When you think of Sioux Falls design, Brooke Wegener is a face that definitely comes to mind. Wegener is the marketing director for Koch Hazard Architects – a professional service firm of 18 architects located on Phillips Avenue – and has had a hand in events and groups like the Sioux Falls Design Center and the Plain Green Conference (not to mention the East Bank Development, the City of Sioux Falls Administrative Building, and much more). We got to know more about a day in the life of Wegener, including her random fears, what she’s reading, and what buildings are currently her favorites.
I love spending time with my children. I am a parent to Lawson (age 4), Kavin (age 1) and step-parent to EJ (age 9), Gracyn (age 7). My husband and I enjoy hanging out with our kids downtown. Whether it is a First Friday event, the Farmers’ Market, dinner, hitting up the bike trails or the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown [1] fountain, there is always something fun to do with our family downtown.
I craft. Along with my mom and sister, we call ourselves Kennedy Charm, named after the street my childhood home was on. We scrapbook, sew, make homemade spice kits, body scrubs, and lotion, and make home décor items out of old pieces of wood, bottles, and whatever other junk we find interesting. We do one to two craft shows per year and sell items at a store in Brookings.
I have an appreciation for quality architecture. I have been with Koch Hazard Architects [2] for six years and have learned so much about the design process. My favorite project types are preservation/rehabilitation projects. A few of my favorite buildings downtown are the Sioux Falls Coliseum [3], Illinois Central Railroad Depot, and Raven Industries.
I am learning how to golf. Nothing is more motivating than having your 9-year-old out-drive you on the range. Our family plays a lot of golf at Elmwood and Prairie Green [4] courses.
I have become reacquainted with grown-up books again (i.e. The non-Berenstain Bear kind). I was an English major in college, but found myself short on time once I entered the working world and started a family. I read a wide variety of books, and I’m currently reading Big Russ and Me by Timothy J. Russert.
I enjoy a well-made, spicy Bloody Mary [5].
If I am home by myself, which is super rare, I will binge watch old Law and Order shows (SVU, Criminal Minds, whatever is on).
I have a healthy obsession with Vera Bradley products.
I believe it is very important to volunteer in our community. Through my job, I am able to volunteer and do community outreach for some really great organizations. I am also a youth soccer coach for Dakota Alliance [6]. Go team CrackerJax!
RANDOM FACTS:
O A road-trip snack must are Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
O My favorite song to karaoke to is Elton John and Kiki Dee’s Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.
I’m very afraid of birds. All types – large and small.
I drove a 1989 gray mini-van in high school.
I have traveled to 35 states.
I love to garden and eat fresh veggies.
I was born and raised in Sioux Falls, but also lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Austin, Texas and Kansas City, Missouri before deciding to make Sioux Falls a long-term investment.
