Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Haecker
Hi Alex, 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?
Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, I had a front-row seat to a pivotal moment in the city’s history that profoundly shaped my career. At around the age of 14, I witnessed the demolition of “Jobbers Canyon,” a 10-square-block area in the heart of Omaha, which was rich in brick and heavy timber warehouses. This destruction, driven by ConAgra’s desire to build a new corporate headquarters, wasn’t just a loss of architectural heritage—it was a profound environmental tragedy. The buildings, which had stood for over a century, embodied not only cultural significance but an immense amount of energy and resources. The materials—timber, brick, steel—had already been produced, transported, and assembled, all contributing to the building’s “embodied energy.” Sending these materials to landfills was an environmental blow, one that could have been avoided by reusing and repurposing what was already in place.
This experience became the catalyst for my passion for architecture, but more specifically, it inspired my dedication to adaptive reuse and historic preservation. I recognized that the environmental cost of new construction is far greater than many realize—both in terms of raw materials and the carbon footprint associated with demolition and building from scratch. I made it my mission to focus on the reuse of existing buildings, breathing new life into structures while reducing the demand for new resources and mitigating the negative environmental impact.
Fast forward to today, over 40 years later, I have founded my own firm that specializes in adaptive reuse and historic preservation, with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact. My work has led to the successful reuse and restoration of nearly 500 million square feet of buildings across the country. Each project not only preserves the architectural and cultural legacy of a place but also plays a key role in reducing carbon emissions and the strain on our planet’s resources. In this way, my work is not just about saving buildings—it’s about saving our planet for future generations.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Personally and professionally, my career has certainly had its share of challenges. I’ve experienced a divorce, a bankruptcy, and professional setbacks, including being laid off during economic downturns. However, these difficult moments became pivotal turning points. They motivated me to take control of my future and start my own company. The decision to build my own business, particularly in the architecture field, wasn’t an easy one, but it has been incredibly rewarding despite the rough patches.
Running a small business comes with its own set of obstacles, especially in a field like architecture. We regularly face challenges such as projects being delayed or put on hold due to lack of funding, budgets being stretched by skyrocketing construction costs, and supply chain issues. And as if that wasn’t enough, being based in Minneapolis added another layer of complexity when the city experienced civil unrest following the tragic murder of George Floyd, which took place just a mile from our office. All of these factors have created a bumpy road, to say the least. Yet, these experiences have also shaped my resilience and commitment to pushing forward and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
As you know, we’re big fans of AWH Architects. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At AWH Architects, we’ve been driven by a singular vision since our founding in 2011: to create architectural solutions that are client-specific, context-sensitive, and grounded in our five core values—Pragmatism, Energy, Social Equity, Water, and Reuse. From our office in South Minneapolis, we’ve had the privilege of taking on a wide variety of projects, each one unified by our commitment to designing spaces that foster equity, sustainability, and community.
Our approach to design is rooted in the belief that architecture is not just about physical space; it’s about how those spaces influence human interaction and behavior. We see design as a tool for shaping how people feel, connect, and experience the world around them. That’s why our work goes beyond functional planning or aesthetic choices—it’s about creating environments that offer safety, comfort, and joy. We strive to design spaces that resonate with the people who use them, spaces that foster positive emotional and social interactions.
One of the cornerstones of our approach is our commitment to social equity. We believe that diverse voices and perspectives should be integrated into every project. By engaging with clients and stakeholders from all walks of life, we create solutions that not only meet functional goals but also promote social, environmental, and economic justice. We actively advocate for equitable and accessible spaces, working to ensure that our designs reflect the needs and values of the communities they serve.
In addition to our focus on people, we are deeply committed to reuse and sustainability. We integrate energy-efficient solutions, such as passive solar design and onsite energy production, and prioritize water conservation strategies. Our approach always considers how we can reuse existing buildings and materials, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of new construction. Through adaptive reuse and historic preservation, we honor the embodied energy of existing structures while giving them new life in service of modern needs.
We are most proud of how our work reflects these values in tangible ways, creating spaces that serve and uplift communities while also contributing to a more sustainable and just future. Our diverse body of work is a testament to our ability to integrate these values into a variety of contexts and challenges, ensuring that our projects remain adaptable, sustainable, and impactful long after they are completed.
At AWH, we aren’t just designing buildings—we’re designing the future, one space at a time.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My life partner, family, and all of the employees of course are huge contributors to my success through their support and feedback over the years. I have also had a couple key “words of advice” from a couple folks over the years that have really stuck with me. Not earth shattering novel ideas, but just simple basic principles. One was a childhood friend’s dad who said to choose a goal in life and pursue it. It doesn’t even matter what it is, he implicated, just that a goal sets a direction and a purpose in life and garners success. The other was my uncle who, after fighting in the Korean War and ended up being an insurance salesman, said find something that you love to do as your work life pursuit. That will bring happiness and success. Both of these are principles that have help guide me through life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://awharchitects.com
- Instagram: @awharchitects
- Facebook: AWH Architects
- LinkedIn: AWH Architects
