STACEY L MCMAHAN
Koch Hazard Architects
SAY IT LOUD - SOUTH DAKOTA Exhibitor
South Dakota Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I find inspiration everywhere - in the color of the sky, how buildings change over time, old photographs, stories, poetry and the ideas of others. I recently visited Pompeii, where ingenious people lived well 2,000 years ago sans modern conveniences.
STACEY L MCMAHAN
Bio:
Stacey graduated from Kansas State University with a professional degree in Architecture. After starting a family, she began work at KHA in 1997 focusing on sustainability and learning the art of becoming an architect. Her work has focused on higher education, preservation and adaptive reuse, and sustainability. Many of her favorite projects carry a LEED certification, have been for non-profit organizations, and reflect a localized sense of place inspired by South Dakota.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My middle school mechanical drafting class stayed with me, along with gardening experiences as a child. I knew architecture would be challenging, and also brought together expressions I knew were important like environmental connection and response.
What do you do?
I am a practicing architect and Owner at KHA, active in nearly all aspects of bringing a project to fruition. Living downtown and next door to the office, I’ve given up owning a car which slows down life and makes me a better walk-the-talk person.
What excites you in the work you do?
Finding design opportunities to go past the basics of shelter, meeting program and code. Bringing fun and interest to projects through art, light and detailing gets me going. When a building takes on a personality of its own, it is a magical moment.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I find inspiration everywhere - in the color of the sky, how buildings change over time, old photographs, stories, poetry and the ideas of others. I recently visited Pompeii, where ingenious people lived well 2,000 years ago sans modern conveniences.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
There are many and among the most gratifying is observing buildings I’ve worked on continuing to be useful, beautiful, and aging well.
Featured Project Name:
Children's Home Society, Shelter for Family Safety
Featured Project Location:
Sioux Falls, SD
Featured Project Completion Date:
Fall 2022
Role in Featured Project:
Architect of Record
Featured Project Description:
The Shelter supports victims of domestic violence, including neglected children, and those caring for them. Natural light, local original artwork, a clear and accessible layout provide a comfortable and accepting environment. A 70’ curving wall of fieldstone marks the entry. I carried many of the stones from the field and curated a white river running through it. My hope is that children will run their hands along the wall feeling its texture and solidity in such uncertain situations.
