Katie Mihalevich (B.Arch. ’02), is an executive broker at Flyer Homes Real Estate. During this conversation, she discussed her career path and how her architectural background helped her develop habits and skills that allow her to excel as a Realtor.
How did you first become interested in architecture?
I grew up with strengths in the subjects of art and math with a determination to travel and see new places. My high school art classes exposed me to all sorts of fascinating architectural styles that I hoped to see in person one day. I spent a lot of free time drawing, sketching floor plans and rearranging furniture, so architecture seemed an ideal choice.
Why did you decide to go to the University of Arkansas and/or the Fay Jones School?
It was largely a practical decision to stay in-state, closer to family, in a program that was both highly regarded and relatively affordable compared to other architecture programs I was considering. I chose architecture at the U of A because I was drawn to the studio environment and having the requirement to study abroad. Plus, the five-year program would set me up for a creative, professional career with opportunities to get outside the office for site visits.
During my time in architecture school, I was able to see more new places than I ever imagined. I enjoyed a department-led trip to Peru, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with fellow students, and various design studio site visits over the years to New York City, New Orleans and Chicago. I spent two summers with the Community Design Center getting to know the smaller Arkansas communities of Piggott and Prescott. During my semester abroad at the U of A Rome Center, I enjoyed touring Italy, northern Spain, as well as southern Greece. I loved a class I took on the domestic culture of ancient Romans. Architecture introduced me to so many wonderful places and cultures.
In my final year at the U of A, I took a human geography class that was one of my favorite classes in five years at the U of A. I maintained a grade above 100 percent in that class, and my professor floated the suggestion that I change my major. I stayed the course to complete my hard-earned degree in architecture, but I have always considered my shift to a career in real estate to be more in line with my interest in human geography.
What has been your career path so far?
During my architectural internship years, I worked on several soulful architectural projects that made me feel as if I had hit the peak of my career, early on. At EWC-1 Incorporated in Tulsa, I was project architect for the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, to tell the story of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. At Park Company Architects, I enjoyed being one of the project architects for the Temple Shalom in Fayetteville. During the Great Recession years, I completed several small-scale residential remodel designs, passed nine exams to become a registered architect, and earned LEED accreditation. I also had my first daughter about that time and reflected quite a bit on where to put my energy as my lifestyle and career desires began to evolve. I chose to earn a real estate license to become more savvy in our personal real estate dealings. Following this intuition led me to filling a much-needed niche in Fayetteville real estate at the time. Letting go of my architectural career allowed me to flourish in my real estate career. If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t change a bit of the path.
How has your architecture background helped you as a Realtor?
Keeping high standards, a strong work ethic and creative problem solving are all daily habits that are rooted in my architectural background. My architectural background frequently adds value to real estate transactions, regardless of whether I am working with a seller to creatively market property for sale or with a buyer who needs help visualizing the potential in certain properties or structures. Architecture developed my attention to detail and professionalism — qualities that are advantageous in managing real estate contracts.
What unique experiences or perspectives do you have that make you stand out in your field?
I am always delighted to find thoughtful design elements in homes and buildings that may, at first glance, seem mundane to an architectural critic. I often point out elements of good design — space, light, movement, scale, unity, utility and authenticity — that I recognize in properties. With a good understanding of building systems, I often help clients visualize a property’s potential or simply translate what a home inspector has discovered. Having worked on several design and construction projects myself, I have vetted a variety of local building-trade professionals that I often refer to clients. While I do not provide design work for my real estate clients, I offer them names of architects, landscape architects and interior designers who I think would be a good fit for their personality and project.
What are some of your interests and involvements outside of work?
I am very involved with my young daughters outside of their school days. We have developed a love of tea and reading. I also enjoy many different creative outlets, especially managing design-build construction on my home and investment properties. Other than that, I like to travel and explore the great outdoors with our family as much possible. Walking around downtown Fayetteville is also a favorite pastime.
Who have been your biggest supporters?
My husband, Matt, has kept an open mind, encouraged and supported me as my career ambitions have evolved. He has confidence in me, which is a tremendous support.
What do you enjoy the most about your career?
I enjoy the client relationships most of all. Most transactions take anywhere from one to three months of daily interaction with clients, so I usually get to know them quite well. I am energized by working in their best interest and managing their expectations at each step along the way. Much of this communication happens by phone, text or email…so I enjoy the flexibility to manage contracts from just about anywhere, so long as I have cell service.