Kirksey expands leadership in North Texas community-focused projects with elevation of Darden Beckham to Director, Community Practice.
Experienced project manager and firm leader, Darden Beckham, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is based in Kirksey's Dallas office and joined Kirksey as Associate Vice President and Senior Project Manager almost three years ago, with over 25 years of experience and a broad range of project expertise. With a career spanning market sectors and project types, from community and commercial to residential and institutional, Darden brings a unique perspective to the firm's Dallas office. Her proactive management style, creativity, and strong inclination toward learning drive her success in leading complex projects and implementing strategic firm initiatives.“Darden's leadership and passion for confronting challenges facing the Dallas area are enhanced by her understanding of the impact community spaces can have on people, striking the perfect balance to help propel Kirksey's commitment to positively impact our communities," said Janis Brackett, Managing Director of Community Practice at Kirksey.
Darden's new role as Director will strengthen Kirksey’s presence and leadership in North Texas as she continues to engage stakeholders, navigate complex project demands, and deliver innovative solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. She has specific experience and expertise in affordable and supportive housing initiatives and has been part of multiple adaptive reuse and new development projects to support those efforts across North Texas, including the St. Jude Center - Oak Cliff project. Darden is also leading the current Esperanza Community Center for Dallas County, which is the renovation of an existing Richard ISD school to a community center, and the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department’s Exall Recreation Center.
Kirksey has a long history of community projects in North Texas. Recent work includes the Rita Sue and Alan Gold Child and Family Center at the Shops at Redbird Mall; Family Gateway North, the adaptive reuse of a former hotel into a supportive housing facility with afterschool childcare and wraparound services; the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas Hospice House; and Crossroads Community Market at Redbird Mall, a nutrition pharmacy concept.
"It’s a privilege for me to step into this new role at Kirksey and continue to strengthen the Community Practice in North Texas,” Dardent said. “These projects have the power to create meaningful, lasting impact, and I’m excited to collaborate with our clients, partners, and internal team to deliver thoughtful, high-performing solutions that serve the people who use them. I look forward to working alongside Janis and our talented team as we continue to grow Kirksey’s presence and strengthen our commitment to design excellence.”