[ First | Previous | Next | Last ]
Back to List

Over a quarter of a century, since completing professional studies in architecture at Kansas State University, Michael Fickel has exhibited extraordinary dedication to the highest ideals of architectural practice and service.

Diversified experience with several architectural offices was the prelude to his 1974 participation in establishment of the firm known today as Shaughnessy, Fickel and Scott Architects, Inc. which he serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. The firm's consistently strong design, understanding of materials, care in detailing and concern for its clients, quickly made it a member of the elite cadre of distinguished architectural practices in the region. Mike Fickel has not only played a central management role in many of its most important projects, he has designed award winning buildings ranging in scale from a flower shop in the Westport district of Kansas City to the creation of a community center through the adaptive use of an historic power plant in Independence, Missouri. The exceptional quality of the firm's work led to its inclusion in the Architecture From The Plains series, celebrating and examining the work of the very best architects in the plains states region.

Not content with simply developing an exemplary professional career, Fickel has energetically pursued his conviction that architects are obliged to nurture a greater understanding of good design among the larger public. Much of his tireless service to the Kansas City Chapter of the American Institute of Architects has been devoted to initiatives which foster public participation and awareness of architecture. As host chapter chair of the 1979 AIA National Convention, whose theme was "Celebration of Architecture," he organized a myriad of programs which directly involved more than 100,000 Kansas Citians. Many of the initiatives embodied in that event have been carried forward as continuing activities in the city. In 1985, the AIA awarded Fickel its highest membership honor, election to the College of Fellows. Remarkably, the Kansas City Chapter has five times cited Fickel for outstanding service. His Chapter colleagues have selected him for virtually every elective and appointive office including the Presidency in 1980. Soon after, Fickel and two others served as members of a task force whose recommendations led to establishment of the Kansas City Architectural Foundation devoted to public education. Characteristically, Fickel has made an extended commitment to the Foundation on whose board he now serves as Vice President.

Throughout his career, Mike Fickel has demonstrated continued support for, and understanding of, professional education. The University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and other schools have been the beneficiaries of his participation on campus as a critic, panelist and teacher, and in his office as mentor to more than 20 student interns. His firm's longstanding monetary support of OZ, the Journal of the College of Architecture and Design, has been complemented by contribution of several articles on its work. Each time Design Weekend has been held in Kansas City, the firm has played a key role in helping to assure its success. Vital as those formal activities are, they should not obscure the importance of the counsel and support Mike Fickel has so freely offered students, faculty and administrators from our College.

Michael Fickel's career offers a model of achievement and service embodying the highest values of the professions for which the College prepares its students.