KRISTEN A. FOX
ARCHITECTURE + FINE ART
I am an architect and project manager passionate about designing spaces that serve people, preserve culture, and sustain the environment. My work is rooted in making meaningful connections—between people and place, vision and reality, history and future. This drive has shaped my approach to architecture across all scales, from exhibit fabrication and housing rehabilitations to complex federal facilities and urban interventions.
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With dual Master’s degrees in Architecture and Historic Preservation from the University of Maryland, and a BFA in Interior Design from Virginia Commonwealth University, I bring a multidisciplinary background that informs every phase of my work—from concept to construction. My early training in the fine arts sharpened my eye for detail and instilled in me a deep respect for materiality, composition, and the visual communication of design intent.
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I currently serve as a Project Manager and Architect for the National Park Service, where I lead the design and rehabilitation of multiple construction types across multiple parks. I manage 20+ concurrent projects annually, ranging from energy-efficient housing retrofits to complex visitor center overhauls. My work prioritizes environmental performance, cultural sensitivity, and long-term durability—always centering the people who use and care for these places.
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Prior to my federal role, I bridged creative vision and technical execution across massive immersive environments as Lead Architect for Convergence Station at Meow Wolf, an immersive arts collective in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I've also worked in private practice on institutional, commercial, and civic projects—most notably affordable housing and public university renovations—with a strong focus on sustainability and historic preservation.
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I believe that the best design outcomes are built on trust, communication, and collaboration. Whether mentoring emerging designers or facilitating stakeholder workshops, I bring clarity, empathy, and strategic thinking to every conversation. My goal is always the same: to help teams and communities realize projects that are resilient, beautiful, and purpose-driven.
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I believe that architecture is about the people that inhabit and interact with it, not simply the forms that it is comprised of. It is our responsibility to create conscious, lasting places that are responsive to the community and surrounding environment.
EDUCATION
University of Maryland, College Park
Master of Architecture, Fall 2013
Master of Historic Preservation, Fall 2013

Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design, Spring 2009
EXHIBITIONS
2017 Pop-Up at the Neill-Cochran House
Museum, West Austin Studio Tour
Austin, Texas
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2017 People's Gallery, City Hall, Austin
Texas
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2016 Pop-Up at the Neill-Cochran House
Museum, West Austin Studio Tour
Austin, Texas
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2016 Trade Event, Metropolitan Gallery,
Austin, Texas
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2016 Exhibiting Artist at Austin
Bergstrom International Airport,
Austin, Texas
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2015 Guest Artist of Saul Jerome San
Juan, West Austin Studio Tour,
Austin, Texas
ACTIVITIES & HONORS​
Recipient of the AIA Henry Adams Medal, 2014
Winner of the Jonathan King Medal for Excellence in Architectural + Environmental Design Research from the Architectural Research Centers Consortium, 2014
Winner of the Architecture Thesis Award in Recognition of Significant Contributions to the Built and Natural Environment, Winter 2013
Commencement speaker for the Historic Preservation Masters Program, Winter 2013
Recipient of the Design Collective, Inc. Scholarship and Internship, Summer 2013
Attended the Public Interest Design Institute and attained SEED Certification, Spring 2013
Recipient of the Grimm + Parker Scholarship Award, 2012-2013
Co-editor and designer for Building on Community: Recognizing the Potential of Bangkok's Informal Neighborhoods, 2012
Recipient of the American Institute of Architects/American Architectural Foundation Scholarship, 2011-2012
Studied Architecture and Representation in Rome, Vicenza, Florence, and Como, Summer 2011

AIAS Art Auction Graphics Volunteer, Spring 2011

Member of the Hyattsville Community Arts
Association, August 2010-December 2013

Recipient of the Provost Scholarship from Virginia Commonwealth University, 2005-2009
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BUILT WORK
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2017 Austin Women & Children's Shelter
Residential Addition + New Daycare
Schematic Design thru Construction Admin, FF&E + Procurement
McKinney York Architects
Austin, Texas
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2014 Ameriprise Financial Offices
Schematic Design thru Construction Admin, FF&E + Procurement
McKinney York Architects
Austin, Texas
EXPERIENCE​
Architect
McKinney York Architects
Austin, Texas
2014 - 2017
Developing renderings and graphic
presentations for residential,
commercial, and institutional clients.
Coordination and development
of architectural drawing sets from schematic
design to permitting and construction
administration.
Furniture & finishes specification and
coordination.
Architecture & Historic Preservation Intern
Design Collective, Inc.
Baltimore, Maryland
Summer 2013
Researched codes and regulations regarding
historic structures and districts.
Developed a programming package for new
user groups occupying a historic building.
Created renderings for client meetings and
presentations.
Developed plans in AutoCAD and Revit for
existing and new construction.
Gallery Assistant
Kibel Gallery, University of Maryland School of Architecture
College Park, Maryland
2010 - 2013
Coordinated between artists, faculty, and
students to plan exhibitions and gallery talks.
Implemented exhibition installations and
signage, including layout and fabrication.
Responsible for gallery public relations.
Intern Architect
Gensler
Washington D.C.
2012
Participated in a research and
development program in Bangkok, Thailand.
Helped to develop a prototype for ecologically
efficient, low-income housing to serve the
communities of the informal settlements
along Bangkok's canals.
Kitchen Planner
IKEA College Park
College Park, Maryland
2009 - 2010
Used specialized software to help
customers design and purchase kitchen
components.
Met with contractors to coordinate kitchen
installation for clients.
Provided cost estimates for kitchen
cabinets and custom countertops.
Design Intern
Beyond Ordinary Boundaries Architecture
Richmond, Virginia
2008 - 2009
Created architectural construction
documents in AutoCAD for residential and
commerical projects.
Generated 3D models of architectural designs
for use in client presentations.
Met with project managers to discuss
progress and plans on a daily basis.
Intern Interior Designer
FOX Architects
McLean, Virginia
2008
Assisted in creating a partition standards
library in Revit for the firm.
Revised redlined CAD documents
for commercial interior design projects.
Helped to maintain the company’s
materials and finishes library.
Front End Director
Keith-Fabry Architectural Reprographics
Richmond, Virginia
2007 - 2008
Hired, trained, and scheduled staff for
customer service positions.
Responsible for managing employees,
supervising customer service related tasks,
and assisting clients directly.