Kate Cofer

Kate Cofer, AIA, IIDA, PMP

Principal, Business Engagement Lead

“I am passionate about the emotional and physical connection we can have with the spaces we create. As designers we have an opportunity to design environments which can transform people’s ability to live, work, learn, perform, connect, and ultimately create memories which last a lifetime.”
Email: kate.cofer@kktarchitects.com

Kate’s passion is designing nurturing interior environments that shape human experiences. Her time is focused on project management and interior architecture. She excels in building repositioning, public space improvements, workplace strategy and design, and both renovation and new construction of corporate offices. She works to communicate clearly, to stay on top of deadlines, and to provide resources for efficient, successful, and timely completion of projects. Kate’s goal for all her projects is to explore creative innovative possibilities with clients, helping them achieve their vision. She brings energy to each project, and clients love her enthusiasm and competence. She has received numerous national and state design awards.

Get to Know Kate

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor of Architecture, Oklahoma State University
  • Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, Oklahoma State University
  • Master of Science in Real Estate, Development Concentration, New York University
  • Adjunct Architectural Faculty at Oklahoma State University
  • National Architecture Accreditation Board – AIA Accreditation Team Board Member (2015-Present)
  • Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Oklahoma EIT (Engineer in Training)
  • Oklahoma Magazine’s “40 Under 40” 2020
  • Selected Presenter, 2018 AIA Conference on Architecture, “Visioning Sessions and Client Engagement”
  • Best in Living Award, 2017 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) – 30 East /Gilbane Developers (Chicago, IL)
  • RED Award, 2013 IIDA Chicago – Wintrust Financial Corporation Project (Rosemont, IL)
  • Paper & Presentation, 2012 Design Communication National Conference, “How the Creative Process is a Skill in Organizing Chaos by the Project Manager”
  • Merit Award, 2006 AIA Central States – Madame Suren (Omaha, NE)
  • Best of Year Merit Award, 2006 Interior Design – Salon Gallerie (Omaha, NE)
  • Paper & Presentation, 2003 National Conference on the Beginning Design Student, “Integrating Structural Design into Beginning Design Courses”

What attracted you to architecture, and when did you know you wanted to make that your career?
I have been attracted to architecture since a 4th grade architecture class at Barnard Elementary School in Tulsa, and I’ve been hooked since then. I learned perspective drawing in 6th grade which motivated me to take AutoCad classes through high school.

My dad helped me understand the long-term impact of architecture. Architecture allows interaction with spaces and buildings that you experience over time and revisit years later, and you get to see the impact your design has on the community. The emotional connectivity to a space has really stuck with me through my education and career.

What is the biggest challenge in the architecture/interior design industry right now?
Communication. Right now, there is a shift in technology and in the number of generations in the workforce. I see a possible disconnect in how people communicate with each other both in the office and with our clients and our consultants:  the phone rings less and emails fill up. There is also so much that gets lost in the digital realm (with conceptual renderings appearing so final, or floor plans that are emailed without description of intent), and tone is lost when you send off an idea via and email and you don’t get the opportunity to interact or communicate the concept in person. There’s a hidden value to face-to-face discussions that people don’t always realize about the design process.

What is your favorite place in Tulsa?
My favorite view of Tulsa is from any part of the Inner Dispersal Loop. I love driving in the early morning or early evening, seeing the skyline and the reflections on the buildings in a different light.