Firm Ground has a long tradition of hiring interns from the University of Minnesota’s Architecture program. Ellie Egbert right away made it apparent she was perfect on our team, so upon graduation in December, she has joined our full time staff! Welcome Ellie!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I really love Minnesota because most of my family is here, and family is very important to me. I also enjoy living in a climate that goes through all four seasons. However, if I could live anywhere, it would probably be London. I have been lucky enough to travel to Europe twice and during one of those trips we went to London. I love the city and the architecture there. The tube system is amazing and easy to use and would allow me to live without a car.
What are your hobbies?
I have many hobbies. One I do the most is explore the outdoors. This summer my family and I were lucky enough to road trip to Boulder Colorado for a week of venturing around, hiking, and biking. One of my favorites hikes was one our first full day there when we went to Chautauqua Park and hiked up to see the Flatirons. It was a beautiful hike with views I had never seen before. Nature is such a gift and I’m so grateful my parents raised me by taking me on outdoor adventures.
What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
I’m not sure if this is considered daring, but it has definitely been my largest physical undertaking: the American Birkebeiner – Classic 55K. I first started cross country skiing my junior year of high school and my schools team was very strong so I had to work really hard to earn my spot. I think of myself as being a quick learner, coachable, and athletic (as I played multiple sports growing up), so this was a challenge in itself but to this day, I participate in the sport and love it. The Birke Classic is 55 kilometers of skiing in Northern Wisconsin. The trail is beautiful and really help distracts you from the pain and fatigue of skiing for so long. However, the most rewarding part of the race is going down main street at the end of the race because everyone is cheering for you and you get a burst of energy from the crowd. It was a large undertaking, but I hope to do it again this year and many years to come.
What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?
Whether it’s outside enjoying nature, watching a movie, or having a big dinner, my ideal way to spend the weekend would be to be with friends and family. I really value them and spending quality time with them would be the best way to spend a weekend.
What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
I love Broadway and musicals and could definitely give a 40-minute presentation one that topic with no preparation. Whenever I’m listening to music is it probably showtunes. I feel like I’m old soul inside and that is one of the reasons why I love musical theater. We consistently listened to musical soundtracks when my siblings and I were younger, and that’s when my love for them began. Dear Evan Hansen, Waitress, Hamilton, Carousel, She Loves Me, and Billy Elliot are just a few of my favorite musicals. I’ve been lucky enough to see Dear Evan Hansen and Waitress at the Ordway when they were touring the US and Hamilton in Chicago. Musical theater is a big part of my life and I look forward to seeing my first Broadway show in the near future.
