Sara McKee is an architectural project manager with Architectural Research and Design. In this capacity, she is responsible for all aspects of the construction process for the many healthcare, religious, educational and commercial projects that are designed by her firm. She works closely with the project owners and utilizes her skill for creative problem solving to carefully design solutions that exceed clients’ needs. McKee communicates with general contractors and numerous consultants on a daily basis to establish project budgets and schedules and to assure that quality-control measures are maintained.

Since joining the company, McKee has been recognized by her peers on several occasions. In 2004, she was the guest speaker for both the Illinois MBA Women in Leadership Conference and a Women in Architecture course at the University of Illinois School of Architecture. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Although her career keeps her extremely busy, McKee makes time to utilize her knowledge of architecture to benefit local organizations. She became involved with Habitat for Humanity and served on the construction committee for two Women Build projects. She was also an integral part of the planning and design of infrastructure upgrades at the Scott’s Prairie campus of Children’s Home. In addition, McKee served on the project management committee for the Junior League’s Peoria PlayHouse project, where she played an active role in the early design phases and master planning of the museum’s overall layout.

McKee is a graduate of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School. She currently serves as the vice president of communications on the board of the Junior League of Peoria, and was honored by the group for training achievements at both the bronze and silver levels. She was the recipient of the Shining Star and Julep Gem awards, and received the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award for contributing more than 500 hours of service to the community.

McKee has also served with the Heart of Illinois United Way, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memphis to Peoria Run, Boy Scouts of America, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and the annual Fine Art Fair on the Peoria riverfront.

A shining example of a servant leader, McKee gives of herself freely, is respected among her peers and leads by example. iBi