Kahler Slater is an architecture, interior design and environmental branding firm that uses design to help our clients reach their goals and advance their organizations. We use a research-based process to ensure we design for change. The result of our work enriches lives and achieves powerful results. Based in Milwaukee for 110 years, we serve clients around the US, Canada and Singapore, and our team is comprised of market experts in health care, higher education, corporate, living environments, hospitality, and sports and wellness.
What downtown Milwaukee project are you working on has you most excited?
I'm honored to be lead designer on Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's planned move to the historic Warner Grand Theater. As a native Milwaukeean, it's a dream to be able to save a beautiful historic building, support a critical community asset in the Symphony, and lend a hand in the effort to revitalize W. Wisconsin Ave.
As an Architect and designer, the project has been unbelievably rewarding. It's given me the opportunity to work with other talented artists, in this case musicians, to embark on critical dialogue about how this project can express characteristics about their art, relate to the history of their organization and the history of the 1930's movie palace, and reach out to the greater Milwaukee community. In many ways, this project is a dream given the complex nature of carefully grafting new additions on to a stunning historic structure. The final resolution will render beautifully restored, historic architecture with respectful contemporary additions. I have learned so much along the way collaborating with talented colleagues, consultants, and extremely thoughtful clients.
What other projects do you see as key to keep the positive momentum going in downtown and though out the City?
Our firm continues to be at the heart of some of downtown's most prominent projects, from MSO to BMO Tower and the restoration of the Milwaukee Athletic Club. That said, aside from urban redevelopment, I believe the continuation of community investments is a powerful part of sustaining momentum going forward. Examples like the streetcar, Sculpture Milwaukee, Bublr Bikes, and the Riverwalk extension not only have a positive impact on quality of life for residents, but they help shape the way Milwaukee is thought about. I hope to see efforts like these continue to grow and enhance our amazing city.
What do you see as downtown Milwaukee's biggest opportunity?
I think there is a significant opportunity in our home-grown talent. We're doing amazing things in the city and part of that is happening within our colleges and universities. This energy needs to translate from our academic environments into our business community. I am energized by the renaissance in downtown Milwaukee and eager to see companies continue to invest in local talent.
What peer cities do you believe offer the best examples for Milwaukee to learn from?
Our geographic location with access to water, seasons, and diverse cultural amenities gives Milwaukee much opportunity to grow. I am eager to see our Riverwalk, public art, and city festivals grow to further enhance the city. San Antonio's Riverwalk, Seattle's Olympic Sculpture Park, Minneapolis' Sculpture Garden, and SXSW in Austin are all amenities that we can look to for cues to enhance our home. Continuing the second phase of the Milwaukee Riverwalk will open new connections and more ways for us to enjoy our rivers. Creating a sculpture park can bolster our art scene and truly embed ideas in the city. And most important, thinking about how we can leverage Summer Fest in a bigger way to share business, technology, and music across our city.
When you are not working, what are your favorite hobbies?
First and foremost, spending time with my family. My little girl is growing up way too fast so every moment precious. Otherwise, I love architectural photography, spending time near water, and enjoying a beverage accompanied by some of my closest design-minded friends.
