Bookkeeping with a big heart: Legat Architects honors Cindy Hopkins for being an “irreplaceable” member of its accounting team for three decades.
Stunning images. Floor plans. Sketches. These are the design firm calling cards that most people see. What many don’t see are the numbers behind the artistry and the behind-the-scenes efforts of accounting staff. One such quiet force is Cindy Hopkins. This week, Hopkins, known for her blunt but big-hearted approach, celebrates three decades as an integral member of Legat Architects.
“Cindy is tenacious and results oriented,” said Legat Chief Financial Officer Kathleen Conneely. “From sending emails early in the morning to taking calls at night, she goes above and beyond to keep us running smoothly.”
Hopkins joined the firm’s Lake County, Illinois studio as an administrative assistant in April of 1995. Her tasks ranged from answering phones and transcribing architects’ construction site recordings to binding specification books for contractors.
Within a year, Hopkins left for another job. The leadership at Legat, however, had grasped her potential. Two months later, an executive called Hopkins and asked her to return … not as an administrative assistant but rather as a construction administration bookkeeper. It was a new position, and it paid more. Hopkins accepted, and so began a career that has spanned 30 years.
With Cindy, what you see is what you get. She is confident and not afraid to speak her mind respectfully. She also has an enormous heart, and she always has your back.
Susan Becker, Director of HR, Legat Architects
In the early days, Hopkins performed construction-related tasks such as pay applications for contractors and punch lists that identify construction defects or incomplete work. She quickly became a go-to resource for architects throughout the growing firm.
Hopkins, recognized for her productivity and attention to detail, took over the role of accounts receivable in 2004. For 20 years, she led both the construction administration and accounts receivable components. Today, Hopkins handles all billing and oversees construction administration tasks.
Her position has required her to learn clients’ complex web-based programs and sort through billing packages that often exceed 60 pages. She has also quickly adapted to new technology throughout her career.
Additionally, Hopkins has been a tireless cheerleader, from prepping for a coworker’s retirement party to drumming up excitement for Legat’s wellness group.
In an era of job hopping, Hopkins offers a refreshing reminder that dedication still matters. She attributes her longevity to “enjoying the diversity of architects’ personalities” and “being a part of the growth of women in the workplace” — of the women who comprise nearly 60% of Legat’s staff, she has been at the firm the longest.
“With Cindy, what you see is what you get,” said Director of HR Susan Becker. “She is confident and not afraid to speak her mind respectfully. She also has an enormous heart, and she always has your back. I rarely use the word ‘irreplaceable,’ but Cindy is a different story.”
Contact us with to share your experiences with Cindy Hopkins or discuss your facilities challenges.
