Inspiring Conversations with Kenneth King of Lookout Architecture

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth King.

Hi Kenneth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello, I’m Ken King, founder of Lookout Architecture in Traverse City. For the last 20 years I have been solving problems for clients and I feel fortunate to have worked on so many transformative projects over the years. I worked at several firms in Nevada and Michigan where I honed my design and client service skills prior to going into business for myself. My client-centric service approach is a culmination of my experiences at both large and small architectural firms over the years.

I founded Lookout Architecture early in 2024 with the mission to provide excellent service to clients and to help bring client visions to life. Architecture has the ability to manifest dreams and ideas into tangible reality and my goal is to make solid from the ethereal. Architecture initially appealed to me as a means to positively impact lives and contribute to the community. This is the core value that I reflect upon in my professional life.

An Architect’s key duties include creative problem solver, knowledgeable advisor, and pragmatic facilitator. I find the balance of the creative and the pragmatic to be an important part of how I conduct myself as an Architect. There are constraints baked into every project – budget, site limitations, zoning, and so on – and finding creative ways to work within project limitations is exciting to me and one of the most rewarding facets of my job. My passion is solving problems.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Architecture is tied closely to the economy and mirrors the health of the construction industry in many ways. It wasn’t long after I graduated from University of Idaho in 2005 that I experienced my first downsizing due to the Great Recession of 2008. The business side of architecture has been up and down ever since and I rode waves of success and experienced bitter troughs.

The Covid pandemic brought more challenges to my career but also helped to refocus my professional and personal goals. Due to the almost inevitable downsizing that was caused by the cessation of construction and flow of new projects, I was lucky to find work in Traverse City. After relocating, I have found my home and feel fortunate to have weathered the storm and landed in paradise.

As you know, we’re big fans of Lookout Architecture. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Lookout Architecture is a full service architecture and design firm providing quality professional services for commercial and residential clients. The firm services all parts of Michigan but can work with clients anywhere in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. With 20 years of experience, I am adept at solving diverse and complex problems. I take the time to listen to clients and fully understand their needs to ensure the best possible results. For the time being, I am the only staff member and clients can be assured that when they call or email Lookout Architecture, they reach me directly. I take pride in being accessible to my clients.

Hospitality is my specialty in commercial architecture but I have experience in all markets from healthcare to office space. Restaurants, bars, wineries, inns, and hotels are projects types that I am passionate about in the commercial market. I provide architectural design, lighting design, interior design, branding, and consulting services.

Designing functional and beautiful residences is a satisfying endeavor for me. A house is like a puzzle that only comes together once all the pieces are in the right place. Before any project moves forward, I provide thorough consultation with clients and make sure they are fully heard. I take on renovations, additions, and complete new builds.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have been fortunate to have great mentors throughout my career and growing up. It is difficult to overstate the importance of having a good mentor and I know they can be hard to find. Seek out experts and those you look up to for guidance. My advice for networking is to be accessible, cordial, and keep showing up to all the events and functions that you can. Repetition in getting your face in front of piers and other professionals is key to achieving results from networking.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lookoutarchitecture.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/lookoutarchitecture
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555709155093
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lookoutarchitecture
• Other: https://nextdoor.com/pages/lookout-architecture-traverse-city-mi