AG Architecture is pleased to announce Ken Spies was selected by The Daily Reporter as one of the 2021 Newsmakers – Construction Inspector of the Year. Join us in congratulating him on this noteworthy accomplishment.
At almost 75-years-old, Ken Spies has an impressive career history, and he continues to set the bar high for construction inspection as he mentors generation after generation of AG’s designers, project managers as well as project partners and industry colleagues.
The Path to Architecture
While Ken doesn’t consider himself a classroom kid, he excelled at art and math growing up as well as hands-on activities through the Boy Scouts. It was his mom’s dream for him to be an architect. When he graduated from high school in 1965 there weren’t any local architecture programs, so Ken attended MSOE for two years. He then enlisted and spent six years in the Army Reserves. Ken’s early career included a number of opportunities from credit bureau investigations to caddying at Milwaukee Country Club. He found his way to architecture when his mom connected him with a neighbor who worked at Grellinger-Rose Architects.
Al Grellinger hired him as a gopher and took him under his wing. Al would press Ken to refine his skills, making him hand letter for hours to get better and challenging him with other architectural tasks. One such task was building a scale model. When Ken excelled at it, a co-worker mentioned how much money firms pay for them ($800). Model building became a side hustle for this burgeoning architect for 15-20 years. Ken created models for Milwaukee landmarks, such as the City of Milwaukee Police Administration Building, Hyatt Regency, Mitchell Field and O’Donnell Park.
In the years after Grellinger retired and as the firm dwindled, Ken responded to an ad at SLA (an early generation of AG Architecture). He began working in the drafting pool with Steve Alexander and alongside designer Gene Guszkowski, and others who created the legacy of AG.
Career Pivots
Ken is a hard worker, but in the world of architecture the economy can determine when work is available. When economic challenges arose, Ken pivoted. And when the work was available, firm leaders wanted Ken back on the team. In 1972, Ken was called upon to return to SLA to oversee field work. He asked what the job entailed, and the simple explanation was, “You make sure everything is built according to plan and keep us out of court.” In these pre-technology and pre-small drawing set days, Ken needed to study the plans in the office and then go on site and check on the details.
In the 1980’s he had to pivot again due to the economy. This time he started and ran his own design-build business for eight years. From the Astor Hotel and a Schmidt Ford Dealership to residential work in River Hills, Whitefish Bay and Shorewood, he was running a small crew and his dad was even his bookkeeper.
After tackling a residential project with a former SLA co-worker, he was encouraged to return to the new generation of the firm—Aldrian Guszkowski. During this period, he spent a lot of time on Housing Authority work under the guidance of Department of City Development Commissioner Rocky Marcoux. He was involved with drawings, specifications, overseeing field work and site investigations. When AG received its first big out-of-state senior living project, Ken became the traveling construction inspector. From 2000 until the pandemic started in early 2020, Ken was on the road—in some years flying every week, and over 200 flights a year.
“I love architecture, and I’ve done every aspect of it,” says Ken. “I learned a lot in the field directly from the tradespeople—carpenters and masons.”
Ken has seen construction methods evolve and has stayed on top of the new products, materials, and techniques. He is an asset on any job and a true mentor. Just ask his colleagues—
“I’ve been fortunate to work with Ken numerous times over the years! Ken’s experience has taught me so much in my career. He always brings a smile and has a level of professionalism that is unmatched. I’ve often told our superintendents that working with Ken is like having another superintendent on our team. It’s never been about who was right, but rather about working together to make sure the project is built right for our owner. Ken always goes the extra mile to resolve issues on a project.”— Ryan Raskin, Senior Project Manager | Catalyst Construction
“Ken has always been my go-to resource for any questions on construction and detailing. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable with a lifetime of experience, but he is also very patient. He is always willing to sit down and work out problems on projects with whomever needs his help. As a younger project manager, he taught me a lot about construction—not only explaining how, but also why things needed to be a certain way.”— David Trinkner, Senior Associate – Team Lead | AG Architecture
“Ken has been an encyclopedia of construction knowledge for decades and has not only been the on-site eyes for AG, but he has taught several generations of architects and engineers how buildings get put together. Being entirely focused on construction has allowed him to immerse himself with the contractors doing the dirty work. He has gained the respect of many builders and installers that I’ve worked with over the years.”— Anthony J. Luciano, PE, Principal – Director of Engineering Services | AG Architecture
Ken is focused on the future of the profession. He is playing his role in educating the next generation on the accuracy of drawings and helping young professionals understand how things really translate in the field.
“Ken is a very knowledgeable and intelligent individual, especially when it comes to construction and architecture,” says Kevin Storma, an emerging professional at AG Architecture. “He knows everything, and if he doesn’t know the answer he knows where and how to find it. He explains how a product works, and how it should be properly installed. He is a huge asset to AG and has set a precedent for all employees to follow.”
Ken continues to work with the AG Team on developing more standards and refining construction details, so they are clear. “There are so many new products on the market now, we have to research and make sure details are worked out pre-install,” explains Ken.
In addition to his business ventures, such as model building and his design-build company, Ken has a savvy real estate mind. He bought his first apartment building at the age of 21. He even formed an investment company with his military buddies. At one point they owned over 60 units.
Ken’s extracurricular activities these days are still industry focused, he spends time remodeling for his kids as well as his own home.
Ken is an admirable construction professional who is an example of how passion, commitment and hard work combined with business sense, the pursuit of knowledge and the willingness to adjust course can yield a long, interesting and rewarding career.
“I’ve known Ken as a friend and co-worker for 50 years. Ken has been AG’s longtime standard bearer for all things related to providing solid Construction Administration services. He has solved innumerable challenges before they could become problems. In addition, he’s mentored dozens of young professionals so that they know what to do on a site visit, what to look for and what questions to ask. He has been such a part of the fabric of AG for so long that it has, perhaps, been too easy to assume he will be there forever. Yet imagining AG without him is almost impossible! He is owed an endless amount of gratitude for all the terrific things he has done and continues to do!”— Gene Guszkowski, AIA, Founding Principal | AG Architecture