The DEMX team took their annual office trip to St. Louis during the first weekend of August to see great architecture around the Gateway City, as well as to reflect on our work and accomplishments throughout the year. Like with previous years, this trip was planned and designed as a teambuilding and learning opportunity to see great architecture. Keep scrolling for more highlights!
It began Wednesday morning with a drive straight through to St. Louis. Our first stop was for lunch at Mission Taco, followed by dessert at a boozy ice cream joint, Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery, where we indulged in scoops of maple bourbon, Bailey’s and Kahlua, and cabernet-chocolate ice cream. The trip was off to a happy start. After filling up on tacos and ice cream, we made our way to the City Museum. Sunny skies and cool breezes filled the afternoon, which helped with the rooftop visits, and only a few were lost to the indoor caverns. After the day of travel and burning the calories, the group went for burgers and limeades at Bailey’s Range before heading back to the hotel for the night.
Thursday began early and for good reason: It. Was. Hot. Julie checked out the Washington University School of Architecture while the rest visited the St. Louis Zoo. Afterwards, everyone met at the St. Louis Museum of Art to view the top exhibits.
Lunch was a must, so a trip to the famous BBQ restaurant, Pappy’s Smokehouse, where the barbecue was smokey and sweet, proved to be the best option. The group then visited the Pulitzer and Contemporary Art Museum to see Joe, a large outdoor sculpture, and other pieces of modern art. Even if contemporary art isn’t a favorite by some, the architecture and design of the museum was highly appreciated. The choice of materials and careful details were very fascinating and respected. Before heading back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, the group hit the AIA Bookstore in downtown St. Louis. We can always use more books!
DEMX got to sleep in just a bit, by starting the day off with brunch at Rooster. Mimosas and organic plates were the way to go for traveling Fayettevillians. The team then headed to our exclusive tour at Busch Stadium. The baseball team was away so there were some more perks than usual – such as entering the press rooms and taking the field. We got to go into the dug out and take pictures on the field. The museum was really cool as we got to learn more about the history of the stadium and players!
Our final stop before returning to Fayetteville was a little Usonian Frank Lloyd Wright house in Kirkwood, which some group members felt like was a beach town without a beach. It was awesome to experience a Frank Lloyd Wright home in person and all the custom details Wright is known for. It was interesting to learn more about the history and stories of the house.
The trip was a tremendous success for St. Louis architectural and design studies and, just as importantly, for St. Louis eats!