Meet the KGA Team
Paul Mahony, AIA, CGP
MY BACKGROUND... isn’t traditional, strictly-speaking. After joining KGA as a draftsman in 1993, I worked my way up to a project manager, and then got my architectural license. I was named a partner in 2002.
MY ROLE... is to help clients explore and realize ideas through design collaboration. I love when a client has an idea that becomes the basis for the design…their design. I am still surprised to this day how many times our clients don’t expect to be the driving force behind the project direction.
FOR INSPIRATION... I turn to chimneys -- though not just any old chimney will do! A well-placed chimney that is properly proportioned and authentic to the style of the home.
John Guilliams, AIA
GROWING UP... I was drawn to Architecture and never looked back, starting with drafting classes in middle school. And I was lucky to gain exposure to different aspects of the profession through my early work at small firms.
ON THE KGA TEAM... I’m known as a good listener -- actually hearing what the client wants or needs is essential to our work. I’m also big on checking your ego at the door.
FOR INSPIRATION... I love watching TV shows and movies from the era of Mid-Century Modern design: my favorite style of architecture.
Jennifer Williams, MIRM, CMP
MY BACKGROUND... before coming to KGA included work in sales, marketing and business management for Home Design magazines. That, and my degree in Business Management and Administration from the University of Denver, Daniels College of Business, provided a foundation for my work today and helped me fall in love with the industry.
ASK ME ABOUT… strategy, marketing and operations, but not architecture -- I just play an architect on TV!
MY INSPIRATION COMES FROM... spending time around people who share the same passion for the residential building and development industry. Inspiring workplaces? Business strategy? Check and check.
Graham Swett, LEED AP BD+C
MY BACKGROUND … spans over 40 years in the industry including acting as the general contractor for two of my personal residences and projects ranging from single family homes to condos in the Bahamas.
COUNT ON ME TO … push the envelope to minimize a project’s environmental impact while enhancing its visual appeal. What can I say? I’m a geek who loves getting into the details.
I’M INSPIRED BY … architects who focus on the environmental impact of their builds – addressing how we design and build to have a more sustainable future.
Travis Hendrix, AIA, NCARB
GROWING UP … in Colorado and watching the constant growth and change inspired me to take part in the built environment as a designer and architect. It’s inspiring to work on local and national projects, and I’ve been fortunate to work on everything from tenant finish, to adaptive-reuse, multi-family, single family homes, historic preservation, and ultra-high-end residences.
COUNT ON ME … to bring passion, excitement, and a commitment to beautiful yet practical designs. I want to give you the best possible experience of “space”.
FOR INSPIRATION … I look to an endless spectrum of information and experiences in order to produce outside of the box ideas. However, my primary inspiration is often tied to biology, the natural environment, and the impact on human history and psychology.
Mike Davinroy
MY PATH TO KGA … includes studies at St. Louis Community College and more opportunities for learning at a small architecture office where I took part in field construction observation and structural layout.
COUNT ON ME TO … watch everyone’s budgets and provide drafting assets where they’re needed to keep your home project on schedule -- and with a successful outcome. That’s in addition to supporting our other project managers.
I FIND INSPIRATION … in sunrises! Why is this relevant? I love designing homes that give our clients inspiration and enjoyment every day. And a sunrise is always a new start no matter what.
Brent Paul
MY BACKGROUND … spans two decades in high-end residential architecture. With a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from BYU-Idaho and a Masters in Architecture from UC Denver, I’ve worked on full-service and design-build projects for a vast range of project types, from mountain estates to city infills.
ASK ME ABOUT … an idea that needs to be brought to life! I will most abundantly consent to a 3D hand-sketch to illustrate it.
FOR INSPIRATION … I turn to the classics. And there’s little that gives me greater pleasure than having a pencil in hand and creating beautiful places people can call home.
Ian Steven
MY BACKGROUND … includes 20 years in the architecture industry and 14 in custom residential work. I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in environmental design.
ASK ME ABOUT … the latest industry software and sustainable building.
FOR INSPIRATION … I turn to my family, and the desire to make the built environment a little better for the future.
Hannah Watson
MY BACKGROUND … includes a degree from the University of Houston. I started my career in Houston in full service residential architecture and interiors focusing on high end custom homes and remodels. Since then, I’ve expanded into multi-family and commercial work.
COUNT ON ME … to listen to your needs and incorporate them into a well thought out, efficient design. Whether it’s your dream home or the perfect community center for your development – designing and connecting with clients are the best parts of my job.
I FIND INSPIRATION … from the extensive experience of the KGA team. No, that’s not a shameless plug – we have a great collection of knowledge and experience in our team and they are an invaluable resource. Beyond the team I look for inspiration in the things that bring me joy – my loved ones, nature, and the built environment.
Marc Ness
MY ACADEMIC WORK … in the field of psychology at Montana State University provides me with unique insight into human behavior -- very helpful when working with others. When paired with my first-hand knowledge of the job site, I have a unique set of problem solving tools at my disposal.
COUNT ON ME FOR … strong interpersonal communication with clients and professionals; this fulfills me beyond the daily duties of my role.
FOR INSPIRATION … Our industry provides an atmosphere that never gets dull, and continually challenges me to remain current in my views of how Architecture influences the world.
