Stacey Concienne, Partner and Director of Interior Architecture-Houston at Kirksey, plays a key role in leading the firm’s work transforming corporate interiors into sophisticated, high-performance workplaces.
At Kirksey Architecture, each team member brings a unique path to design, shaped by early interests, key influences, and professional growth. For Stacey Concienne, becoming an architect was never a question — it was a given. "Since I was five, I've said I wanted to be an architect," she says. "It never even occurred to me to consider something else, which, looking back, is kind of wild!"
Today, she plays a critical role in shaping interior environments and mentoring young designers at Kirksey, where she is a Partner and Director of Interior Architecture in the Houston office.
Early Foundations in Design
With a mom who did residential design on the side, Stacey grew up flipping through design magazines, surrounded by furniture blocks and floor plans. That was all she needed to see before she picked her path and never strayed from it. What began with drawing floor plans of the elaborate mansions she dreamed up, complete with her own bowling alley, led her to a vibrant, successful career and a leadership role at Kirksey.
After moving to Houston in 2007, Stacey followed the recommendations of a mentor and immediately found her place at Kirksey Architecture. "It immediately felt like home," Stacey recalls. "The people and the culture hooked me from day one. I was lucky to work alongside friends and mentors who shaped how I think, solve problems, and design."
The collaborative environment and finding herself sitting amongst respected peers allowed Stacey to absorb knowledge on design and creative problem-solving. "I'd sit near Randall Walker, Brian Malarkey, and Melissa O'Neil and just listen," she notes. " Those moments taught me how to think on my feet, communicate clearly, and be endlessly curious. The people are still what draw me to Kirksey."
Designing for People, Not Just Places
As Director of Interior Architecture - Houston, Stacey focuses on Corporate Interiors, designing spaces where professionals spend a significant portion of their lives. "People spend so much of their lives at work. They may be away from family, building careers, chasing goals, and I believe they deserve an environment that supports and inspires them."
From working closely with Kirksey's Brand Integration experts to learning about new technology and researching how people work, Stacey is especially energized by understanding how each client works and what makes their culture unique. "We get to design spaces that actually help them do what they do better. That's really motivating."
When asked about a standout moment in her career, Stacey lights up, describing one exceptionally detailed reception and conference center project. "This one had everything — custom lighting, stone-clad millwork, dual monumental stairs, a water feature, and some of the most complex code coordination I've ever dealt with."
The project stands out for its collaboration and the strong partnerships forged across disciplines. "Our contractor, subs, millworkers, metals, and stone crews — everyone brought their A-game. It was the most detailed project I've done, and the relationships we built across trades were amazing." Her favorite detail is a custom arabesque pattern created by Kirksey's branding experts and inspired by a letter in the client's logo, translated across materials from leather stitching to etched glass.
The Power of Communication (and Color-Coded Schedules)
Her eye for intricate details is just one aspect of Stacey's skill set. When asked, she'll say great design starts with great communication. "Listening to clients and translating their needs into design solutions that are thoughtful, buildable, and budget-friendly — that's the job."
She's also a visual thinker who swears by color-coded spreadsheets. "Give me a good color-coded schedule and I'm in heaven," she laughs. "It helps keep the whole team on the same page."
Stacey's communication skills and leadership style have allowed her to grow and thrive at Kirksey. She says her path to her role as Partner and Director at the firm is quintessential to Kirksey - a place where self-direction is supported and innovation is encouraged. "Kirksey is a place that lets you chart your own path," she says. "If you want to do something meaningful, they'll make room for it. I've seen it time and again — people following their curiosity, growing into new roles, and elevating our work."
The firm's openness to innovation and improvement continues to push Kirksey toward higher standards. She loves that her team always asks how to improve things, not because they have to, but because it's fun. "We want to be the best at what we do. It's exciting to be part of something that's constantly evolving."
Finding (And Brewing) Inspiration
Fueling her talents as an architect? Coffee. She's known around the office for her Starbucks runs, always ready for a midday coffee run to keep the team caffeinated. "I'm in an instant good mood with an iced latte in hand," she admits.
At home, she's mom to an amazing eight-year-old daughter who keeps her grounded and inspired. "She's smart, hilarious, and I'm always begging her to hang out with me." Their home is lively thanks to a trio of pets: Billy (a Chiweenie), Kevin (a Chihuahua), and Ambrose the cat (who might be more dog-like than the dogs).