With it being Affordable Housing Month, we thought it was the perfect time to spotlight David Beckner, our Senior Associate / Director of Studio, who specializes in affordable housing and mid-density projects. David has been an essential part of the KEPHART team for 18 years, bringing thoughtful leadership, deep expertise, and a genuine passion for creating communities that make a difference. We’re incredibly thankful to have him on our team and excited to share a little more about his journey, his perspective, and what drives his work.
How did you get your start at KEPHART?
It happened in an unexpected way. Right out of college, I worked for an interior designer specializing in residential model homes and clubhouses, where I became the go-to resource for procurement, shipping, and installation. One day, my boss asked what I really wanted to do long term, and I told her architecture; that’s what I had studied, and where I knew I wanted to be. She immediately connected me with Mike Kephart (Founder of KEPHART), and through that amazing referral I landed an interview the same day as Mike’s retirement party. It was a memorable introduction to KEPHART, and the start of a career that has taken me in so many meaningful directions.
How did your role evolve?
A big part of it came from saying “yes” to new opportunities. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with just about every team at KEPHART, and each experience taught me something new. That willingness to jump in and help wherever needed eventually led me to the work I’m most passionate about today: affordable housing and mid-density projects. Along the way, I earned my master’s degree, and over time I grew into leading our affordable housing and mid-density studio work. Looking back, every project and every team helped shape the role I have now.
How have you evolved as a leader at the firm?
For me, leadership has come from building trust and staying open to change. Early on, I learned that being willing to step in, learn something new, and support the team goes a long way. One example that stands out is from 2009, when most of the industry was still using AutoCAD and I just heard about a new software that just came out called Revit. When a client requested their project be completed in Revit, a colleague and I took the initiative to learn it. That effort led to KEPHART’s first project being delivered on the platform, which ultimately became the firm’s new standard. Along the way, we not only built our own expertise but also helped train others across the organization. Experiences like that built trust with management and clients and gave me the confidence to step into more leadership responsibilities over time.
How did you get into affordable housing?
An affordable housing conference gave me my first real look at the process, and I was immediately drawn in. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became, not just with the complexity of the work, but with the heart behind it. What really drew me in was how connected the projects are to the people they serve. There’s a real sense of purpose in creating quality homes in areas that need them most, and in working with owners and developers who are deeply invested in making a positive impact. That combination of thoughtful design, collaboration, and community benefit is what made affordable housing feel like the right fit for me.
Favorite part of the job?
What stands out most to me are the people I get to work with and the impact the work can have. In affordable housing especially, the owners and developers are incredibly invested in the communities they’re serving, and that makes the work feel even more meaningful. I love knowing that we’re helping create quality homes and safe places to live. One of the most rewarding parts is seeing a project completed and reading positive feedback from residents. It’s a reminder that thoughtful design can make a real difference in people’s lives, especially at a time when affordability matters more than ever.
Fun fact?
Outside of work, my wife and I love seasonal activities. In the winter, we’re all about skiing and snowboarding, and in the summer, you can usually find us golfing with friends and family. We love any excuse to get outside and make the most of Colorado year-round.
