Amanda Walter

Cass Carrier:

Amanda Walter, founder of Walter Communications, lover of architecture, Stevie Nicks and K-9 companions.

1.  Tell us a little about your current work. I am a communication strategist and writer for architects. I love my work because great design and people who use their work to make the world a better and more enjoyable place inspire me. I feel incredibly fortunate to get to learn about the thinking and research that shapes my clients’ work, which includes everything from renovated and reused industrial factories to urban waterfront parks. Through their projects, I am entrenched in the leading thinking on topics like how the environment supports learning, how the ways we build cities and buildings can address climate change and of course gorgeous images, materials and settings. 

2.  As a mother of 2 with her own company, how have you best managed work + kids at home.  I’ve had my business for a decade now and there hasn’t been another time when I’ve been more grateful for the flexibility it affords me. I am grateful that I can adjust my client load with relative ease, which has been essential in staying centered as I help my kids take on distance learning. 

3.  As a communications specialist what message do you think is most important for a small business to convey during this time? Community is something we all crave as we spend more time in our homes and less time supporting our local shops and restaurants. Small businesses needed to look closely at who is their community and how can we foster connection with them in this digitally reliant time. Community is reciprocal, so we are all in this together and we all need to help one another out.

4.  Who are a few women that inspire you? Jeanne Gang: She’s a leader in a male dominated field, but her architecture style is all her own. She makes skyscrapers sexy, and sensuous. Her innovative designs are thoroughly researched and tested. In fact her research revealed the shocking number of bird deaths are caused by reflective glass in buildings. I’m fascinated by her many approaches to making her structures bird safe. I recently learned that she keeps bird nests in her office to remind her of the importance of simplicity, warmth and comfort when designing spaces for people. One of her buildings was recently completed in San Francisco. I walk past it every time I visit one of my clients -- it’s my favorite bit of eye candy on my commute.

Michelle Obama: The former First Lady is a class act. She is an example worth following as a mother and a leader. I enjoy listening to her podcast on walks—her genuine interest in people and leaving the world better than she found it is evident in each episode. She seems like someone I’d enjoy as a friend.

Stevie Nicks: I love her voice and her strong sense of self. 

5.  What outfit do you feel most authentically you in and has it changed since the pandemic.  A well accessorized casual shift dress—preferably with pockets. 

6.  How are you keeping up with “self care” and what are a few things that rejuvenate you?  Meditation: I’ve put meditation back at the top of my priority list. When I start my day with meditation, I’m more resilient to whatever comes my way. 

Hiking: When I make the time, hiking always helps me shed my worries about the world. Unfortunately, I’m much more consistent about getting out there when I go with a friend and my hiking buddy recently moved away. My K-9 companions will have to suffice.

Cooking: I eat so much healthier when I cook at home. It is also a creative outlet for me.

7.  What are the “must-haves” in your bag (Cass or not)? My Cass Insider Pouch: it acts as my wallet and holds my pen and Clinique black-honey lip-gloss—all the essentials. When the Clutch is too much, my pouch does the job as a wristlet. My Clutch frequently doubles as my laptop bag and carries whatever purchase I’ve just made. I love the scale of the Cass Clutch. It holds so much!

Off The Cuff:

Rock Or Rap?  Rock

Ocean, Mountain Or Lake?  Mountains

Beer, Wine Or Cocktail?  Wine

Exercise Nay Or Yah?   Yah!

Butter Or Olive Oil?  Butter

Tea Or Coffee?  Coffee

Pen Or Pencil? Pen, specifically the Zebra ball point F-301

Nude Or painted lips?  Nude

Reality Show Or Documentary?  Documentary

Dark Or Milk Chocolate?  Dark

Listen to a recent Podcast featuring Amanda and be sure to check out her communications company here and follow her on Twitter here.