We’re back with another post featuring architectural teaching staff at SDSU. Featured this week is Instructor of Architecture, Sandra Callies, AIA, NCARB, a registered architect since 2017.
Since graduating from the University of Minnesota with both her Bachelor and Master of Architecture in 2015, Callies has gained a plethora of real-world experience. From working in Sioux Falls, South Dakota all the way to Seattle, Washington, she always brings a unique perspective wherever she goes, enjoying projects that have an impact on the communities she’s served.
Her passions in architecture lie within the realm of “Slow” Architecture, Historic Preservation, and context-based design. A firm believer in respecting and preserving the architecture of our past in order to help communities thrive, Callies hopes to inspire others to be responsible/aware of their impact, considering the use and re-use of certain materials in order to create architecture that stands the test of time.
Her biggest inspirer in architecture at the moment is Steven Holl, not just for his great designs, but for his “everyday” routine of doing a watercolor painting when he wakes up – an intriguing process! If you know Sandra, this probably does not come as a surprise considering her knack for watercolor (and other forms of art) that she enjoys herself. Besides making small masterpieces of her own design, Sandra might be seen enjoying the outdoors no matter the weather, driving disco cars around town, and visiting her favorite South Dakota structures – the Tipi Structures by Ward Whitwam.
Callies has been loving every second of her new teaching gig as she dives into her second semester as an Instructor of Architecture at SDSU. From sitting in a review with her just last semester, it is obvious she has been and will continue to push the students to new heights, offering unique views on design and design processes. We’re excited to watch her grow in her new role as she helps grow the minds of our future architects!
Kendra Hage, Associate AIA, is an Architectural Associate with CO-OP, Sioux Falls. She received her B.Arch from Iowa State University in 2017 with a focus on sustainability and environmental design. An Iowa native, Kendra commutes to Sioux Falls while living in the country outside of Inwood, Iowa with her husband, two boys, and their scottish highland – Celia. Outside of architecture, Kendra enjoys gardening, reading, and anything in the outdoors.