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A Legacy of Design Excellence: The Retirement of Cheryl S. Beaver

NSPJ Architects, a leading full-service architecture and landscape architecture firm based in Prairie Village, Kansas, announced the retirement of Cheryl S. Beaver, effective January 31, 2025. Cheri, as she is fondly known, has been an integral part of NSPJ since she became its first female designer in 1977. Over her nearly five decades of service, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s innovative approach to creating lifestyle-rich environments.

Early Career and Accomplishments

Cheryl's journey began shortly after her wedding when she joined NSPJ, marking a significant step in her professional life and in the architecture industry, which at the time was predominantly male-dominated. Cheri graduated with distinction from the University of Kansas, holding both a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Bachelor of Architecture. After becoming a licensed architect in 1982, she briefly stepped away from her career to focus on her family but returned in 1996, adding to her wealth of experience and expertise.

Throughout her career, Cheri has successfully completed over 530 projects, emphasizing her commitment to residential architecture. Her portfolio includes a diverse range of designs, from large custom homes to lake houses and townhomes, as well as numerous renovations and additions. Notable projects that Cheri holds dear featured homes at Lake Lotawana and the renovations of her sorority house, Sigma Kappa, in Lawrence, Kansas.

Leadership and Impact

In 2010, Cheri made history again by becoming the first woman elected to the board of directors at NSPJ Architects. Under her leadership, the firm flourished, benefitting from her keen attention to detail and dedication to high-quality design. Promoted to vice president in 2014, Cheri has been an exemplary role model for both her clients and the younger team members at NSPJ, guiding them with her experience and energy.

Tim Homburg, co-president and principal architect, reflected on Cheri's impact, stating, “Cheri has brought so much to NSPJ over the decades. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence is evident in every project she has worked on. We are indeed proud of her accomplishments, not just as a professional but as a mentor and leader.”

Awards and Recognition

Cheri's remarkable work has not gone unnoticed. She has received several prestigious awards throughout her career, including the AIA School Medal and the Kansas City Homes & Gardens Gold Award for Best Custom Home in 2011. The signature designs of NSPJ, influenced by Cheri’s leadership, have become benchmarks in the architectural landscape of the region.

A Promising Future

As Cheri prepares for this new chapter in her life, she looks forward to spending time with her family, which now includes children and grandchildren. Travel plans are also on her horizon. In her words, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects and for the relationships built along the way. From designing homes for my family to working with amazing clients, every experience has been meaningful.”

Conclusion

The retirement of Cheryl S. Beaver from NSPJ Architects marks the end of an era characterized by innovation, leadership, and significant contributions to architectural design. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of architects, and as she embarks on her next adventure, the profession will miss her invaluable presence and insight. NSPJ Architects, founded in 1961, continues to thrive on the foundations laid by pioneers like Cheri, focusing on luxury residential design, landscape architecture, and sustainable practices.

For more information about NSPJ Architects or to explore Cheryl's work, visit www.nspjarch.com.