2021 Women in Building Services: Kenne Shepherd, Kenne Shepherd Interior Design Architecture PLLC

Name: Kenne Shepherd, AIA, LEED AP ID+C, WELL AP

Title: Principal

Company Name: Kenne Shepherd Interior Design Architecture PLLC

Real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of: AIA, USGBC, CREW New York

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An artist

In the past year, what project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of?

Becoming a WELL AP, a move that was prompted by the pandemic and the ensuing shutdown. As the pandemic wore on, I became convinced that the built environment was not only a key element in dealing with the spread of the virus, but a key element in fostering human health and well-being in all situations. We spend 90% of our time indoors, in environments where the indoor air-quality is often much worse than outdoors. As architects and designers, we have the ability and the responsibility to create healthier environments for our clients by ensuring good air quality and enhanced air ventilation, good lighting with an abundance of natural light and selecting non-toxic building materials. The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) provides science-backed measures to achieve these goals and more.

What led you to your current profession?

I started my career working as a young architect for NBBJ in their Seattle office. After working on several large-scale architectural projects, I transferred to their interior design division. It was a good move. Working on interior projects, large and small, allowed for more meaningful and exciting contributions to the projects. Project timelines were shorter and the professional development opportunities were greater than working on large-scale projects such as hospital or hotels. As an interior architect, I feel that I have the best of both worlds, combining the technical expertise required to create a built environment and the aesthetic expertise that brings that environment to life.

What trends will dominate your industry in the coming months?

The next few months will continue to be challenging for retailers. Many retailers did not make it through the pandemic and had to closed permanently. Those retailers who made it through and are now reopening will be forced to develop new retailing models. It is no longer enough to rely solely on brick-and-mortar stores. Customers have moved online. Retailers, large and small, will have to develop and integrate online shopping platforms with their physical locations. Ecommerce has grown steadily over the last few year, dramatically increasing in 2020, and will continue to grow. We will also see a lot of young new retailers setting up shop for the first time, while ecommerce retailers will continue to add physical stores to bolster their online presence.

How do you contribute to your community or profession?

Through active participation in CREW New York. I have been a member of the organization for 20 years and have been a Committee Chair for eight of those years and Co-chaired our 40th Anniversary Gala. As the first CREW Network and Member Recognition Chair, I organized and developed our CREW Connection networking program to encourage the development of business opportunities for our members. I also led the development our first CREW New York Awards program to recognize the accomplishment of our members. I firmly believe in women helping women to advance in the world of real estate and architecture. CREW New York provides an excellent opportunity to do so.