Rylee Hansen is a designer in the CAD services department at FOCUS. Rylee has always been drawn to the impact that design can have on everyday life. With a strong interest in residential architecture from a young age, she found herself naturally paying attention to the details of how spaces were put together. That early curiosity evolved into a career in the AEC industry, where she now combines creativity and technical problem-solving to bring thoughtful, functional designs to life. “I’ve always been drawn to residential design and the idea that a home can have such a big impact on someone’s everyday life,” Rylee said. “I loved noticing how spaces were put together growing up, so architecture felt like a natural fit.”

Outside of work, Rylee stays active and enjoys spending time outdoors. She can often be found hiking, snowboarding, exploring side-by-side trails with her husband, or spending time with her nieces and nephews. “I love being outdoors and staying active. It’s the best way for me to recharge,” she said. In addition to her outdoor hobbies, Rylee has a unique passion for fitness. “Most people wouldn’t know that I teach fitness classes,” she added. “I’m a certified instructor for weight training and High Fitness, and it’s something I really enjoy outside of design.”

Finding Her Path in AEC

Rylee’s passion for architecture comes from her appreciation for both the creative and practical sides of design. She enjoys the process of turning ideas into detailed plans that not only look good, but also function effectively in real life. “I enjoy the creative side of design, but I also love the technical and problem-solving aspects that come with designing plans,” she shared. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is seeing projects progress from early concepts to completed homes where people live their daily lives. “It’s really fulfilling to see something I helped create on paper become a real space that families enjoy every day,” Rylee said.

Learning and Growing at FOCUS

Rylee credits much of her professional growth to the team around her. Working in a collaborative and supportive environment has helped her strengthen both her technical skills and communication abilities. “My team has been a huge source of inspiration for me,” she said. “I learn a lot from how they problem solve, communicate, and approach design work.” She has also learned the importance of feedback and using it as a tool for improvement. “One critical lesson I’ve learned at FOCUS is the value of giving and receiving constructive feedback,” Rylee explained. “It has helped me grow in my work and improve how I communicate with my team.” While there is not one specific project that stands out above the rest, Rylee especially enjoys working on additions and remodels. These projects offer the opportunity to transform existing spaces in meaningful ways. “I love seeing the before and after of a remodel,” she said. “It’s really rewarding to see how thoughtful design can completely change a space.”

Looking Ahead

Rylee is focused on continuing to grow her skills and gain experience in residential design, while maintaining a mindset of steady progress and learning. “I would tell my past self to trust the learning process and not get discouraged by mistakes,” she shared. “Pay attention to detail, ask questions early, and focus on progress over perfection.” She also finds fulfillment in knowing her work contributes to creating homes that people will enjoy for years to come. “I really enjoy being part of helping families create their dream homes through thoughtful, functional design,” Rylee said.

What Rylee values most about working at FOCUS is the collaborative environment and the strong support system within the team. She appreciates the balance of independence and guidance that allows her to continue developing her skills with confidence. “It’s a place where I’ve been able to learn a lot, grow my skills, and feel trusted to take ownership of my work,” she said, “while still having great resources around me when I need guidance.”