Meet Todd Jespersen
Todd Jespersen is a Principal Architect at KBZ Architects.
Todd has led KBZ’s LEED efforts on three recent projects.
The first has achieved Gold certification; the second has achieved Silver certification; and the third is on-track for Silver as well.
Since joining KBZ in 1996, he has served as either Project Architect or Principal in Charge on many municipal projects.
What led you to begin your career in architecture?
I'm totally dating myself, but as a kid I remember these "learn to draw" advertisements from TV Guide where I would draw the pirate sample art. I moved on to drawing buildings and then in 8th grade I veered away from my peers that took foreign language electives in favor of a "vocational arts" class where were learned basic drafting and then actually constructed a half-sized house with framing studs, stucco, drywall, electrical, plumbing - the works!
Then, I knew I was destined for architecture and Cal Poly SLO. When I graduated, it was another cyclical recession, so I decided to transplant into the Midwest and attended University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to get a dual masters in Architecture (M.Arch) and Business Administration (MBA). Loved my time there, but the Central Coast called me home.
What are the most memorable projects throughout your career?
Designing a beachfront residence for my wife's parents was probably the most (self-induced) pressure I have felt as a professional. There were a lot of zoning constraints, so managing those realities in the context of family relationships was a true learning lesson. In the end, my in-laws were very happy, the house was beautiful, and it was a place that we were able to enjoy for many years with my own growing family.
More recently I was honored to be the architect of record for a new fire station in Ojai. While in early design (before construction), the site suffered the 2017 Thomas Fire, destroying several oak trees, but at the same time highlighted the immense need for a modern fire station in that area. It was a true pleasure working with the fire department to develop a new working home for those firefighters, one that fit the rural context of Upper Ojai while providing all the capabilities of a new station.
What awards, certifications, or achievements are you most proud of?
When the Leadership in Energy and Environmental and Design (LEED) program was introduced in the early 2000's, I was proud to join the USGBC and earn my certification in New Building and Construction. Since then, I have been fortunate to participate in several of KBZ's buildings that have earned LEED Silver, Gold, and Platinum certifications. This pursuit of design beyond code-required minimums is one of the things that is highly motivating as an architect.
How has your work positively impacted the communities you serve?
Being able to do a significant amount of work in the public education market is tremendously fulfilling with respect to being a part of our local communities and feeling like I am able to help improve them. We have long relationships with several local school districts, which helps us help them - not just individual projects, but helping the schools evolve over time with planning and strategies to help them achieve their long-term goals.
Why are you excited to be working with the KBZ Architects team?
There truly is no better environment than working with people that you honestly like and who are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals. There are always new challenges to face in our projects, and it is reassuring to know that I can call on any KBZ'er for advice and support. I also respect KBZ's incredible balance in pushing design and aesthetics while respecting the public dollars that fund many of our projects.
