KA Designworks

Erik is a project Architect for KA DesignWorks, joining the team in 2016. He initially graduated Tufts University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Continuing his education, Erik later completed his Masters in Architecture at the University of Colorado Denver. His initial interest in Architecture stemmed from early work as a carpenter where he appreciated the art of building and the building process. He has always loved sketching and drawing for its ability to communicate ideas and he continues this work daily in the office.

His passion for Architecture emanates from the organic process of understanding a site and working with its constraints and potentials, then integrating the clients needs and desires into the site in the simplest and most effective form. Power in design comes from the combination of knowledge of all aspects of the project into coherent gestures.  Layered over this process is the desire for minimal environmental disturbance and energy usage. Erik has a natural  and methodical thought process which he is able to communicate to others, helping them envision a space. He has a respect for the design process which is an essential characteristic for KA DesignWorks and the team. 

Erik has lived in Colorado since 1994 and spent the past 18 years with his wife Melissa and their two boys, Henry, 14, and Nico, 9. He loves traveling and experiencing new outdoor adventures, such as surfing in Mexico with his family. In Colorado, Erik bikes weekly but also enjoys seasonal sports such as skiing.

Wayland received his Master of Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington. He then moved to Colorado in 1977 and has been living in the Valley for 23 years. 

Wayland enjoys that architecture is a long endeavoring process, like a puzzle. There is always something that continuously needs to be solved from the beginning of the process, down to details. Wayland has a strong attention to detail and persistence that allows him to excel in taking the building from the beginning to the very end.

When Wayland is not working on Architecture he is playing hockey, fishing, or riding his motorcycle. He also is spending time with his wife Jenna and their two sons, Jett and Beck.

Brendan grew up in Steamboat Springs and then received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University. He later returned to academia receiving his Masters of Architecture at the University of Colorado Denver in 2010.

Brendan’s passion for design and building began at an early age, fashioning contraptions in his parents garage.  During Architecture school his design and model building skills blossomed, using hand drafting and physical models to convey design intent.  As an Architect, he enjoys engaging the end user and working through their desires to develop an elegant solution that works with the environment.  He is excited to join the KA DesignWorks team to continue his passion for design and to foster his ability to convey the possibilities of the built environment through modeling.

Outside of work, Brendan enjoys hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and skiing with his wife and eleven-year-old son. His favorite downtime activities include playing guitar and tying flies

Although new to KA DesignWorks Charlie has a long history of architectural work throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.  Having grown up in San Francisco and Yosemite Valley and graduating from U.C. Berkeley with a B.A. in architecture, Charlie moved to Aspen in 1993 in search of a premier destination for not only architectural work but also cycling and skiing.  His passion runs deep for the natural world and has always strived to blend the projects he has worked on with the contextual vernacular and its environmental footprint. 

After thirteen years working as a licensed Architect the recession of 2008 allowed Charlie to sidestep into the building science sector and achieve certifications as a HERS rater and Building Analyst.  During this era of almost 8 years he ran an energy assessment and weatherization business before working for the Community Office for Recourse Efficiency as their Building Science Coordinator.  Ultimately Charlie was drawn back to the profession of architecture where his knowledge of building science and energy efficiency serves as the basis of all projects that he works on.  

Chris helps KA DesignWorks turn our designs into a reality for our clients.

With over 30 years of experience as a general contractor and project manager, Chris pivoted into design by learning to draw building details that support the construction and energy efficiency of our homes. He coordinates with consultants, building departments, general contractors, and site supervisors to smooth the transition from designing to building, and helps to keep projects on schedule and on budget once they are under construction. He speaks the language of construction, and he preserves our design intent while providing solutions for the people building your home.

Chris also has a strong design / build streak in him when he is not working. In his free time Chris pursues furniture making, wood carving, sewing, painting, and metal working from his workshop at home. A longtime Roaring Fork Valley resident, Chris enjoys time with his wife and two children, and has volunteered extensively with local non-profits. Somehow, he still has time left for fly fishing, hiking, rafting and occasional star-gazing.

Dominic grew up and is currently living in the United Kingdom. On completion of his time in education, he acquired a first-class honours degree in Architectural Studies from Sheffield University (UK) in 1999.

