Movers & shakers: Alissa Schmidt, Viracon Co.

ALISSA SCHMIDT VIRACON CO.

Title: design department manager

Age: 34

Alissa Schmidt is bringing clarity to building plans for new commercial construction projects as architectural design department manager at Viracon.

Schmidt, 34, has been at the Owatonna-based architectural glass fabricator since 2005. She was promoted to the new position in December after working as an architectural design associate.

Schmidt's department consults with architects nationally and in other countries to help them choose the right glass for the buildings they're designing.

She consulted on the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium, working with the architects and traveling to inspect and photograph the building. The glass facade of the Minneapolis Public Library, featuring silk-screened birch trees that help curb heat gain, is a local example of Viracon's work.

Social and environmental needs increasingly play a role, Schmidt said, as architects look for products that let in sufficient natural lighting while also improving energy efficiency.

More architects are seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, Schmidt said.

Her role at Viracon combines her expertise in interior design -- she has a degree in the subject from Minnesota State University, Mankato -- and the marketing experience she gained at Taylor Corp. in Mankato.

Viracon's projects include supplying glass for the World Trade Center Tower One, or Freedom Tower, in New York.

QHow does Viracon improve energy efficiency in glass?

QYour new job involves travel up to half of your time -- do you have a favorite destination?

ANew York City is amazing, being able to see all of our work there has been fantastic. You can hardly walk a few blocks without seeing a Viracon project.

QHow do you like to spend time away from work?

AMy husband and I own an old Victorian house. We spend a lot of time remodeling and fixing that up. We love to travel. Last year I was fortunate, I made a couple of trips to Europe, to France as well as to Italy. I would love to go back there.

TODD NELSON