The good news keeps coming! We’re thrilled to announce two more fantastic additions to our team: Sarah Tappe and Morgan Robinett. Both have jumped headfirst into projects here at IAA, and have even taken the lead on a couple, like the infamous holiday calendar… We can’t wait to get to know Sarah and Morgan better. We hope you’re able to do the same by taking a moment to learn a few details about both below.
Where are you from?
M: Auxvasse, MO
S: Originally from a small town in Southeast Arkansas (Monticello, AR), but lived in Fayetteville, AR the past five years.
School?
M: University of Missouri-Columbia (Bachelor’s in Interior Design), University of Kansas (Master in Architecture)
S: University of Arkansas – Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design. There, I got to do a semester study abroad in Rome, Italy as well as another four-week study abroad in the Nordic countries.
Which design trend or style do you most admire?
S: I really like old industrial buildings and historic warehouse districts in cities. So I admire designs that insert new, contemporary ideas into those types of buildings for reuse.
What excites you about the future of architecture and design?
M: I am excited about architecture that blurs the boundaries of multiple disciplines to improve or facilitate social change, physical, and/or mental health. For example, Joe Colistra, a professor at the University of Kansas, along with KU architecture students (including IAA designer Lex DeWitt), have been exploring how to use motion sensors in a home to detect residents’ biometric data. This data can be used to detect and improve health outcomes including Alzheimer’s disease, sleep patterns, and resident falls. I think that this line of thinking is the future of architecture. We are going to start stretching the boundaries of what architecture can do for people.
S: I’m most excited about how architecture is moving forward in helping cities adapt and change for a better way of living and being more conscious by surrounding larger issues of today.
What inspires you to create?
M: I’ve always loved making things – that’s something that has never changed. I started with a passion for the fine arts – drawing, painting, sculpting – and architecture is an extension of that. Architecture, however, needs to serve people. I get some of the best inspiration from the people, history, and culture of a particular project.
S: Growing up in a small town, I saw people that had ideas, but didn’t know how to fulfill them or believe in their possibilities. So I’m always inspired to show people the possibilities of what can be done.
Any hobbies?
M: I love to cook! I like trying new recipes (even though they don’t always turn out well). I also enjoy pottery classes and painting.
S: I love the outdoors, hiking/camping, traveling, and going on adventures to explore new places. Road trips are my favorite. I also love watching football and supporting the Arkansas Razorbacks and Dallas Cowboys.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Kansas City?
M: I like going to the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays or any of the local events like Maker Faire and TEDX.
S: So far I’ve been to several concerts, which have been really fun. But also I’ve enjoyed walking through the parks with my dog near some historic neighborhoods down to the Nelson-Atkins Museum lawn.
Favorites…
Color:
M: Cerulean blue
S: Light sky blue
Food:
M: Pasta!
S: Mac ‘n cheese
Drink:
M: Frozen margarita
S: Probably a margarita
Book:
S: Famous Science Fiction short stories
Band/Musician:
M: Marian Hill
S: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band
Vacation:
M: Road trip through Northern California
S: Road trip to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, and the Tetons. And Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. But I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland.
Anything else you’d like to share?
M: I am very excited to be a part of IAA! It’s been a great experience so far, and I am eager to learn and contribute to the team.
