Katie Pedersen

Katie thinks of complex academic projects as intriguing puzzles; peeling away layers of outdated facilities, fostering communication among stakeholders, thoughtfully incorporating evolving student needs, and ultimately creating order where there was once chaos. “The messier the better!” she says of the challenge. “Bringing light, life and purpose to a dark and dismal building is very fulfilling. Our clients work every day to make the world a better place. My role is to make sure the built environment supports their mission and their values.” Katie grew up in a family of teachers, builders, artists, architects and inventors. “Wrap it all together and you get me,” she jokes. “I started working in an architecture firm at 16 and have never really worked anywhere else.” Books and movies are Katie’s after-hours escape. A longtime favorite: “To Catch a Thief,” for its beautiful cinematography and thought-provoking script. “It’s all so beautifully done,” she remarks.