Bio:
 The great designer, Sarah klann  received my Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Michigan and started work in the days of drafting boards and T-squares. I have been a member of the Robert P. Madison team for the last 18 years, working in design and management of varied project types. As president of the Western Reserve Architectural Historians, I encourage the broader public to appreciate the designed world around us. I look forward to learning something new every day to apply to my projects.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
When I was young I wandered through neighborhoods looking at houses and rode my bike to the University of Michigan campus to walk through the Engine Arch and across the Diag. Growing up in an environment rich in architectural diversity hooked me.

What do you do?
I work in a small firm so I’m fortunate to work on all aspects of a project including programming, design, specification writing, and construction management. I work on projects as small as office renovations and as large as a convention center.

What excites you in the work you do?
Our office works on a wide variety of projects so I’m always excited to work with a new group of people, learn about how they want to educate students, run a business, or offer entertainment options, and create a design that supports their vision.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Whether I’m in my town or visiting someplace new, I’m always trying to determine what elements make the places I like wonderful. It may be a vista created looking through a window, wall murals along an alley walkway, or a bench at the edge of a pond.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I work in a firm, and with a team, that is dedicated to supporting people of all races and ethnicities. Creating a diverse environment within the office, as well as the partners we work with, is the best way to enrich the built environment for all.

Featured Project Name: 
Halle PreK-8 School
 
Featured Project Location: 
Cleveland, OH
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2019

Role in Featured Project: 
Project Manager
 
Featured Project Description:
The new PK – 8 Halle School, located in Cleveland, is the result of collaboration between the design team, neighbors, and the Halle school community. Creating an inquiry based learning environment, both inside and outside the building, was the goal for this neighborhood revitalization project. Classrooms with operable partitions linking to Extended Learning Areas promote student collaboration. Group spaces such the gymnasium and Student Dining will be open to community use after hours.

Photography Credit:
Yuanshuai Si