With a Masters Degree in Architecture from Ball State University and a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from Technische Universitat Berlin, Angie Brose, AIA, LEED AP brings an extensive background in design, construction and engineering to Liollio from the U.S. and abroad. Her education and practical training focused on architecture and design, including a 2 1/2 year apprenticeship as a registered carpenter/cabinet maker. Her 15 years of experience includes higher education, libraries, public/community buildings, healthcare facilities and more. We sat down with this month's Spotlight On recipient to ask her a few questions.

How long have you lived in Charleston?
17 years … wow time flies when you enjoy life

Where did you grow up?
West Berlin, Germany

What area of town do you live in?
Mount Pleasant as close to the ocean as I can afford

What is your favorite thing in your house?
The sky lights everywhere.

What are the top three things you like to do in your free time?
Work on projects around my house or the community, go to the beach, and go for a run or dancing

Do you have any pets? If so, tell us a bit about them.
Yes I have a dog (Nala) and a cat (Zazu) I got them from the SPCA when they were little hoping they would be friends. Well that did not really work out. LOL Nala wiggles her tail at everyone but me. But if for example I cry during a movie she comes over with this worried look on her face, puts her paw on my arm and starts licking my face until I start to laugh because it is so sticking cute. Zazu is the most social cat you will ever meet.

Do you have have any brothers/sisters?
I have one younger sister Nina

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Moving to this country with 2 bags and $1,000, working hard and fulfilling living the American Dream.

What building have you visited that most impressed you?
Even though I am not a big Frank Lloyd Wright fan (oh cardinal architectural sin :-) I absolutely love the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. I love the almost sculptural simplicity of it inside and out.

What architect or architecture firm most influenced you as a student?
I never had the fandom type of admiration for any particular architect or architectural firm. I like bits and pieces of different people’s work but do not run around reciting their names and buildings they designed. Sometimes that does not make me every popular with other architects because architects love to talk about architects but it is who I am. I get inspired by so many different things and a lot of times it is not other architects but other people, my clients or experiences.

What is your favorite country you have traveled to and why?
Italy… the food, landscape, architecture and people. My mom used to have a little house in Tuscany and it was just one of the most beautiful places. She had olive trees and made her own olive oil. I wished we still had the house so I could go back.

What is your favorite thing about working at Liollio?
The people and the work we do.

What inspires you most?
Random acts of kindness

What is the hardest part about your job?
The sometimes long hours.

What style of architecture most impresses you or is your favorite?
Well thought thru and detailed architecture that is sensitive to its surrounding environment… I prefer contemporary architecture. I do not believe in copying the past and believe that well design contemporary architecture can exist in symbiosis with historic architecture and often compliments or even enhances historic architecture because of its contrasting simplicity.

What is a book you plan on reading?
Paula Hawkins- The Girl on the Train

What is your favorite book?
Paulo Coelho’s - The Alchemist

What is your favorite downtown restaurant?
Oh wow there are so many. Best Steak: Hall’s Chophouse, Best Oyster’s: The Ordinary. I want to go to Minero’s and Edmund’s Oast and so on…. I love the wave of new well designed restaurants all over town.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Charleston?
Poe’s on Sullivan’s Island

What do you like on your pizza?
I try not to eat pizza but tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil with real mozzarella would be my choice.

What is your favorite food?
Sushi or fish tacos

What is your least favorite food?
Anything greasy or real creamy like bisques

Do you prefer dogs or cats?
Both

Do you play any instruments?
No I learned to play Guitar but do not own one

If you could play an instrument, what would it be?
Guitar or Piano

What song is at the top of your most played list (be honest)?
Make it Rain by Ed Sheeran

Who is your favorite musical artist?
Adele

Who is your favorite artist?
Franz Marc-Der Blaue Reiter

What’s your favorite movie?
The original Star Wars Movie

If your life was a song, what would the title be?
Dancing Queen… haha just kidding

Who would you most want to play you in a movie?
Sandra Bullock

What would the book or movie about your life be called?
The Pursuit of Happiness

What’s the last movie you watched?
The Martian

Guilty pleasure?
Wine & Cheese

What is the proudest moment of your life, thus far?
Becoming an American Citizen