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Springfield Area Foundation of Architects

The Springfield Area Foundation for Architecture (SAFA) is the philanthropic arm of the local architecture community, supporting the future of the profession in southwest Missouri. Working in partnership with the AIA Springfield, SAFA provides scholarships to students pursuing architecture degrees and helps strengthen the pipeline of emerging design professionals. Through its efforts, the foundation invests in education, community connection, and the continued impact of architecture in shaping the region’s built environment.

SAFA Board of Directors

Chris Ball, AIA - head shot.jpg

Chris Ball, AIA

Bruce Moore, AIA - head shot F25.jpg

Bruce Moore, AIA

Dan Scott, AIA - head shot.jpg

Dan Scott, AIA

Steve Telscher, AIA - head shot.png

Stephen Telscher, AIA

Andrew Wells, FAIA - head shot.jpg

Andrew Wells, FAIA

What is SAFA?

In January 2019, the Springfield Area Foundation for Architecture (SAFA) became a permanent endowed fund of the American Institute of Architects Springfield, professionally managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

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SAFA exists to advance awareness of the architectural profession across southwest Missouri and to provide scholarships for architecture students within AIA Springfield’s 26-county service area. The fund was originally established through proceeds from a successful five-state regional architects conference hosted in 2014.

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To expand its impact, the Board of Directors established the Richard P. Stahl Society, honoring the first president of AIA Springfield and a foundational figure in the region’s architectural community. Lifetime membership is granted through a tax-deductible contribution of $1,000 to SAFA.

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Gifts to SAFA support future architects and strengthen the profession across the region. Donations may be made through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

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1 Individuals may also make up to four $250 minimum contributions to reach Society membership.

2 Company checks should clearly indicate the individual for whom the contribution is being made.

Richard P. Stahl Society

All AIA Springfield members, as well as any outside organization or individual, are offered memberships to the Richard P Stall Society.  This membership allows SAFA to continue to promote awareness of the architectural profession in southwest Missouri, and to provide scholarships to architecture students throughout our service area.

 

Membership gained in the Society during the inaugural year of 2019, are further designated as a Founder of the Richard P Stall Society.  A list of the 29 Founding Members of the Richard P. Stahl Society, in order of admission, is as follows:

  • Mr. Dan Scott, AIA

  • Mr. Stephen Telscher, AIA

  • Mr. Galen Pellham, AIA

  • Mr. Bruce Moore, AIA

  • Mr. Brandon Dake, AIA

  • Mr. Andrew Wells, FAIA

  • Ms. Katherine Stockton, AIA

  • Mr. Ron Slone, AIA

  • Ms. Jennifer Wilson, AIA

  • Mr. Jeff Smith, AIA

  • Mr. Chris Ball, AIA

  • Mr. Jerry Hagerman, AIA

  • Mr. Brad Erwin, AIA

  • Ms. Stephanie A. Shadwick, AIA

  • Mr. Douglas Sampson, AIA

  • Mr. Tim Rosenbury, AIA

  • Mr. Charles C. Hill Jr., AIA

  • Mr. Michael Buono, FAIA

  • Mr. Benjamin J. Van Eps, AIA

  • Mr. Bradley Palmer

  • Mrs. Danielle Palmer, AIA

  • Ms. Jennifer Swan, AIA

  • Mrs. Gerri Kielhofner, AIA

  • Mr. Russell L. Moffett, AIA

  • Mr. Eddie Tims, AIA

  • Mr. Joel G. Chamberlain, AIA

  • Mr. Alex Mosby, AAIA

  • Mr. Bo Hagerman, AIA

  • In memoriam, Richard P. Stahl, FAIA

Scholarships

Beginning in 2026, SAFA will award scholarships directly each year to support deserving students. 

Scholarship Recipients:

Since 2006, AIA Springfield has awarded over $57,000 in scholarships.

Past Scholarship Recipients:

2026        Daniel Svistun -  $1000

                Mylinh Hoelker -  $1000

                Nellie Tatar -  $500

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2025        Jillian Komadina -  $1000

                Daniel Obitsre -  $1000

                Mylinh Hoelker -  $1000

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2024        Daniel Svistun -  $1000

                 Zachary Klevorn -  $1000

                Dain Wood -  $1000

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2023        Olivia Scheberle -  $1500

                Maks Buzhduga -  $1000

                Ignacio Ortega -  $1000

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2022       Naviinesh Gunalan -  $1500

               Sydney Stark -  $1000

               Kasha Kapal -  $1000

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2021       Abdyresul Mammedov - $1100

               Anna Zavala -  $800

               Sydney Stark -   $800

               Katie Nelson - $800

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2020       Abdyresul Mammedov - $750

               Javier Diaz Vicens -  $1000

               Nicholas Rauscher -  $750

               Cale Ambuehl – $1000                     

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2019       Grant Taylor - $1500

               Alathia Keith - $1000

               Tanara Smith - $1000​​

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2018       Cale Ambuehl - $1600

                Errin Francis - $1600

2017        Morgan Harper - $2925

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2016       Meagan Ley - $2000

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2015       Abigael Weller - $1000

               Julia Hartman - $500

               Grace Lounsbury - $500

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2014       Abigael Weller - $1000

               Rich Conyers - $500

               Corey Stinson - $500

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2013       Ngoc Bich Do - $1000

               Eric Baldwin - $750

               Grace Lounsbury - $750

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2012       Eric Baldwin - $1000

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2011       Paden Chambers - $1000

              Jonathan Nuessle - $1000

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2010      Austin Abbott - $1000

              Melissa Petrie - $1000

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2009      Allison Rudniki - $1000

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2008      Ivy Hurst - $2000

              Juan Chavez - $2000

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2007      Kelsey Stein - $1000

              Amy Ehlers - $1000

              Kevin Baird - $1000

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2006      Bethany Kehlenbrink - $1000

              Shane Aaron - $1000

              Michael Hudspeth - $1000

2026        Daniel Svistun - $1,000

                Jovani Alvarez-Rodriguez- $1,000

                Kelsey Swadley- $1,000

                Carrie Garrison- $1,000

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© 2026 AIA Springfield // All Rights Reserved

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