Kirsten Gatewood
SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL STAFF
Assoc. AIA
Kirsten graduated from the University of Kansas School of Architecture in 1989 and has worked in firms across Kansas City, St. Louis, Washington, DC, and Cleveland. Over 27 years, she has owned two businesses focused on architectural design, spanning pre-construction (shop drawings, estimating) to construction documentation and specialized detailing. Her diverse portfolio includes Higher Ed, K-12, Government, Commercial, and Interior Architecture. Notable projects include the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (Dimensional Stone, Bronze Doors/Windows) and Jackson Place near the White House (restoration of ornate English red sandstone stairs, handrails, and balusters).
INTERVIEW
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I was born in a Boston suburb called Waltham. During my childhood, we lived in St. Louis, Indianapolis, western suburbs of Cleveland (including North Olmsted, Lakewood, and Bay Village: 8 years in total), then midway through high school we moved to a suburb of Kansas City called Overland Park, Kansas.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, TELL US ABOUT THEM.
I have two cats, who are brothers and Tuxedos, named Tip and Boo. They have totally different personalities and funny both in their own ways.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY OR PAST TIME?
Being in the great outdoors, hiking, biking, XC skiing, swimming, or trail running
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WORD?
Scrumptuous
IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
I think a Blue Whale, because I could have the freedom, weightlessness and ability to tour through and visit all of the mysteries of our oceans.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?
Escape from Kathmandu by Kim Stanley Robinson
WHAT SUPER POWER WOULD YOU HAVE?
I try to cultivate peacefulness. I don’t know that it is a super power, but I think people that can attain a sense of peace are confident and free from worrying about what others think and THAT is a super power.
WHERE DO YOU MOST HOPE TO VISIT?
Japan
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOT?
I like to spend as much time as I can in Italy, a place that is close to my heart. Every year I return to Tenuta di Spannocchia near Siena, and spend lots of time living in Firenze. Art, architecture, taking Italian language classes at Scuola Leonardo da Vince, friends who visit from US and Europe, making new friends who live in Tuscany, getting to know a new city like Firenze a little more every year is a wonderful adventure to look forward to.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WHILE WORKING AT DS ARCHITECTURE?
Spending time with Eli the office pup, he’s a joy. I look forward to our sand volleyball this summer.
