McCulloch named “30 under 30”

Mackenzie McCulloch, son of Bobby and Teresa McCulloch, was recently named to the global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm HOK’s “30 Under 30” Leadership Class. The St. Louis Business Journal honored the senior design professional for his leadership within HOK’s St. Louis interior design practice and the community.

As a transplant to St. Louis in 2012, I have submersed myself in the local dynamics and dabbled in many parts of the vibrant community. I began my design career at SPACE Architects + Design in 2012 and moved to HOK a year later. I am currently a senior design professional at the St. Louis-based practice. During my career at HOK, I have designed more than 3 million square feet of space for clients such as Tyson Foods, Stryker Instruments, Phillips 66, and, most recently, several projects in the Cortex district. I was a member of the Focus St. Louis Emerging Leader Class, which sparked my interest in continued involvement in the St. Louis community. I was a chair for the AIA St. Louis Mentorship Committee, helping to bring more than 45 groups of mentors together.

Age? 29.

College? B.A. in architecture, Mississippi State University.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Growing my design skillset while working with clients to create spaces that improve their experiences. Asking questions and talking about design or the way things work has always been my passion. If my career develops into a role that would let me be a part of the growth and career of other young designers while simultaneously finding great solutions for clients, then I would be more than thrilled.

One thing you hope to accomplish in your career? Leave the built environment and the people who influence it in a better place than when I started.

Most rewarding volunteer experience? I volunteered at Ranken Jordan’s Children’s Hospital one night a week for a year and a half. The patients always put a smile on my face, and I left feeling like I received more benefit than I could have given.

Most valuable app? Pinterest/Instagram. They are great breaks to find inspiration if I am feeling a design lull.

What is on your summer reading list? “Designing for People” by Henry Dreyfuss.