Today we’d like to introduce you to Kecia Lifton.
Kecia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I graduated cum laude from the Syracuse University School of Architecture, which was recently ranked third amongst undergraduate architecture schools by DesignIntelligence. While at Syracuse I spent a semester studying abroad in Florence, Italy, during which I was able to visit many significant architectural sites. I also became conversant in Italian, which was a necessity as my host family did not speak English! During college, I worked as an intern at Quinlivan, Pierik & Krause, an architectural firm in Syracuse. Upon graduation, I worked at Benjamin Thompson Associates, a well-known firm that designed Faneuil Hall Marketplace, South Street Seaport in New York, and the Navy Pier in Chicago. I completed my internship and became a licensed architect in 1993. After BTA I spent four years selling real estate, which allowed me the freedom to also volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Every Thursday for several months I helped renovate a three-unit building in Roxbury, with several other “regulars,” and often alongside the future homeowners. My experience with real estate broadened my perspective on residential architecture, and was very valuable when I decided to launch my own architectural firm in 1996. Since then I have completed all manner of single and multi-family residential projects, ranging from custom homes and additions, to urban infill projects, and the first cluster development in the Town of Framingham.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a woman in a traditionally male profession has not been easy. I have had some unpleasant encounters a few times with contractors who loudly took umbrage at having to follow a woman’s instructions. And there are some contractors who prefer not to work with any architect, male or female…and the client is stuck in the middle. You have to work proactively to foster a team atmosphere to ensure a good outcome for your client. Architecture is very detail oriented and there is a tremendous amount of liability, which is stressful. Mistakes cost money. The consequences of not meeting building and zoning codes can be significant. However, you often have little control over who the client hires to perform the work. Clients on tight budgets tend to want to hire the “lowest bidder,” and this often ends up causing problems. Clients also sometimes have unrealistic expectations about budgets and schedules. Codes, technology, and what is considered “best practice” are always changing. You have to spend time to educate yourself and stay up to date.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Finespaces Architecture – what should we know?
Finespaces Architecture is a full-service architectural firm specializing in high end custom homes and well-integrated residential additions that beautifully meet the needs of our clients by considering site, context, history and function. We shepherd projects from concept through design and construction documents, bidding and construction. Our work has been featured in the Boston Globe’s Your Home magazine, Design New England, and Arts and Crafts Home magazine.
I am often told that when I complete an addition, it looks like it has always been there. I pride myself on my ability to create projects that not only meet the client’s needs but also integrate well with their surroundings. My primary goal is always to make sure that the client is thrilled with their project. I set my ego aside and design for them, not for myself. I am proud of the fact that I have many repeat clients, and the vast majority of my projects come from word of mouth.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
At Syracuse, my thesis advisor Professor Kermit Lee opened my eyes to how diverse the practice of architecture could be, and was also my ultimate cheerleader. Professor Marleen Davis showed me that a woman could be successful in the profession, and also be kind to others and well-liked by her colleagues. Mr. Al Krause, partner at QPK, gave me my first job, despite the fact that I did not yet have any work experience in the profession. At BTA I learned to think about architecture as atmosphere and mood as well as space, and how to use images to present those concepts. My real estate colleagues helped me understand and navigate the psychological component that comes into play when you are helping anyone with a life-changing decision, and taught me a lot about human nature. But my biggest supporters have been my family: my husband is a mentor and sounding-board during difficult times; and my children inspire me to be the best that I can be, in order to show them that they can do the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.finespaces.com
- Phone: 508-653-5223
- Email: kg@finespaces.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KeciaLiftonArchitect
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