Whether it was volunteering as a Junior Docent at the Robert Mills House and Hampton Preston Mansion in Columbia, South Carolina as a teenager, serving as design editor on her high school yearbook staff, or presenting a senior thesis project in photography while at the University of South Carolina (Bachelor of Science, 2005), architecture, art, and design have been an integral part of Kara’s life since a young age.

A born and raised Southerner, Kara’s first love for architecture grew from visiting homes, both new and historic, throughout South Carolina with her mother. Her love and passion for architecture has only deepened throughout her education and career. Kara graduated with Highest Honors from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2009, earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a minor in Architectural History. The degree concluded with a summer study abroad program in Greece and Italy under the direction of Elizabeth Dowling, where Kara completed a study on the sustainability of the residential architecture of Andrea Palladio. Following graduation, Kara worked for Dallas architect Ralph Duesing, where she furthered her knowledge of traditional and classical architecture through work on both new construction and renovation residential projects. Kara left Dallas to attend the University of Miami, where she earned her Masters of Architecture in 2016. She was the recipient of the Henry Adams Medal which is awarded in conjunction with the American Institute of Architects to the highest-ranking graduating student.

It was while earning her bachelor’s degree at Georgia Tech that Kara was first introduced to New Urbanism. The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) describes New Urbanism as “a planning and development approach based on the principles of how cities and towns had been built for the last several centuries: walkable blocks and streets, housing and shopping in close proximity, and accessible public spaces. In other words: New Urbanism focuses on human-scaled urban design.” The University of Miami has a rich history with the CNU as the former dean of the School of Architecture, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, is one of the founders of the CNU. While studying at UM, Kara was able to study under Ms. Plater-Zyberk and another founding member of the CNU, Andres Duany. Under the direction of Ms. Plater-Zyberk, Kara presented a thesis project entitled “Sustainable Suburbia.” The project was an urban planning project that explored applying the principles of New Urbanism to a suburban development. Additionally, Kara was offered an intern architect position at the internationally recognized architecture and planning firm DPZ Partners.

Through educational and professional enrichment, Kara has evolved to view architecture and urbanism as having a symbiotic relationship. She believes the two should always be considered simultaneously. It is only then that true movement can be made toward a more sustainable built environment.

Kara holds an Associate membership in the American Institute of Architects (licensure incomplete but underway). She is also a member of the Congress for the New Urbanism and has status as a CNU-Accredited professional. Kara maintains membership in the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA). During the summer of 2010, she travelled to New York to complete the Summer Professional Intensive Program hosted by the ICAA. Her spare time is spent with her husband, her two young sons, and her golden retriever. She loves painting, cooking, travelling, spending time on the water, and Gamecock football.

Photo by Good Graces Photo.