Electrical Designer
With GDS since 2025 | BS/ARCE University of Kansas
Email: Makenna Carpenter
Explain what you do here at GDS.
I work on lighting and power design in a variety of building types. I’m hoping to learn more about lighting controls, low voltage design and expand my knowledge on what I already know about lighting design!
Why do you enjoy working the engineering/design/construction field?
I have a passion for design! I love seeing how a project can start from the base plans and become a complex and unique structure. I also enjoy knowing that my designs are backed by my engineering knowledge so that during and after construction my equipment should be efficient and functional.
What drew you to Gibbens Drake Scott, Inc.?
I was on the lookout for a new job and heard really great things about the people and work GDS does! At my interview, I also realized that this company works as a well-defined team, where coworkers help each other out consistently and designers are placed in roles where they can perform their best.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I had no clue! I wanted to be a veterinarian at one point, then I changed my mind to a video game developer, then I wanted to be a computer scientist. After a couple coding classes, I quickly realized programming is not as easy as it seems and switched to 3D design because it made more sense to me. I worked hard at many different hobbies to determine my interests, and after my first lighting design internship I realized design was the right choice for me!
What inspires you?
Being outside, travelling, and listening to music are very inspiring to me. Getting to experience new things and being aware of the world really opens my eyes, and it usually occurs when I least expect it!
Could you tell us about your background?
I was born in Arizona, lived in Colorado for about 18 years, and then moved out to Kansas after I graduated college in 2024. A lot of my family work in engineering firms and most of them recommended me to enroll at KU and KSU, but I ultimately chose KU because of their well-rounded architecture and engineering programs.
What accomplishment or award you are most proud of?
In college, I got a 100% in one of the data science classes I took during the pandemic! I spent hours going through the homework problems, fixing my mistakes, and collaborating with my classmates to better learn the material we were being taught. I was invited to a ceremony the semester after I took the class, and I remember being really proud of myself because all my hard work and dedication really paid off. I think that was also the only class I ever got 100% in throughout my entire college career!
Tell us about a special talent or a strength you have.
I used to sing in choirs all throughout middle and high school, and I learned how to play the piano when I was younger. I also was in my high school marching band as a color guard performer, so I know how to spin flags!
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love playing video games, cooking, hiking, skiing, and playing pickleball.
What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
Diligent, friendly & precise.
