize in over the highest pay.
NNBW: If you could have one super-power, what would it be and why would you want it?
Fett: I would love to have super intuition and insight so I could better care for my clients, friends and family.
NNBW: What person, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with, and why?
Fett: My father. He was a wealth of knowledge, brilliant, insightful and wonderful company. There is not enough room or time to fully explain. I have learned to accept that there is never enough time.
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Fett: There isn't a best. All of it is good, but for me the most basic and crucial to a good life are: If you don't have your health you don't have anything. Walk in another man's shoes. Don't judge people by their appearance.
NNBW:What do you like most about your job? What do you like least?
Fett: Best: Creating comfortable spaces and structures that please people. Least: Inconsistency in how codes are interpreted. It is an inefficient use of time and energy.
NNBW: What five words would most people use to describe you?
Fett: Personable, diligent, artistically resourceful, empathetic and multi-faceted.
The basics:
Name: Elise Fett, president of Elise Fett & Associates, Ltd., Incline Village.
How long have you been in this job? 17 years
How long in the profession? 30 years if you count the years working during college
Education: Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Civil Engineering
Best book you've read? "The Not So Big House, A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live" by Sarah Susanka with Kira Obolensky
What's on your iPod? Some of this, some of that, all genres from classical to rock, jazz to county, Latin to Reggae
The movie ever? "4 Weddings and a Funeral"
Spouse, kids or pets? Husband, Robert Lober; son, Halen Fett Hanson; my plants
