When winter blankets Kansas with a heavy snowfall, some might enjoy sledding or cozying up indoors. But for Andrew Jordan, RLA and principal at WDM Architects, a snowfall presents an entirely different opportunity: building an igloo. This unique and exciting tradition has become a family favorite and a testament to Drew’s creative spirit.
A Tradition Born in the Snow
Twelve years ago, Drew embarked on his first igloo-building adventure with his kids, his brother, and his expectant sister. Using coolers to pack snow into blocks, they constructed an igloo that brought laughter and memories. Inspired by that experience, they took on a bigger challenge a few years later, creating an even larger igloo despite limited snowfall. Ingeniously, they gathered snow from the surrounding area to complete their project. The result was a structure so sturdy that six adults could stand on its roof without it caving in, thanks to the naturally strong shape of the igloo.
This Year’s Perfect Conditions
Building an igloo requires just the right conditions. As Drew explained, “There has to be a good quantity of snow, it has to be a little slushy to pack well, and the timing has to be near a weekend so everyone can join in without missing work.” This winter, with two rounds of snowfall, Drew’s nieces, nephews, and kids eagerly rallied, urging him to lead another igloo build. Taking advantage of the moment, Drew left work early on a Friday to begin the project.
A Collaborative Effort
The igloo-building team included some familiar faces from WDM Architects. Jenna Sedovic, a zoo designer who spent years in Milwaukee, joined the fun despite never having built anything larger than a small snowman. Her role in smoothing out the snow proved vital to the igloo’s polished finish. Reflecting on the experience, Jenna said, “My favorite part was at the end, when the igloo was enclosed. There was no wind inside, and it wasn’t cold. I was just laying on my back in the snow, looking at the ceiling. It was amazing.”
Luke Scott, another principal at WDM, brought along his son, Micah, to join the effort. Hearing Drew’s stories about previous igloos had piqued Luke’s interest, and he came prepared with a cooler, which they used to form the snow blocks. Luke helped lead the snow block making effort and gave a hand with placement and packing too.
A Masterpiece of Snowy Engineering
This year’s igloo, built near 119th West and Maple at Millbrook Park, measures an impressive 12 feet in diameter at the base inside and boasts 6’2” of headroom. The collaborative spirit of the team and the perfect snowy conditions culminated in a remarkable structure that served as both a creative outlet and a winter wonderland for everyone involved.
Building Beyond Architecture
For Drew and his team, this igloo isn’t just a structure—it’s a reminder of the joy found in creativity and collaboration. Whether designing zoos or crafting snowy retreats, WDM Architects continues to build spaces that inspire, connect, and endure.
Check out these photos of the igloo-building process and the final masterpiece, and let us know: What’s your favorite way to make the most of a snowy day?
