Very few people in southwest Missouri can say they’ve had a hand in prolonging the vision and works of iconic American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
But Michele Risdal-Barnes can.
She worked as curator at Wright’s Fallingwater and other buildings on the grounds of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy before moving to Springfield in 2002.
“It was a rare privilege to have contributed in the preservation of this icon of modern architecture,” Risdal-Barnes says of the residential masterpiece built over a waterfall in the Allegheny Mountains. “It gives me immense personal satisfaction knowing that the conservation work completed during my tenure will extend the life of the building, keeping Wright’s vision alive for generations to view.”
After her three-year stint as curator of buildings and collections at the Pennsylvania conservancy, Risdal-Barnes started her career in Springfield as director of resource development at Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield.
Now, she works alongside her husband as president and co-owner of Reeds Spring-based Builders Truss Inc., which manufactures engineer-certified roof and floor trusses for agricultural, commercial and residential construction in southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas.
She handles the financial aspects of the small business.
“It has been a challenge navigating these unique economic times in the construction industry, while keeping our team motivated and focused,” she says. “I feel that by planning, and not reacting, we have positioned ourselves well for the future when the economy improves.”
During and after studying for her master’s degree in historic preservation at New York’s Columbia University, Risdal-Barnes was involved with global archaeology projects in Ukraine, Italy and Yemen, and she participated in a Rotary International exchange to India.
Much closer to home, she has shaped the community in volunteer and board roles at Junior League of Springfield, Developmental Center of the Ozarks, Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield and PEO International, which promotes educational opportunities for women.
She’s currently secretary for Junior League, where she helped launch Isabel’s House Crisis Nursery in 2007.
“I have a vested interest in making the community a better place, not only for myself but for my children,” says Risdal-Barnes, a Leadership Springfield Class XXIII graduate. “I will continue to be an active member in our community working toward this goal.”[[In-content Ad]]
The first of two planned expansion efforts by Springfield Brewing Co. launched in Rogersville; Legal Services of Southern Missouri relocated; and a new Springfield Fire Department station opened.
