Kristen Mimms Scavnicky

KRISTEN MIMMS SCAVNICKY is an artist, designer, and educator. She holds a Masters of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati and Bachelors of Architecture from the University of Kentucky.

In 2018, Mimms Scavnicky founded a design practice with partner Ryan Scavnicky called MISC Partners. MISC Partners places identity at the forefront of each project, showcasing a collaborative process with the client to achieve a sophisticated level of design paired with a touch of client authorship. She previously practiced as a designer at Studio Techne Architects in Cleveland and RED Architecture & Planning in Columbus.

Mimms Scavnicky’s research and teaching agenda focus on how art and architecture can and should engage with the world as activists. In addition to her work at firms, she has an active practice of designing textiles which reflects her interest in ornament and its relationship to identity. Recent work features her meditative drawing process which serves as a journey to define a connection with her unknown African ancestry. Combining meditative drawing with her technique of Honor Strategizing, Mimms Scavnicky’s work transcends two dimensional art to create spatial conditions that allow identity-making for the inhabitant while also representing her African heritage as the designer.

Prior to joining the faculty at Kent State University, Mimms Scavnicky taught at the former School of Architecture at Taliesin as Co-Visiting Teaching Fellow where she created an environment for the students to not only think critically about the architectural discipline they will inherit but also the techniques and philosophies they will need to employ as they attempt to advocate for the needs of society in future projects. She is determined to further expand the discourse about culturally inclusive design elements and frame racially biased architectural elements as a thing of the past.