2023 40 Under 40: Paden Chambers

Architect Paden Chambers, 32, credits a Drury University liberal arts education with instilling in him the value of community service.

As a project manager for nForm Architecture, Chambers’ projects in the past year included the renovation of a midcentury dormitory at College of the Ozarks, a campuswide dormitory renovation master plan for Southwest Baptist University and a historic preservation master plan for the Greene County Courthouse.

He was a two-term member of the city of Springfield’s Landmarks Board, including service as chair, and put together a tour catalog and lecture on historic properties for a fundraising campaign for the Maple Park Cemetery.

In addition, Chambers says he enjoys mentoring architecture students and teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Drury, as well as educating the general public about his profession when he gets the chance.

“This dissemination of knowledge is essential to our community’s continued appreciation and understanding of history, design and architecture,” he says.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Become a linchpin, indispensable to your career and community.

Your most treasured possession? My tenacity for historical research and analysis.

Favorite food item to order in the Springfield area? Cashew chicken poutine prepared by the crew at Lindberg’s Tavern on Commercial Street.