“Her willingness and patience in helping others was routinely displayed when assisting and mentoring junior staff, and she was a constant and reliable resource in the office.”
-David McLaughlin, Project Architect, W.PA
About
I am an experienced architectural professional with a strong track record in being resourceful, analytical, and managing and overseeing the design process for a variety of commercial and residential projects, from concept through construction administration. I am skilled at creating design fees, project schedules, presentation materials, and construction documents, with experience leading teams. My background includes cross-collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team, documentation coordination with consultants, successfully navigating various jurisdictional design and permit reviews, which underscores knowledge of local regulations and building codes. I am known for having a client-focused approach, effective communication, and strategic planning abilities that make effective contributions towards strong team collaboration and design leadership. My expertise lies in both the details and the bigger picture, making a valuable asset in the architecture and design industry.
Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to make contributions to a diverse array of commercial projects. My involvement has spanned projects of varying sizes and intricacies, involving the interpretation and application of state and local codes and undergoing rigorous design reviews. I've had the privilege of working across multiple sectors, including multi-family housing, manufacturing, factories, retail, laboratories, technology facilities, warehouses, and small-scale restaurants.
My career began with a degree in Interior Design, and I further honed my skills by earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Portland State University. Currently, I am on a path towards professional licensure in both architecture and interior design in the state of Washington. In 2019 I completed NCARB’s AXP hours and am ready to take exams for both the ARE and NCIDQ. I believe that a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines is crucial to delivering exceptional spaces.
My approach to design revolves around the user experience and their contextual setting. I am dedicated to ensuring that every detail of a space is thoughtfully considered with cues toward site, region and attention to client needs and constraints. I believe that a well-designed environment begins with robust research and has the power to enhance the lives of those who inhabit it, and this philosophy drives my work. One of my strengths lies in my ability to bridge the gap between structural, architectural, and interior design disciplines. Having worked on such a varied spectrum of project types, I have gained a unique perspective that allows me to seamlessly integrate these elements, resulting in holistic and harmonious designs. Collaborating with principal designers has imparted invaluable insights into navigating code constraints while still realizing ambitious design goals. Moreover, I have honed my project management skills on small to medium-sized projects, often characterized by challenging budgets and tight timelines. This proficiency has granted me a holistic view of a project's lifecycle, including identifying and mitigating risks, as well as celebrating key milestones, all while flexibly supporting my team in whatever role is required.
I firmly believe that sustainable and strong design is a collective effort, and I am eager to collaborate and learn from my peers. It takes a diverse and talented team to bring a vision to life, and I am excited about the opportunity to continue contributing to the world of design while expanding my knowledge and skills.
In conclusion, my educational background, diverse project experience, and commitment to user-centric design make me a valuable asset to any design team. I am passionate about creating spaces that not only meet functional needs but also enrich the lives of those who interact with them. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate on innovative and impactful design projects in the future.
"From her meticulous attention to form and functionality, to stunning aesthetic design details, Kendra Shippy is a rare gem in the field! She is professional, personable, and truly a pleasure to work with."
- Kate Ward, Client
