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San Jose, CA—Please meet Leslie Guenther, Studio W Architects’ Controller. A valuable part of our business services team, she is responsible for accounts receivable and accounts payable, oversees human resources functions and manages the firm’s financial controls. Leslie loves the outdoors, boating and camping. Learn more about Leslie …

What is your hometown, or where do you live currently and what do you like about it?

I currently live in South San Jose, very close to the foothills. Although our goal is to eventually move to Morgan Hill to have more land (and more animals!), the area in which I live is more rural, which is what I love. We are close to many new restaurants with more of a city vibe, but we love to go running or hiking in the nearby hills.

What is your favorite restaurant or food?

I really love all kinds of food, and although I never liked Sushi in the past, it has become one of my favorites!

What is your favorite song, movie or book?

Song: Anything country
Movie: “A Beautiful Mind”
Book: “Beautiful Boy” by David Sheff

Who is your hero or a person that inspires you?

Kind people who go out of their way to help other people or animals with no expectations of anything in return are heroes and are very inspirational to me.

What is a typical weekend for you (i.e. what are your hobbies, interests, etc.)?

Maybe not typical but boating and camping as much as possible is definitely on the top of mine and my husband’s list.

How did you find the career of accounting in the AEC industry?

I worked at an electrical construction company for 15 years, then decided to stay home with my son for five years. When I decided to get back in the field, Studio W Architects (called BCA Architects at the time) was hiring in finance and I joined the team.

What is a building and/or destination that inspires you and why?

Any historical buildings and old churches that have a lot of detail have always inspired me. The time and thought put into them just makes me feel in awe.

What is your most memorable project and why?

One project that stands out from when I first started with the firm is Christopher High School in Gilroy, CA. It is very unique in its design and to experience the students’ and community’s reactions when it was completed and opened was priceless.

 

What is your favorite aspect of working at Studio W Architects?

Opportunities, growth and always learning new things.

What project have you worked on at Studio W Architects that made you grow the most professionally? Why?

Even though I am in finance and don’t work directly on projects, the commitment and dedication that Studio W has shown with Paradise Unified School District is truly remarkable. It doesn’t feel like business, rather two teams working together for a greater good to come back from a tragic fire that tried to destroy a town. Everyone has pulled together to rebuild.

Paradise High School  |  Paradise Unified School District