Ken began his career in architecture in 1967 with the goal of helping business owners achieve their goals by designing creative and cost-effective architecture. He grew up in a small-town Arkansas environment in DeWitt, Arkansas, where his father was a general contractor. Ken began working at his side on construction sites at a very early age. This experience instilled a deep respect for craftsmen and workmanship, as his father accepted only the best.

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After graduating from the University of Arkansas with both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Architecture, he moved to California to work for the internationally renowned Edward Durell Stone. In this environment he quickly learned to coordinate large projects and design organized architectural fenestration.

 

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In 1991 Ken set out on his own, creating Ken Shireman and Associates. Ken devoted his efforts primarily in the private sector, designing facilities for profit-oriented companies – which required a pragmatic approach to design and problem solving and an ability to design spaces customized to the client’s business.

 

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Ken enjoys spending time in the outdoors, and also has an interest in art and photography. He can often be found working in his studio where he typically has several furniture and sculptural projects in progress.