Devin Nelson
MY BACKGROUND … was inspired by architecture from a very young age. I took drafting classes in high school that carried into studying architecture in Dublin, Ireland. My favorite part was traveling to different countries to soak in their culture and unique architecture.
COUNT ON ME FOR … my interior design background to help you envision your project as a whole.
FOR INSPIRATION … I turn to nature and seek out stunning spots I could only have envisioned in my dreams. I also love listening to others, hearing what makes them happy and seeing their faces light up.
Michael Perry
GROWING UP … I always enjoyed drawing. Once I learned Architecture allowed me to use this interest to communicate ideas and problem solve, I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
COUNT ON ME TO … bridge the gap between preliminary sketches and the final construction drawings. I pride myself on creating beautiful renderings and clean construction documents allowing the client to fully envision their design while also helping the contractor transform that rendering into a reality.
FOR INSPIRATION … I enjoy taking my sketchbook on hikes in the mountains or on long walks or bike rides. You never know what you’ll stumble upon and it’s always nice to sketch what you’ve found, figure out why it appeals to you, and how you might address the design differently.
Jon Joy
MY BACKGROUND … in architecture started as a draftsman on high end millwork for commercial projects. I used this experience to transition into working on custom mountain homes in Summit County, CO.
ASK ME ABOUT … how I can use my background in engineering and custom residential work to manage your new home project smoothly.
I FIND INSPIRATION … in the Colorado mountains and nature, as well as existing architecture in the area. I feel that the context of a design is very important.
Trevor Shorts
MY BACKGROUND … started in high school, where I discovered a passion for architecture through technical architecture courses. Since then, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Texas at San Antonio, volunteered for several design/build projects, worked inspections in civil construction, and have been involved in construction management positions.
COUNT ON ME TO … use my hands on experience in the construction industry to provide accurate and insightful perspective to drawing sets and to the project team.
I FIND INSPIRATION … in music and self-expression through art. Collaboration through varied fields of creativity intrigues me; there is always something to learn when allowing yourself to create freely.
Katie Kumro
MY BACKGROUND… includes studies at a few schools in Buffalo, NY, where I explored the principles of design. I ultimately finished my education at the University of Colorado, Boulder where I earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree. In this program I studied product design, landscape design, urban planning, and architecture. It allowed me to see that no design exists in a vacuum and everything we create has an impact on our world.
COUNT ON ME FOR… persistent optimism and hard work.
I FIND INSPIRATION… in nature and science. I believe someday building construction will become fully integrated with the landscape giving way to harmonious structures that truly enhance our life and ecosystems.
Alex Archer
MY BACKGROUND … started at Iowa State University where I received my Bachelor of Architecture. I spent a semester studying architecture in Rome, Italy, which allowed me to gain a better understanding of design from a wide range of perspectives.
COUNT ON ME TO … make great designs a reality. I pride myself in using critical thinking and spatial problem-solving to propel designs and drawings into a place that work in the real world, and work well.
I FIND INSPIRATION … in nature and my environment. Architecture is about thoughtfulness in design and drawing on the surroundings to create a place where people want to be. Interaction with materials, connection to light and the outdoors, and awareness of how people use space should motivate design. Beauty is all around us if we look for it.
Chris Bravman
MY BACKGROUND … includes studying architectural design at Stanford; carpentry on a wide range of building types; landscape design and construction; and experience in custom residential and public schools.
COUNT ON ME TO … design and draft, always thinking through the design details with an eye on livability, comfort, and utility.
I FIND INSPIRATION … in history. Shelter is a fundamental need, and the vast array of building types and styles humankind has employed throughout the millennia never ceases to astound.
Steve Combs
MY BACKGROUND … in building custom homes began with Combs Design and Development after studying environmental design at CU. I also worked as a real estate broker and developer before joining KGA in 2013.
COUNT ON ME TO … be one of the first people you talk to at KGA! I’m the welcome wagon for new inquiries, so I’ll be there from day one guiding you through the design and construction process.
I PREDICT … the home building industry will rely more on fresh designs -- the days of using a decades-old plan off the shelf are over!
Andrea Thomas
MY BACKGROUND … includes work in graphic design, event planning and marketing for businesses like Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine. I studied Visual Communications at Hawaii Pacific University -- and yes, some of my study sessions were on the beach!
ON THE KGA TEAM … clients can count on me to help in any way I can! From Pinterest and Houzz questions to photography and joint PR efforts, I’m here for you.
FOR INSPIRATION … I spend time outdoors to recharge. I also love stand-up paddling on Colorado’s calm lakes, especially in the off-season. It’s perfect for clearing my head for new ideas.
Heather Guadagnoli
MY BACKGROUND … includes work for several companies that are construction-adjacent, following my degree in Business Administration (with an accounting emphasis!) at the University of Colorado.
ON THE KGA TEAM … clients can count on me to answer questions about invoicing and contracts – it’s my job to make sure this side of the business runs smoothly.
MY PREDICTION FOR THE FUTURE … building affordable housing in markets where property is at a premium will continue to be a challenge, but the benefits – a solid foundation and refuge for kids and families – is worth every penny.
