Introducing Lauren

Lauren Wendlandt is an architect at Travois. She officially joined the Travois Design & Construction Services (TD&CS) team in November but has worked with the company since 2009 on the office, roof deck and furnishings and as a consultant on various affordable housing projects. In her position she is responsible for managing or contributing to design and construction projects taken on by the TD&CS team.

1. What education and/or certifications do you have?

I have a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Kansas State University, a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate, and I am a licensed architect in both Kansas and Missouri.

2. What attracted you to Travois?

I love that the work and Travois’ mission makes a difference in people’s lives. I enjoy their office culture, the environment and people. Their design style, both in the office and on projects, is important to me.

3. How do your past experiences help you in your current position?

I worked for an architecture firm in San Diego that focused on high design, low income housing. I understand that there are different ways to make good design happen that doesn’t necessarily need to take exorbitant fees. I learned how to write proformas, run numbers and manage draws while I lived on the West Coast. I used this information to create multiple companies and projects in the Kansas City area. I like and enjoy making a project work financially and understanding that there is a balance between good design, affordability and that our main objective is to be problem solvers and facilitators in order to make our and our clients’ end goals possible.

4. What places in Indian Country have you enjoyed visiting?

I enjoy traveling anywhere and everywhere and seeing new places, both densely populated and remote. Of recent trips, Montana was especially beautiful. I love the hustle and bustle of big cities and also the remoteness of the wilderness.

5. What is one thing you would like Travois staff and clients to know about you?

I place a huge value on clear communication and clearly stated expectations. I don’t have very thick skin, and I have an unhealthy addiction to gum and Diet Dr. Pepper.

6. What is one of your favorite past housing projects?

Outside of Travois, I enjoyed working on 9th and F (The Rachel House) in downtown San Diego. It is a very modern, transitional housing project for battered, abused and homeless women who were starting their lives over.

7. What did you want to be as a kid?

Except for a brief (and disastrous) foray as a ballerina at the age of 2, I wanted to be an architect.

8. Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?

I can ride a motorcycle, replumb toilets and sinks, make a mean biscotti or sugar cookie, I love to feed people, Microsoft Excel is my favorite computer program, and I have the ability to trip over nothing and fall down stairs on a regular basis.

9. Many Travois staff members are animal lovers. Do you have a pet?

I had three dogs: Exxon, Chevron and (Bio)Diesel. Diesel comes to the office regularly and has most likely visited every employee’s office — If you aren’t careful, she will take over your lap.

10. What is your favorite meal? What is your favorite local restaurant?

My last meal would be chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes and white gravy, Arby’s spicy, curly fries with lots of ketchup and cheese sauce, and a peanut butter, chocolate chip cookie dough Blizzard with whipped cream, but I very rarely if ever eat any of these things.

Locally, I love Café Gratitude, LuLu’s, Blue Koi, Lidia’s, Nara, Yogurtini and Pizza Hut.

11. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could take one item with you, what would it be?

DIESEL!

12. What talent do you wish you had?

To not over analyze EVERYTHING, and put my brain on a dimmer switch sometimes.

13. What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

Workout, ride my motorcycle, make presents, read, cook, spend time going out with or staying at home with friends.

14. What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City?

Anything outside on a 60 degree, sunny fall day.

15. What do you like about Kansas City? What do you dislike?

I love the cost of living, the limited traffic, that it’s still moldable, but has a great historical presence, and the Midwestern atmosphere.

I dislike that stores and restaurants close so early and few restaurants deliver.

I like and dislike that Kansas City is the biggest small town ever.

16. What kind of music do you like?

There is little music that I don’t like. I especially like Rock, Dubstep, Country and Alternative. Some of my favorite artists currently include Halestorm, Shinedown, Excision, Lana Del Rey, The National, Lorde, Three Days Grace, Volbeat, Lee Brice, Alex Clare, Brad Paisley, The Dandy Warhols, Hinder, The Kills, Knife Party, Lykke Li and My Darkest Days.

17. What is your favorite TV show of all time? Favorite movie?

“Sons of Anarchy.” For movies: “Love Actually,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Natural Born Killers,” and “Sweet November”