Andrea Hester 10-Year Anniversary

Congratulations Andrea on reaching your
10-year anniversary with CUBE 3!

Congratulations to Andrea Hester who is celebrating her 10-year work anniversary with us! An integral member of our team, Andrea has put time and energy behind so many substantial CUBE 3 projects, and we have been fortunate enough to have her on our team for a decade.

Qualifications/Accreditations:   M. Arch degree

Years in the Profession: 16 years

What is your role at CUBE 3? Associate & Studio Manager

What attracted you to join the CUBE 3 team?
I was at a point where I was ready to move on from my previous job and had been looking for a new firm with opportunities for growth, a collaborative environment and a fun culture. A previous CUBE 3 employee (Allyson) had told me great things about CUBE 3 and suggested I come in for an interview, so I did! I met with Doug Carr and John Harding – at that time, I was inspired to see someone “so young” (John) as an Associate Principal. I knew immediately that CUBE 3 would provide me with the opportunities I was looking for and support my professional development in whatever way I needed. I started working at CUBE 3 shortly after.

What’s a lesson you have learned that has most benefited you in your career?
There are several but the first one that comes to mind is the importance of adaptability. Every project comes with its own unique challenges. Embracing change, staying flexible and being willing to learn new skills or pivot in response to challenges has super important to navigate those challenges successfully.

What inspires you?
My husband and kids! I want to show my children that it’s possible to pursue your passions, work hard, and still create a nurturing environment for them. It can be a tough balance at times but so worth it!

How did you get here? What were you doing before, and what made you decide to go into Architecture?
I had no idea what I wanted to go to school when it came time to apply to college. I had taken a drafting class my last couple of years in high school that I really enjoyed. I kind of took a chance and applied to Wentworth for Architecture and glad I did! I got my undergraduate degree at Wentworth and went to the BAC afterwards to get my Masters degree. I was also lucky enough to have met my husband at Wentworth- we’ve been together now for almost 20 years!

What area(s) do you specialize in?
I wouldn’t say there’s one particulate thing I specialize in. I have the most experience with multifamily housing and wood construction but I enjoy working on all different types of projects and love a good challenge. I like being part of all phases of a project so that I can continue to learn new things and become well rounded. It’s also always fulfilling to see a project through from beginning to end.

What is your favorite C3 project?
This is a tough one but I think my favorite is one that I am currently working on in Lexington on Hartwell Avenue. It is the first Passive House project I have worked on and it has been a great learning experience for me. It also helps that is has a great project team.

I also really enjoyed working on the Modera project in Yonkers – this was my first project at CUBE 3. It came with many challenges and unique site conditions – it was bordered by a Sugar Factory, railroad tracks and body of water.

What is a skill you would like to learn and why?
I would love to learn how to crochet or knit. My mother and MIL have made some beautiful blankets and other fun things for my children and I’d like to be able to do the same some day.

Favorite quote?
“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.” — Jana Kingsford

What is something you are most proud of?
The beautiful family and life my husband and I have built. We have 2 kids, Sophie (6) and Alex (3) and 10-year-old rescue dog, Ollie. We moved up to NH right before covid hit and are so happy we did. We’ve since put on an addition and continue to do more home improvements, next up is revamping our deck.

Can you tell us a little about any personal hobbies or activities you are working on or passionate about?
I am currently involved the C3 Womxn’s group. The group was originally created by Michele Quinn Littlefield and Caroline Golota in our Boston office, and Erin Keating and I have since started a group in the North Andover office. The idea is that we can provide a supportive environment where we can share experiences, advice, and discuss challenges faced, but through a women’s perspective. I would have loved to have had more female mentorship early in my career so I am hoping I can provide the same to others.

I also run the breakfast club in N. Andover and am part of the advisor program here.

Aside from that, most of my hobbies are centered around my children and family. Lots of time is spent taking the kids to swim, ballet, soccer, gymnastics and whatever the next thing is they want to try. We love being outdoors and going for family walks with Ollie. We also try to travel together as much as we can, the kids have had their passports since they were pretty young.