#14 - Morgan Kennedy

If You Denton Know Morgan Kennedy, now you do.Every building tells a story, and Architect Morgan Kennedy helps shape how those stories get built. Morgan shares how she went from growing up in Plano to studying architecture at Oklahoma State, earning a traveling fellowship, and practicing in places like Seattle, Oklahoma City, and beyond. We talk about what architects really do, why adaptive reuse matters, how codes and city review shape projects in Denton, and what changes could make downtown even more walkable and connected. Plus, Morgan shares her favorite Denton spots and what she’s most excited about in 2026.Short SummaryAward-winning Architect Morgan Kennedy talks Denton’s design future, adaptive reuse, and what architects actually do.Key Topics CoveredMorgan’s upbringing in Plano and early interest in designArchitecture school, the Caudill traveling fellowship, and what it taught herWorking in Seattle and Oklahoma City and how those places shaped her thinkingWhy she chose Denton and why she prioritizes local projectsWhat a comprehensive design architect does beyond “drawing buildings”O-A-C: owner, architect, contractor and why it matters earlyHow AI fits into architecture and where it helpsDenton’s walkability, downtown growth, and what she would improveMixed-use, “third places,” and why downtown needs more options (including grocery)Projects and concepts she’s excited about heading into 2026Morgan M. Kennedy, AIA, NCARB Founding Principal Architect and Director of Design, MKOA Studiomkoastudio.com