About Ken Gaylord

Ken Gaylord, AIA
Principal, Ken Gaylord Architects
President, Black Hawk Construction
Bachelor of Architecture: University of Notre Dame

Passionate, principled artist and builder

These are the days you'll remember . . .
--Natalie Merchant

If you walk into the offices of Ken Gaylord Architects, hear these lyrics playing full volume and see Ken dancing around his drafting board, you'll know that the inspiration for another unique structure is in full swing.

After six years working in architecture, construction, and watercolor painting, Ken moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina in 1990 where he opened an architecture office and painting studio on Main Street. In 1995 he added Black Hawk Construction fleshing out his aspiration for a full service design-build firm that could build exceptional works of architecture.

From the start his work has extended beyond individual building projects to the larger environment and community. After many years of working independently toward an energy efficient and green building approach, Ken became a member of the US Green Building Council and a LEED accredited design professional. He has worked as both a professional and volunteer at the local and regional levels to promote a more sustainable approach to community development.

Most recently he has started Shining Rock Development to promote and deliver the values of his design-build practice on a larger scale. Shining Rock is the fruition of a vision to engage and uplift the community through thoughtful development.

Even more than the making of good architecture, Ken enjoys the people with whom he makes it. His organization is one that attracts individuals with a passion to excel both personally and professionally. He leads by example and expects the best of everyone he works with. His vision spans from the smallest architectural detail to the cohesiveness of communities and the joyfulness of children.

On the personal side, Ken and his wife Denise enjoy raising up two boys and a baby girl. Ken is convinced that his children are the most beautiful, the most charming and the most talented in the world. Just ask him.