Pasque Architecture
THE BEGINNING
What is Pasque?
Pasque is a wild tundra flower that only blooms in the shade of early spring.
Like a pasque flower, architecture belongs to the place it is created. It needs to be resilient in harsh weather conditions, but simple functional design can be beautiful and inspire.
When I was a girl, my dad and I would walk out to gazebo hill and carefully look for the delicate purple petals in the snow covered grass of early spring. I asked if I could bring it home, but my dad said it wouldn't last. The pasque flower is meant to be in nature, waiting to be discovered.
Katie Kangas founded Pasque Architecture in that same spirit of discovery to help people and communities to tell their story through the spaces around them.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“Katie was flexible and built gorgeous models to help us assess competing priorities. We ended with a great design to uphold our values and use space in our families home!”
— Lexi & Ted
“Katie Kangas with Pasque Architecture was professional, thorough, and precise. She provided us with exactly what we needed in a timely manner.
If we need further architectural services in the future, we would not hesitate to call Katie.”
— Leslie
Katie Kangas, AIA MN
Founder & Historic Architect of Pasque Architecture
A little bit about me, I'm an architect, entrepreneur, sketcher, traveler, artist, wife, and mother. I'm always curious and constantly learning. I'm based in Minnesota but grew up in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. I believe good architecture celebrates and serves those who use it everyday.
ARTICLES ABOUT PASQUE ARCHITECTURE
“As a sole practitioner, I get to wear all the hats. I’m building a process-based architectural practice – meaning I focus on HOW the work is done.
Pasque Architecture focuses on the needs of communities and small towns to build awareness of architects and the value of design for any size of the project. Recently we completed the rehabilitation of a historic granite home in Saux Rapids for the Benton County Historical Society. The Historical Society is now able to save an incredible piece of architecture and improve its display of historic artifacts within the historic home. They also have a better space for researchers to access their archives and county records. Historic preservation, community engagement, and telling the communities’ story are terrific alignments with Pasque Architecture’s mission. We also work with entrepreneurs who are reusing existing and historic buildings. We are also stewards helping church communities to improve and maintain their properties.
Pasque Architecture will provide services in any location across Minnesota, South Dakota, and Michigan. We aim to make architectural services accessible to elevate communities in rural areas.”
—Interview for Voyage Minnesota
Gustavus: What has it been like to start your own architecture firm?
KK: “I started dreaming about running a business while still at Gustavus when I took economics and management classes. Stepping into this role allowed me to align my passion for business with my daily work. It grants me flexibility with childcare, volunteering, and experimenting with different types of architectural projects. After years of volunteering, I have a strong network of professionals I can trust. This community has eased my transition and created opportunities to collaborate.”
Gustavus: What skills that you learned at Gustavus do you use most in daily life as an architect?
KK: “Everyday I draw and write. These were skills that I honed while at GAC. I’m also grateful for opportunities to watercolor (recently in my Grandmother’s book Elfie) and photograph historic buildings for projects.”
— Gustavus Adolphus College Blog
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES AVAILABLE IN:
MINNESOTA
SOUTH DAKOTA
WISCONSIN
Curiosity. Stewardship. Collaboration.
Let’s talk about that…
Don’t know if you need an architect? Contact Pasque Architecture to talk about the change you want to see in your building or community.