Originally working in Aspen for an architectural firm, he then returned to London to work for EPR Architects, specializing in large corporate construction including offices and mixed residential in the South of the UK and London. Later he worked for Hadfield Cawkkwell Davidson in the North of England. Here he worked on a variety of projects including shopping complex developments and small scale residential. In particular, he worked on sensitive sites including national parks and protected areas using traditional construction and innovating modern elements. 

Dominic has pursued a parallel career as a commercial airline pilot operation both 737s and 747s for British Airways for the past 20 years. This has given him the ability to travel widely and visit an exhaustive selection of bucket list buildings and galleries around the world, indulging his passion for Architecture. During his time flying, he has been a regular visitor to KA DesignWorks, often working on projects with the team. 

Outside of work, Dominic loves the outdoors, in particular running and skiing. He has kept permanently busy by his three children and two dogs. Any remaining time is dedicated to playing his collection of guitars which are his pride and joy.

Andrew has lived in Colorado since 2015 and is KA DesignWorks's technology manager and VR (virtual reality) fabricator. He graduated from Philadelphia University with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and has always been interested in the animated aspects of architecture. 

Andrew admits to loving a stylish, clean, and complete end result. He is KA DesignWorks's personal technology specialist, helping our team daily to produce the best work possible for our clients. Andrew is responsible for creating a final product the team can show to clients in order for them to better visualize their future home. He hopes to remain on the cutting-edge of technological architecture in the valley. 

At home, Andrew enjoys not only relaxing, but also spending his time outside hiking and kayaking. He has two cats named John and Luna, provoking other team members to tape cat memes to his work station periodically.  

John grew up in from Sutherlin, Virginia where his passion for building and construction processes came from working at his family’s construction company alongside his father. He recently graduated with his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech in May of 2021. He has since been working with KA DesignWorks as an Architectural Designer while also pursuing his licensure.

John has a very detail-oriented mind and believes that functionality should always take first priority in the design process. He enjoys figuring out the quirks of a specific building detail just as much as the conceptual design of a project.

Back home in Virginia, you could expect to find John on the soccer field, at the lake, or at a Virginia Tech football game. But since moving to the Valley, he has recently gained a new hobby in fly fishing and can’t get enough of it. He also enjoys cooking, skiing, hiking, and traveling."

With a profound passion for design, Mansi hails from the vibrant land of India. Her journey has taken her across borders, ultimately leading her to the United States in 2019. With a degree in Interior Architecture from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, Mansi has honed her skills through luxury residential design experiences in California and Florida. Having explored 24 countries and immersing herself in diverse cultures, Mansi draws inspiration from the world's rich tapestry, infusing her creations with an international flair. Her approach to design is rooted in the belief that every space tells a unique story waiting to be unveiled. She strives to combine chic aesthetics with functionality, striking a perfect balance between form and purpose. Her designs reflect a harmonious fusion of classic elegance and contemporary trends, breathing life into spaces that captivate and inspire. As a part of the team at KA Designworks, Mansi intends to push the boundaries of creativity — exceeding client expectations and helping their vision come to life.

As a former National Soccer player for India, Mansi loves leading an active lifestyle and getting her boots dirty hiking with friends as well as enjoying music while working on paintings in her home art studio.

Shyla is a Colorado native that holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The University of Colorado, Denver. Initially working for an Architecture firm in Aspen, she returned to academia to obtain her Master of Architecture from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Shyla currently resides in East Tennessee where she continues to pursue her architecture licensure with KA DesignWorks.

Shyla is a strong believer in the temporal influence of design within our built environment. She considers design as a meditated paradigmatic habitual time capsule. Layered by intention and creativity, her work is known for interrogating the program, while maintaining a functional and luxurious aesthetic. Shyla blends design principles from post-modern architecture with the practicality of contemporary space planning.

Stacy grew up in Akron, Ohio, but fell in love with the mountain lifestyle on a summer trip after graduating from the University of Toledo. When she found a job in Aspen at Carl’s Pharmacy, she was sold. She spent the last 20 years working as a pharmacist, and store manager. This background led to an intimate knowledge of human resources and interpersonal skills.

The opportunity to shift to a more supportive role in KA DesignWorks became the priority in 2020. The combination of out-growing the current position and needing flexibility to take care of their two growing sons, Stacy endeavors to take some of the managerial duties off of Ken.