I attended Kansas State University’s College of Architecture and Design, obtaining a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1978. My career began in a two man firm in Savannah, Georgia, working on Piggly Wiggly stores, banks, condominiums, and historic restoration projects.
I later worked in an A/E firm in Columbia, Missouri. In 1982 I continued engineering studies at the University of Texas, where I also worked as a design teaching assistant. I later studied and worked part-time at two Austin Architectural firms, passing my Architectural Registration Exams in 1985 and NCARB certification in 1986.
In 1986 I joined a design-build firm in Kansas City and in 1987; I joined Burns & McDonnell, a large A/E firm, where I advanced to Senior Architect, serving as lead architect on aviation, industrial and commercial projects throughout the world. I’ve taken on-site assignments in Taipei and New York. Following a tradition of public service, I joined the City of Kansas City in 2000 as Design Services Section Head, managing a multi-disciplined design group. I became LEED AP certified in 2006.
I returned to Burns & McDonnell as Associate Architect in 2008. I continue to work in various design, technical and production roles on many types of projects constructed locally and around the world. I became LEED BD+C in 2011.
I enjoy the unique aspects of every project, finding challenges and fulfillment in each, no matter how large or small. My architectural career has been challenging, pleasurable and inevitable.
JPS, Fall 2011