OUR STORY
When Kyle + Tara first met, Kyle was building custom homes in Topeka, KS and Tara was studying to become an event planner. With Kyle's influence and inspiration, Tara took her event planning skills to become an owner's rep for commercial construction while Kyle continued to build custom homes. After moving to Kansas City in 2015, they continued to work in the construction industry to learn about their new city and become acquainted with local subcontractors.
That same year, a rural grain bin cabin that Kyle designed and built was featured in a book titled "Cabin Porn". That feature led to a 14 episode TV show called "You Can't Turn That Into A House" where Kyle and two brothers designed and built small cabins throughout Texas, Missouri and Kansas. Once production wrapped, Kyle and Tara decided it was time to risk it all and start their own business.
While sipping cocktails on their patio and toying with different words and phrases for their new company name, the cicadas started singing and CICADA Co. was born. Not only do the sweet sound of cicadas remind Kyle + Tara of Kansas City, but it reminds them of home and that is exactly how they want your space to feel.
"The Sweet Sound of Cicadas remind us of home and that is exactly how we want your space to feel"
Kyle Davis
CO-FOUNDER + PRINCIPAL
Employed as a framer at the age of 18, Kyle has been active in the construction industry for over 15 years. After graduating with a degree in architecture at University of Kansas, Kyle designed and built custom homes in Topeka, KS before meeting wife, Tara. In 2011, he was tasked with designing and building his future in-law's farm house on their newly purchased 110 acres. Since moving to Kansas City in 2015, Kyle worked as the superintendent at a fabrication studio and hosted a TV show called "You Can't Turn That Into A House". Kyle is now Co-Founder and Principal of CICADA Co. with responsibilities of business development and team oversight.
Employed as a framer at the age of 18, Kyle has been active in the construction industry for over 15 years. After graduating with a degree in architecture at University of Kansas, Kyle designed and built custom homes in Topeka, KS before meeting wife, Tara. In 2011, he was tasked with designing and building his future in-law's farm house on their newly purchased 110 acres. Since moving to Kansas City in 2015, Kyle worked as the superintendent at a fabrication studio and hosted a TV show called "You Can't Turn That Into A House". Kyle is now Co-Founder and Principal of CICADA Co. with responsibilities of business development and team oversight.
Tara Davis
CO-FOUNDER + PRINCIPAL
Right out of college, Tara spent 3 years in developing over $8,000,000 of business office, retail, and restaurant construction. Since moving to Kansas City, Tara has worked for a real estate firm as the director of development and project manager. Now as Co-Founder of CICADA Co. and Principal Designer, Tara is responsible for leading the team with design direction, presenting to clients and ensuring the designs are executed to their fullest intent.
Right out of college, Tara spent 3 years in developing over $8,000,000 of business office, retail, and restaurant construction. Since moving to Kansas City, Tara has worked for a real estate firm as the director of development and project manager. Now as Co-Founder of CICADA Co. and Principal Designer, Tara is responsible for leading the team with design direction, presenting to clients and ensuring the designs are executed to their fullest intent.
Trisha Everhart
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Growing up, Trisha worked alongside her grandfather's at his construction company building and designing homes. She then earned her bachelors degree in Interior Design and Construction Management at Missouri State University. At CICADA Co., Trisha merges the clients taste with her expertise and is able to make their visions come to life.
Growing up, Trisha worked alongside her grandfather's at his construction company building and designing homes. She then earned her bachelors degree in Interior Design and Construction Management at Missouri State University. At CICADA Co., Trisha merges the clients taste with her expertise and is able to make their visions come to life.
Marcie Short
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Marcie graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Interior Design and Architectural Drafting. She's had 16+ years of experience in the field as an architectural designer. Now at CICADA Co., Marcie plays a huge role in all architectural design and planning while helping each client envision their dream home.
Marcie graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Interior Design and Architectural Drafting. She's had 16+ years of experience in the field as an architectural designer. Now at CICADA Co., Marcie plays a huge role in all architectural design and planning while helping each client envision their dream home.
Courtney Babbs
DESIGN COORDINATOR
Courtney studied Textile and Apparel Marketing / Management at the University of Missouri. Right out of college, she spent three years developing private label apparel brands. After renovating her first house, she found her passion for the housing industry and now works as the Design Coordinator at CICADA Co. Courtney keeps the wheels turning by focusing on client communication, furnishings, procurement management, and design administration.
Courtney studied Textile and Apparel Marketing / Management at the University of Missouri. Right out of college, she spent three years developing private label apparel brands. After renovating her first house, she found her passion for the housing industry and now works as the Design Coordinator at CICADA Co. Courtney keeps the wheels turning by focusing on client communication, furnishings, procurement management, and design administration.
Leslie Marshall
CONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR
Leslie earned her degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University. She has nine years of experience designing MEP systems, cost estimating, and construction management for large commercial projects. At CICADA Co., she works with the design and construction teams to formulate project budgets, manage material procurement, and track construction progress from beginning to end.
Leslie earned her degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University. She has nine years of experience designing MEP systems, cost estimating, and construction management for large commercial projects. At CICADA Co., she works with the design and construction teams to formulate project budgets, manage material procurement, and track construction progress from beginning to end.
Erica Gavrilova
TECHNICAL DESIGNER
Erica received her degree in Architecture from the Moscow Architectural Institute, and spent over 10 years as an architect and designer. Here at CICADA Co., she serves as our Technical Designer — breaking down the schematic designs. She produces buildable construction documents that our trade partners can use on site, with extreme details that allow our unique designs to be executed properly.
Erica received her degree in Architecture from the Moscow Architectural Institute, and spent over 10 years as an architect and designer. Here at CICADA Co., she serves as our Technical Designer — breaking down the schematic designs. She produces buildable construction documents that our trade partners can use on site, with extreme details that allow our unique designs to be executed properly.
