impress as

impress (someone) as (something)

To please and affect someone by exhibiting a particular skill or manner. I think she'll make a great receptionist—she certainly impressed me as a calm person, especially under pressure.
See also: impress
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

impress someone as something

to be memorable to someone as a particular type of person. She didn't impress me as a particularly wise individual. Liz impressed us all as a skilled artisan.
See also: impress
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • impress
  • impress (someone) as (something)
  • impress (someone) with (something)
  • impress with
  • impress by
  • impress by (something)
  • make an appointment
  • perceive
  • perceive (someone or something) as (something)
  • perceive as
References in classic literature
His countenance was therefore fully displayed, and its expression was calculated to impress a degree of awe, if not of fear, upon strangers.
Ivanhoe
"As a Board, we believe this proposal represents very good value for our shareholders, particularly in light of the significant new Cooper Basin funding requirements that lie ahead for Impress as a standalone company," said Mr Smith.
Beach Energy Limited (ASX:BPT) to Consolidate Cooper Basin Assets Via Merger with Impress Energy Limited (ASX:ITC)