2023 WBJ Women Who Lead
in Real Estate, Construction and Design
Kristine Pafford

SPT Architecture’s Kristine Pafford was nominated and selected as an honoree for Wichita Business Journal‘s Women Who Lead in Real Estate, Construction and Design 2023 collection.

2023 WBJ Women Who Lead in Real Estate, Construction and Design
Kristine Pafford

Q. What has been your career path?
A. I have been at SPT Architecture my entire career. After my sophomore year at Kansas State University, I started as a part-time receptionist for the summer and returned the following summer as an architectural intern. After graduation in 2002, I accepted a full-time position and have been at SPT ever since. Although I’ve spent my career at one firm, the variety of project types I’ve been able to work on has kept me on my toes and I continually learn new things.

Q. Who are your mentors and how have they influenced your career?
A. I’m incredibly lucky to have worked closely with Ron Spangenberg on many projects. The trust he had in me as a young architect was a little scary! Ron taught me that design doesn’t have to be complicated to be good, and that the best design tool is the trash can. I learned a lot about integrity and work ethic from Ron. I hope that I can be a good mentor to other young architects so I can pass down that knowledge.

Q. Best advice for a women wanting to enter your field?
A. My advice for other women or any young person is that you must be proactive. You will need to become comfortable asking questions and seeking information. Nobody expects you to know everything, but you must be willing to find answers. Always do what you say you’re going to do, and always follow up. Being accountable is how you build a great reputation.

Q. What do you like most about your role?
A. Architects have a great responsibility to their clients. I don’t take it lightly that the lines I draw represent real spaces that people are going to inhabit to learn, work, receive healthcare, etc. Our clients put their trust in me to guide them through the design and construction process, which can be a stressful experience for them. The best part of my job is when clients are happy with the completed project, and their vision has become a reality.