Kimberly Stroup /Principal | ArchitectBEND, OREGON
In Kimberly’s 16 years as an architect, she has not slowed down — but rather, continues to be fascinated by all aspects of the design process. Architecture merges her favorite subjects, art, and science, and she continues to be inspired to research and sketch ideas for what she wants to create. Since she was offered the opportunity to study architecture at Portland Community College (for free) at age 16, she jumped at the chance and hasn’t looked back. Kimberly then received her Master of Architecture and Urban Planning from Andrews University. Her studies abroad — which primarily involved sketching and journaling to analyze the historic built environments and place-making — took Kimberly to Prague, Czech Republic; Vienna, Austria; and Italy (Rome, Vicenza, and Venice, Italy).
Today, Kimberly takes pride in transforming buildings (rather than razing them), and in this context, greatly enjoyed her work on the AAA Bend Service Center, as well as on Belle Fiore Winery, which she considers an unusual, ornate, and interesting subject.
Outside of work, Kimberly finds ways to stay involved in her community, like participating in the Architects in Schools program. She also spends her leisure time with her daughter, engaging in outdoor activities, theater and opera, and all kinds of art.
Learn more about Kimberly — in her own words.
What is your design philosophy?
Architecture, first and foremost, is for people. And the best architecture is functional so people enjoy using it, and beautiful so people care about preserving it. It balances art and science to be truly worthy of the resources we use to make it.
In five words or less, describe your design aesthetic.
Balance, proportion, respect, sustainability.
How does that aesthetic inform your work?
Every architectural style in history has merit and there are good and bad versions of each. I go into every project open-minded and eager to learn about the people and activities the building will house.
Share a little-known fact about yourself.
I worked at a veterinary hospital for seven years.