The Populous principal and interior design director fell in love with Kansas City before she even moved to Lee’s Summit from the South when she was in the second grade. “My grandaddy was a professor and moved around a lot. He spent some time as an associate dean at UMKC, and he and my grandmother always talked about their stint in Kansas City, and how they had never lived in another city that had such a robust love of the arts,” Hansen says.
Her own passion for the arts led to her position at Populous designing complex interiors around the world. “Over the past ten years, I’ve been doing quite a bit of work at Churchill Downs,” she says. “We’ve been able to do a series of connected experiences. This year is the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. . . and telling the story of the Kentucky Derby through design has been a real honor.”
When not at work, Hansen is a watercolorist and loves to cycle. “My husband and I met while riding bikes,” she says. The Rock Island Trail is one of her favorite bike trails. “It’s kind of special because before he retired, my dad was the director of parks for Lee’s Summit and had a hand in connecting the trails.”
Mason’s essentials...
Repeat Eatery: Earl’s Premier, especially in the summer so I can order the frozen gin and tonic with my lobster roll and fries. Don’t forget to finish strong with the homemade soft serve drizzled with olive oil. Delicious!
Get Boozy: The Copper Rabbit at the Westport Café.
Shopping Small: My go-to is Spruce in Leawood. I always find a candle that motivates me to freshen up my home, and decor that gets me inspired for the next season. Bonus: leaving the store with a beautifully wrapped item, complimentary every time.
Hidden Gem: Hand in Glove in downtown Lee’s Summit. Be sure to check out the signed Picasso and the Lindsay Adelman chandelier. If you are feeling more boozy, head upstairs for a cocktail at The W. They have some of the best bartenders in town.
Caffeine Fix: My mom once bought me an unforgettable birthday cake from André’s Confiserie Suisse that was a work of art. These days I keep it simple with an almond milk latte, but I still like to dream about the beautiful desserts in the case.
Self-Care Sesh: Power Yoga 2 at Power Life in Corinth Square with Mikaela Steu. On a perfect day I would follow up with a facial from Michelle at Spa on Penn.
Signature Scent: Baccarat Rouge 540, a splurge that is worth it.