Stephen Hafer

Steve is a leader in the Texas PK-12 education marketplace. He loves educational design for the range of facilities involved as well as the challenge of developing solutions to meet the needs of each student and educator. He believes that one of the most vitally important aspects of design for PK-12 is developing trusting relationships with clients. Steve’s favorite phase of a project is bond planning and programming; he reflected, "this is the time when you have to be really collaborative to draw information out of your client so you can advise them on the best solutions to meet their goals, their needs and their budget. It is the first building block of the design process and sets the stage for a successful project.”

Steve is a multi-generational Texan whose great-grandparents came to the U.S. from Germany through Galveston in the late 1800s. Growing up in Waco, his interest in the built environment began with spending time tinkering and building with his dad and exploring new residential developments with his mother. His mother recognized the intersection of his interests and encouraged him to pursue an architectural career.

In his spare time, Steve and his wife enjoy traveling, typically seeking time in nature in their RV. They have several pets today and have fostered many throughout the years.