Les Key

Background

About Les Key

With 15 years of experience in the design and construction industry, Les has been praised as a key asset in the integration of the end user into the design process. An Architecture graduate of Texas Tech University with a minor in Interior Design; his time in Lubbock was one that opened his eyes to a solid understanding of technical details and an appreciation for the craft in design. Through his relationships with local artisans, Les found a talent and appreciation for millwork and furniture design, which follows him to this day. Attending the Graduate Architecture program at the University of Michigan Les was introduced to the realm of Digital Fabrication, Design Theory, and Real Estate Development while working toward a final Master's Thesis focusing on the shift in current real estate trends from known typologies of urban sprawl to pedestrian dominant urbanism. Following a 2009 introduction to Tim Brown he became intrigued by the concept of Design Thinking. Bringing to the forefront his values that Architecture goes beyond the mere construction of a facade; but is a lifestyle of thinking that can be about more than a physical object. It presents a style of approach that moves beyond the physical into a complex system of organizational inner workings and relationships based on user experiences. While advancing through his professional career, Les has repaid the mentorship he received through teaching, local civic service, Chairing of the DDA Design Committee, serving with local building charities, and through student critiques.