Jennifer Wilson says it was her grandfather, Richard Stahl, who taught her that architects have an opportunity to enhance their community. It's a concept on which Wilson built not only a career and a business, but also an approach to life.
As owner of Jennifer Wilson Architect LLC, Wilson is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional, which certifies she has a deep understanding of environmentally sustainable building practices.
"Green construction seems to be becoming more of a necessity than an option," she says.
"There are several ways to design and construct a building with sustainable solutions that don't necessarily add up-front costs to the project."
Wilson's recent projects include the gymnasium at First Baptist Church in Crane, Stone County Assessor's Office, Moxie Theater and an addition to St. Louis Street Auto Body.
Wilson says her key role is to help clients succeed by building a consensus among their constituencies.
"Whether renovating a courthouse or adding a gymnasium to a church ... by conducting interviews with key stakeholders, facilitating building committee meetings, ... and researching new technologies, I give clients the knowledge they need to present to their constituency," she says. "This, in turn, leads to a successful project that expands the mission of the organization."
Wilson also serves her community by being involved in a number of civic organizations. She has served as the architects' and professionals' chair for the United Way campaign, hosted a radio show for the League of Women Voters and chaired the Round Up at Saddlebrooke fundraiser for the Dickerson Park Zoo. She is a member of Sunrise Rotary and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and she participates on the Greene County Board for the Developmentally Disabled.
Despite Wilson's many civic contributions, she says starting her company in 2008 is the accomplishment of which she's most proud. After 14 years of practicing architecture with other companies in the Ozarks, she decided to go her own way.
"Opening my own practice enables me to focus on ... clients and assist them in succeeding with their missions," she shares. "Starting a new business is definitely not easy; however, I have found it to be very rewarding."
Wilson says she goes back to her grandfather's words when making business decisions.
"I have lived in Springfield the majority of my life and can't think of another place I would like to be. This is truly a community that supports our citizens and the environment," she says.[[In-content Ad]]
April 7 was the official opening day for Mexican-Italian fusion restaurant Show Me Chuy after a soft launch that started March 31; marketing agency AdZen debuted; and the Almighty Sando Shop opened a brick-and-mortar space.
