Ashley Bland is the director of Travois Design & Construction Services (TD&CS), and she has worked at Travois for nearly eight years. In her position, she works with her team to guide clients from initial project concepts to the design phase, throughout the construction process and on to completed beautiful and affordable new homes.
1. What education and/or certifications do you have? My background is in architecture, and I’ve also work with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a compliance officer for Section 8 affordable housing projects. I am certified by the International Code Council for inspection services.
2. What attracted you to Travois? I like that it is a family company, and the work we do is rewarding and valuable.
3. How do your past experiences help you in your current position? My background in architecture has helped me to work together with architects, engineers, contractors and all players in the design and construction process. My background in affordable housing helps me tie my educational background to the real world application of using Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) to make these projects happen.
4. What places in Indian Country have you enjoyed visiting and why? Last year, I participated in a green training held by the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) in Buffalo, NY, and we took time out to visit Niagara Falls. It was a fun experience. My favorite drive to a client is from Phoenix to San Carlos. There are beautiful canyons and rock formations — the scenery is so different from home.
5. What is one of your favorite housing projects that you have worked on and why? I think the White Earth Homes IV project is my favorite TD&CS design… so far!
6. What did you want to be as a kid? I always liked design. I think I started out wanting to be an interior decorator and later an architect.
7. Many Travois staff members are animal lovers. Do you have a pet? I have two dogs: a bulldog named Reggie and a Pug named Lupe (pronounced Loo-pay).
8. What is your favorite meal? What is your favorite local restaurant? Too many meals to count — I like food! I guess my favorite comfort food is pizza, and my favorite place to get it is at Pizzeria Bianca when I’m on the road in Phoenix!
9. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could take one item with you, what would it be? I guess probably my iPad – as long as I could have Internet too!
10. What talent do you wish you had? I wish I could sing (well).
11. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? I like to read, spend time with my family and work on my 100+-year-old house.
12. What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City? My favorite thing to do in Kansas City is visit Loose Park with my kids.
13. What do you like about Kansas City? What do you dislike? I love how easy it is to get around. KC also has great parks and plenty of activities to do with kids. My least favorite thing is the struggling public schools. With kids getting ready to enter elementary school soon, it is very much on my mind.
14. What kind of music do you like? Or what is your favorite band? My husband is very into music so mostly I listen to whatever he is playing, it’s always good. If I’m on my own in the car, I secretly like to blast Top 40 and old school hip-hop.
15. What is your favorite TV show of all time? Lately my favorite TV show is “Parks and Recreation.” It is hilarious and fun – a nice way to relax in the evenings.