Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Dennis.
Hi Stacy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My early background is rooted in family. My grandfather—who is still alive today, and I am 51—had a business developing land for building. As a small child, I would pore over his plans and imagine myself as the architect and designer. And here I am.
I eat, sleep, and breathe design. In fact, it keeps me up at night—in the best possible way.
I decided to go to architecture school at 30. Now, at 51, I have been designing ever since. People often tell me I am a responsive designer. I respond to people and to environmental conditions, and my work reflects that. I am easy to collaborate with, and I pay close attention to the details of the natural world, allowing it to inform both design and the challenges that come with building for longevity—designing for 100 years.
Pattern language is deeply important to me. I want my designs to reflect not only literal patterns that create visual cadence, but also the human patterns we live by every day. My goal is to make living easier, more intuitive, and more enjoyable.
I care deeply about durability and longevity in the built environment. I am drawn to repurposed materials and to using things in ways that are not often considered—finding new life and meaning in them through design.
I began college as a single mother of three, and I turned my trials and tribulations into strength. I had to use every resource available to me while navigating financial challenges through architecture school. That experience gave me a powerful perspective—and, in many ways, a superpower.
Life struggles create resilience. And I strive to bring that same resilience into the built world.
That is my ultimate goal.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not a smooth road…..Time and money constraints are usually the two that slow me. Never enough of either. If I could hire all of my “busy work” out such as Marketing & Social Media, Invoicing and bookwork, I would, but I can’t, and I always make it work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a very three-dimensional eye and what I like to think of as a five-dimensional mind. Before my designs are ever built, I can see and feel them clearly. I can imagine the experience a space will create for people—how it will feel, and sometimes even how it will sound and smell.
I have a strong understanding of the built world, both historically and in the present. I incorporate what is tried and true into my work, while also pushing those ideas into new and unexpected applications.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The parks and outdoor spaces are incredible. Minneapolis takes pride in its bike paths and community spaces that are accessible to everyone. Its lakes and rivers have been protected and remain open for public enjoyment.
Because of this, the city has a strong sense of balance—quite different from some of the narratives you hear in the news. It is, overall, a very healthy place to live, grow, and raise a family.
The arts are also deeply important to me. We have a vibrant scene across visual arts, theater, and a uniquely creative restaurant culture. It encourages growth and brings genuinely interesting people together.
It is a lovely city to live in and be a part of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://simpatico-designs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simpatico.designs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DxBkZHTNu/
