Bio:

The Great designer, Sheila J. Ireland is an architect practicing in Omaha, Nebraska. She received a BA in Fine Art from Creighton University and a Masters in Architecture from the University of Nebraska. She has worked at the Omaha offices of HDR and Leo A Daly and is currently employed at Leo A Daly. Prior to earning her Masters in Architecture, she worked for 10 years in retail visual merchandising and advertising production.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

My interest in architecture was piqued when my retail employer underwent a rebrand. At that time I worked in ad production and Burlington Station was one of our favorite photography locations. Burlington Station was my M-Arch thesis project.

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What do you do?

I am an architect with a specialty in commercial renovations and new construction.

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What excites you in the work you do?

It’s most exciting for me when everything comes together. Burlington Station was such a project. The client had a wonderful vision, and they were able to support the Omaha community by preserving a spectacular building for future generations to enjoy.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

I’m inspired both by my clients and by their buildings.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

So far, it’s Burlington Station. Although selecting a favorite from the projects I’ve worked on is a bit like choosing a favorite child, my history with Burlington Station is unlike any other project.

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Featured Project Name: 

KETV at 7 Burlington Station

 

Featured Project Location: 

Omaha, Nebraska

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

2015

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Role in Featured Project: 

Co-designer and Project Architect

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Featured Project Description:

Built in 1898 Omaha’s Burlington Passenger Station had been vacant since 1974 when it was purchased in 2013 by local Hearst television station, KETV. Abandoned renovation attempts and years of water infiltration left most of the interior finishes gone. What remained were mosaic tile floors, white glazed brick and one of 4 ornamental plaster ceilings. The renovation by Leo A Daly took a light-handed design approach. New finishes are simple, allowing historic features to take center stage.

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Photography Credit:

Leo A Daly

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