"I thought I was planning but it's all improvised." 

Alex Graf is Project Architect at Walter Parks, Architect, which means she is probably really good at math, and even better with abstract conceptualization. That's intimidating in a heady kind of way, but as she is also a River City Roller Girl (aka Orangyna) and you don't want to mess with her in any way. She is also a mother, a wife, a music fan, an acolyte of doing the right thing and a devotee of clean living.

What is your most important professional tool?

Remembering to ask the questions.

What CD/music are you currently listening to?

Chet Baker "Look for the Silver Lining."

How would your mom describe you?

Fierce and fragile.

Favorite Richmond restaurant?

MeKong.

What do you admire most in someone else?

Consistency.

What is your motto?

One of us cannot be wrong.

What's the sexiest thing a man can do?

That would be in the voice, word choice might help.

Are you where you want to be?

Somedays.

What's your theme song?

I wish it was Bare Necessities.

If you weren't an architect, what would you like to be?

An editor for film but I'd still be alone staring at a monitor.

Why hire an architect?

For the perspective.

Are you a planner or an improviser?

I thought I was planning but it's all improvised.

What's your favorite food?

Cardamom dark chocolate.

What is your idea of luxury?

The bed, made.

What would you most like to find inside a fortune cookie?

A Jackson. I want peace, love and happiness out in the world.

Favorite book?

"Moon Palace" by Paul Auster.

What's your favorite building in Richmond?

Central National Bank [corner of 2nd and Broad streets].

Which building in town would you most love to work on?

The burned out stretch on East Grace between 2nd and 3rd.

Do you ever architect-up on someone in roller derby?

I looked over house plans for Nitrous Oxide, and Haley Fairplay talks about an addition to her house.

Do you ever derby-up on someone in your professional career?

Orangyna vs. Hot Lips Harrigan: her desk is so close to mine I hear her phone conversations. And I split my pants practicing hits on a dude in the office -- in the office!