Entering Architecture...Stage Left

With a background in musical theater and nearly a decade of experience in performing arts, Shelby found her way to the industry unexpectedly.

While activly working on stage, Shelby took an adminstrative position at an architecture firm between performance schedules, looking for stability without expecting much more. What she found instead was a life-long passion. 

"I didn't know much about the industry at all, but it didn't take long to realize that architecture is ultimately where I'm supposed to be,” Shelby recalls. 

What drew her into the field was the impact the built environment has on people. People spend the vast majority of their lives inside buildings–working, resting, connecting–and Shelby felt the weight of that early on. 
"Creating healthier, better buildings feels like my way of making a positive impact," said Shelby. "I love seeing a project I've worked on come to life."

From the Stage to the Page

When the opportunity at Kirksey came along, it wasn't just another role. It was a chance to build something entirely new at the firm. Kirksey had never had a dedicated Specification Writer before and Shelby was brought in to create that role from scratch, managing the firm's project specifications. One of the most fulfilling aspects of the role at Kirksey has been the opportunity to work within a large firm that uses it's resources to stay nimble and efficient, in a way that is reminiscent of a smaller firm. This flexibility allows project teams to work together more succinctly and modify or improve practices easily. 

"It was exciting to have the opportunity to develop an in-house specification process from the ground up," she notes. "The firm's culture gives each of us room to contribute and have a large impact on the company."

It might seem like an unconventional background for a Specification Writer, but Shelby sees a direct correlation. In acting school, everything comes down to communication, whether it is with your audience, your scene partners, or conveying intent with precision and clarity.

"Drawings and specifications are no different," says Shelby. "Specifications are one of the ways we communicate design intent to the contractor. Ensuring that intent is communicated clearly and concisely is extremely important." 

Design and Beyond

Shelby’s favorite projects are the hardest ones, the projects that often feel like a complicated puzzle. To her, there is no better reward than completing a difficult project or puzzle

“I love the projects with a unique program or projects that are seen more as technically challenging," Shelby notes.

Shelby’s definition of good design as a “non-designer,” are the ones that have a plan and consider constructability. 

“If we have a beautiful design on paper but no real plan for how to achieve it, that's not great design,” she says. 

One of Shelby's proudest recent accomplishments was a new milestone in her professional growth. Last year, she was elected President of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Houston Chapter. This organization is something Shelby is very passionate about and has been able to leave a lasting impression. 

Outside of work, Shelby's world revolves around her two young children, a five-year-old son and an eighteen-month-old daughter. With her husband being a cyclist and her oldest son knowing how to ride a bike since he was able to walk, family bike rides have been the main event outside of the office.