U.S. General Services Administration
GSA welcomes Amy Eckhoff to PBS
Amy Eckhoff
Planning Architect
PBS Design and Construction Division
Joined GSA May 2021
Where do you live?
Kansas City, Missouri
Where is your hometown?
Anchorage, Alaska
What was your career journey, to where you are now?
After a few years with a small firm that focused on county-level judicial and law enforcement projects, I worked nearly 21 years with a local architecture and planning firm, where I had been a partner since 2012. My work has consistently focused on serving long-term clients, particularly property owners, and has ranged from new construction to renovation, including retail, office, and higher education. Most recently, I have focused on quality control, code reviews and problem-solving for complex and unusual conditions on a variety of project sizes and types.
What other federal government or military experience have you had and for how long?
I have served both GSA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a variety of projects over the years as a consultant. I also have strong family ties with my father serving in the Army, and my brother serving in the Navy; then working as a civilian for the Army for many years.
What is your alma mater, degree or special training?
Cottey College: Associate of Arts; University of Kansas: Bachelor of Architecture
What is your biggest professional or personal accomplishment?
I am very proud of the work I have completed at Cottey College, my alma mater. After being selected in 2009 to design their new fine arts building, we then completed an update to their master plan just a few years ago. Their previous master plan called for the demolition of the chapel on campus.But we came up with an innovative solution to preserve the chapel and convert the lower level into a student center, a centralized function that was sorely lacking on the campus. What I thought was a long-shot project ignited remarkable energy, and they raised the funds in just over a year. It has been exciting and rewarding to help modernize their campus while preserving their history and traditions.
How do you recharge your batteries outside of work?
I have been a long-time member of the Kansas City Roller Warriors, a founding league of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association. I no longer hit people to burn off steam, but now I referee and teach new skaters. I also love to go for walks, hikes and bike rides. I especially love to travel.
Tell us a little about yourself. Children? Pets? Married? Hobbies?
I have been married for nearly 25 years. No kids. Love dogs but none in the house at the moment. My hobbies are how I recharge (see above!). I also serve on the board of Powell Gardens and have been working on improving my green thumb.
What three words best describe your personality?
Adventurous, Unflappable, Loyal
What is one of the items on your bucket list?
To visit New Zealand. (Though the bucket list is long.)
What characteristic or value do you most admire in others?
Honesty.
What is your unique talent, skill or gift?
I am a planner and an organizer. I am always the one to research and plan travel, develop options and gain consensus with a group. Obviously this dovetails pretty well with my professional skills as well!
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?
I'm excited to be here and am thrilled to be part of a shared mission.