Meet Technical Writer Gina Cooper

All the positivity, productivity, and constructive collaboration by people who are great at what they do, work hard, and contribute to make each project successful.

Martin County Courthouse Dome and Roof Restoration is a notable example of teamwork on a unique project. In 2018, ISG had the opportunity to enhance our facility assessment reporting process for this historic structure built in 1907 and help promote the value a facility assessment could bring to the public by providing data, recommendations, and costs. We added visual elements, simplified descriptions of existing conditions, and offered precise recommendations. The report equipped the County with the information they needed to move forward on a once-in-a-lifetime restoration of the century-old copper dome, historic clock mechanisms, and roof. We provided regular newsletters for the community containing details about the intricate steps and expertise involved in the restoration process. The project will be dedicated in the coming months and is up for two national awards. It has been gratifying to help play a part in communicating the need, the process, and outcomes of this project.

I'm inspired by how design can be used to improve quality of life. As a writer, helping tell our clients’ stories about how design is being used to achieve stronger and safer communities and more productive companies is satisfying! I am most inspired by our industry’s advancements in designing living buildings that are resilient and strengthen companies and communities by generating more energy than they use, reducing energy consumption and emissions, treating stormwater on-site, using green infrastructure to reduce flood risks, and incorporating natural concepts indoors to enhance health and quality of life for occupants. It’s exciting to see these innovations improve employee satisfaction and retention, lower operating costs, and contribute to growing heathier businesses and communities.

I love writing! It’s challenging and satisfying to take highly technical topics and turn them into simple stories that the client can relate to and apply to their organizational mission and goals. Reports can contain a lot of data, but it’s important to remember the message behind the numbers. Providing clients with the information they need to make important decisions that are cost effective and supportive of their mission through a report or handout is rewarding! I hope to write more about regenerative design, net zero buildings, green infrastructure, and water quality improvement projects.

As a middle-school math teacher, retired Army officer, and community volunteer, my husband Tom is the most dedicated worker I know. Along with his work ethic, his high standard for accountability has always influenced my own approach to work and life in general. While my career path was impacted by having to change jobs every two years with each military relocation, it was an adventure I will always cherish. Through the many relocations, I maintained some consistency working for the American Institute of Architects at the local and state level, and then with the American Architectural Foundation in Washington, D.C.

Health and wellness are important to me, so I am a proponent of getting outside and eating more plant-based meals. After completing my first half Ironman Triathlon, I took up mountain biking and fat tire biking. It combines my love of the outdoors with off-road biking. Last September, I rode in the Chequamegon 40-mile mountain bike race in northern Wisconsin; it was one of the most challenging and amazing days of my life! Also, one thing people might not know about me is that my husband and I were foster parents in Washington DC for inner-city youth, and we adopted two of our kids when we served as foster parents here in Minnesota.

My ideal way to recharge is by watching my three teenagers in all their activities: volleyball, football, baseball, basketball, cross-country, track, shooting trap, choir, and band! It is so fun to watch them, their friends, and teammates! It is one of my favorite ways to be present in their lives.