In the Spotlight: Kevin Thayer

Meet Interior Architecture Project Manager Kevin Thayer: recently promoted to an Associate at MWA, he’s a fan of trusting clients, Mid-Century style, and - to the surprise of many - glamping.

Okay, let’s start with glamping.

I know. People are often taken aback by that. I love camping and being outdoors – beach life, mountain life, boating, skiing, kayaking…..

Somehow I get the feeling there’s more to all that than a plain old tent.

You’re right! I have an air-stream trailer. It’s not vintage, but my next project is to find one that is and fix it up. It’s fun to have a portable home wherever you go.

Where has your air-stream taken you?

Over the years my partner and I have traveled all over the country in it. We’ve been to Steamboat Springs, Rocky Mountain National Forest, Door County, The Bourbon Trail, the Outer Banks, Smokey Mountain National Park – the list goes on. This past summer we did the east coast and stopped in Asheville to see the Biltmore Estate, which is just amazing architecturally.

It’s a far cry from the Mid-Century style you favor.

It’s true, my own dream house would be Mid-Century in style for sure, with vaulted ceilings, large windows to feel connected to the outdoors, big fireplaces – yes, that’s plural, because I love a good fireplace – and a big kitchen for entertaining.

What three things make a house a home?

A well-thought out kitchen really is the heart of the home. A spa-like bathroom to help you unwind from a busy day is important, too. So are great light fixtures, which to me are like jewelry for a house.

Name a few emerging architectural trends you find particularly exciting.

I love that lighter floors are coming back in style, and the idea of white walls or tile to highlight industrial elements like exposed metal structures and lentils, plumbing hardware, things like that.

Sounds like you’ve got an eye for design.

I actually have a bachelor’s of fine arts in Interior Design from the Illinois Institute of Art.

What would you say inspires your work?

I love textural pattern play when it comes to design. Right now I’m seeing a lot of fashion and design trends that reflect this.

Let’s talk about MWA for a minute.

I’ve been with the firm three years now and I’m loving it. I love the community of the office, the different personalities with so many different perspectives on design, and the collaborative atmosphere.

If you weren’t in the architecture field, what might you be doing instead?

I think I’d be in some sort of art field. I was big into sculpture in my high school days and involved in ceramics. But I’m definitely where I’m supposed to be right now.