Kate Cofer, AIA, IIDA, PMP

Chief Operating Officer

“I am passionate about how the spaces we create shape our emotional and physical connections, leaving a lasting impact on our feelings, memories, and sense of purpose.”

Email: kate.cofer@designethos.com

As Chief Operating Officer, Kate works closely with our CEO and all departments to streamline processes, plan for growth, and enhance efficiency across the organization. With over 20 years of experience as an architect and a proven track record in project and strategic management, Kate is passionate about designing environments that shape human experiences. Her focus on organizational efficiency, client engagement, and stakeholder management drives her approach. Kate’s work has earned numerous national and state accolades, and she is dedicated to exploring innovative possibilities with clients and the team to achieve their greatest vision.

In connection with her role, Kate regularly presents at conferences on topics such as client engagement and project management. She also enjoys teaching as an adjunct at Oklahoma State University’s School of Architecture, where she mentors the next generation of architects.

Get to Know Kate

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor of Architecture, Oklahoma State University
  • Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, Oklahoma State University
  • Master of Science in Real Estate, Development Concentration, New York University
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Architecture, Oklahoma State University
  • National Architectural Accrediting Board – AIA Accreditation Team, Board Member (2015–present)
  • Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Engineer in Training (EIT), Oklahoma
  • Oklahoma Magazine “40 Under 40,” 2020
  • Presenter, 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture: “Outside the Scope”
  • Presenter, 2023 AIA Oklahoma Conference: “Project Management 101: Purposeful Scheduling”
  • Presenter, 2021 AIA Oklahoma Conference: “Spaceships, Flying Cows and COVID Cabanas: A Guide to Creating Office Culture”
  • Selected presenter, 2018 AIA Conference on Architecture: “Visioning Sessions and Client Engagement”
  • Best in Living Award, 2017 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 30 East Gilbane Developers (Chicago, Illinois)
  • RED Award, 2013 IIDA Chicago, Wintrust Financial Corporation Project (Rosemont, Illinois)
  • Paper and presenter, 2012 Design Communication National Conference: “How the Creative Process is a Skill in Organizing Chaos by the Project Manager”

What attracted you to architecture, and when did you know you wanted to make that your career?
My interest in architecture began in a 4th-grade architecture class at Barnard Elementary School in Tulsa, and I’ve been captivated ever since. By 6th grade, I was learning perspective drawing, which sparked my motivation to take AutoCAD classes throughout high school.

My dad helped me understand the long-term impact of architecture by visiting masonry projects built by my grandfather. Architecture is a profession where you interact with spaces and buildings over time, revisiting them years later and seeing the effect your design has on the community. That emotional connection to a particular space has resonated with me throughout my education and career.

What is the biggest challenge in the architecture/interior design industry right now?
Communication. Right now, there is a shift in technology and in the number of generations in the workforce. I see a possible disconnect in how people communicate with each other—both in the office and with our clients and consultants. The phone rings less, and email inboxes overflow. Much is lost in the digital realm: conceptual renderings can appear too final, floor plans are emailed without context, and tone is lost when an idea is sent off by email without the opportunity to explain it in person. There is hidden value in face-to-face discussions that people don’t always realize during the design process.

What is your favorite place in Tulsa?
My favorite view of Tulsa is from any part of the Inner Dispersal Loop. I love driving in the early morning or early evening, seeing the skyline and the reflections on the buildings in a different light.