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

Bruce Moore, AIA

Dan Scott, AIA

Stephen Telscher, AIA

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:
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Mr. Dan Scott, AIA
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Mr. Stephen Telscher, AIA
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Mr. Galen Pellham, AIA
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Mr. Bruce Moore, AIA
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Mr. Brandon Dake, AIA
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Mr. Andrew Wells, FAIA
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Ms. Katherine Stockton, AIA
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Mr. Ron Slone, AIA
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Ms. Jennifer Wilson, AIA
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Mr. Jeff Smith, AIA
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Mr. Chris Ball, AIA
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Mr. Jerry Hagerman, AIA
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Mr. Brad Erwin, AIA
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Ms. Stephanie A. Shadwick, AIA
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Mr. Douglas Sampson, AIA
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Mr. Tim Rosenbury, AIA
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Mr. Charles C. Hill Jr., AIA
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Mr. Michael Buono, FAIA
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Mr. Benjamin J. Van Eps, AIA
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Mr. Bradley Palmer
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Mrs. Danielle Palmer, AIA
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Ms. Jennifer Swan, AIA
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Mrs. Gerri Kielhofner, AIA
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Mr. Russell L. Moffett, AIA
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Mr. Eddie Tims, AIA
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Mr. Joel G. Chamberlain, AIA
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Mr. Alex Mosby, AAIA
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Mr. Bo Hagerman, AIA
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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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