It all started in early 2023 when Washburn University received a private donation to build a president’s home. “Our motto is ‘From Concept to Completion’ so when we learned that they needed someone who could not only draw up architectural plans, but then design the home, build it, and fully furnish it, we knew this job was a perfect fit for us,” said Tammy Thiessen, Founder and Creative Director at Thiessen Design + Construction in Topeka. “We were so excited to create something beautiful that reflected the rich history of Washburn University.”
Washburn University is located in a beautiful historic neighborhood, surrounded by homes that have been around for decades. The university and the president, Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, wanted the home’s design to complement the neighborhood. “Immediately, I had this concept in my mind of making this brand new home look like it was built a hundred years ago,” Thiessen said. To meld the new with the old, the architectural design team borrowed classic elements from the university like limestone, but used a different cut to make it feel more residential and less commercial. “The facade is all stone and we used a lot of special details on the exterior like dental molding, arched windows, and an arched front door to create the look of a much older home,” Thiessen shared. In fact, when Dr. Mazachek brought a visitor to see the exterior during the build process, they said, “Oh, I thought you were building a new home, but you're renovating.”
“That was the biggest compliment we could have received,” Thiessen said. The exterior indeed hearkens back to architectural styles of a century ago, and the entryway echoes that theme. Custom white tile greets guests with the university name, Ichabod mascot, and the established date 1865 inlaid seamlessly into the design. “It’s almost like you’re transported into the past the moment you walk through those gorgeous mahogany double doors and you see the vintage tile that would have been found in homes long ago,” Thiessen said.
It was important that the main level embody the spirit of the university, so the design team incorporated Washburn elements tastefully throughout. The study features oak paneled walls and built-in shelves styled with key books from the university along with copper Ichabods curated over the years. “That's the fun part of this project,” Thiessen shared. “I always tell my clients that we want this to feel like their space and to reflect who they are. I’m so pleased that we were able to bring all these elements together in an elevated and sophisticated way for Washburn.” A memorabilia gallery showcasing the growth of the college and its long history stretches along another wall. “I love that these things aren't in an archive somewhere, but they're able to be seen and enjoyed,” said Thiessen.
Other touches like beautiful art hanging on the walls and comfortable upholstered furniture create a warm and welcoming atmosphere while varying shades of the well known Washburn blue tie the space together. “It functions as this cozy space where they can host and entertain students, donors, and honorees,” said Thiessen. She added that she has found that the last 20% of the project - the furnishings and styling - is really the secret to making the space feel like it's home. “I'm so happy for homeowners when we take it all the way to the end because then it feels complete and finished and they can just move in and enjoy it.”
“Someone described the president’s home as ‘the living room of the university’ and I just love that because it perfectly encapsulates the purpose of the home,” she said. “The president’s house is a heritage home. It’s going to be here for a long, long time. Washburn University is such a jewel in our community. To get to be a part of that and to build into the community like this was such an honor.” To learn more about Thiessen Design + Construction, visit tdesigncompany.com.