BNIM is constantly seeking new, talented individuals who thrive in a collaborative environment of multidisciplinary professionals. To view available job opportunities in all of our offices, visit our Career Center. Click here to start.
At BNIM we have a saying: “no one knows as much as everyone.” At our core, we are ONE BNIM, united by our common values and our belief that individual ideas are improved upon by our designers and collaborators to form a continual and collective cycle of innovation. WATCH VIDEO
Fundamentally, we believe great design is born from the processes and people that bring it to reality. Our blog captures individual stories about our work and people as they work to rethink the everyday experiences have with design.
As a perfect mirror reflection of the letters bnim, mindful is this place for communication, where we reflect upon projects, people and events to share beyond the firm’s walls. Thank you for subscribing to mindful. You will receive a confirmation email shortly.
.bnim-emma-link { color: #fff; font-family: 'TheinhardtMedium', sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; } .bnim-emma-link:hover { color: #60C2F5; } As a perfect mirror reflection of the letters bnim, mindful is this place for communication, where we reflect upon projects, people and events to share beyond the firm’s walls. Read our 2024 July - August mindful edition HERE. Sign up below to receive future editions.
The master plan to renovate Kansas City, Missouri's 1937 art deco City Hall establishes a long-term vision that restores the dignity and functionality to the building and its grounds. BNIM and the design team evaluated the needs of the City Hall property and parking garage in order to identify future building, site and garage projects. Workshops were held to understand the functions of City Hall and to generate ideas and design concepts. The final documents include recommendations for future projects by priority, complete with conceptual cost estimates.
BNIM has completed many projects at Missouri State University in recent years, including work on renovations and additions to the Garst and Blair Shannon Dining Centers. Each project involved the refurbishment of an existing dining facility and the construction of a new wing for additional seating capacity. The renovation work included the rollout of an entirely new dining concept for MSU; as such, BNIM work closely with the University's food service provider.
Designed as a corporate headquarters, the program requirements for this speculative office building were precise: the 122,000 square foot facility needed to accommodate continual change and internal expansion. The building consists of two blocks of offices connected by a vertical circulation core, which serves as a reception, control and common area and provides utility functions serving the adjacent office spaces. In addition to architectural design services, BNIM provided site selection assistance and complete space planning and interior design services for the office building.
On behalf of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), in response to a request from the White House, Bob Berkebile, a founding Principal of BNIM, helped to recruit and facilitate a team of more than 100 of the nation’s leading experts on environmental design to develop recommendations for the Administration’s consideration to improve the efficiency, quality and durability of the White House Old Executive Office Building Complex and improve the health and productivity of the occupants.
The Greening of the Pentagon was the first and most prominent Department of Defense showcase facility in a program to promote the transfer of efficiency technologies to the nation’s 500,000 federal buildings. BNIM Principal, Bob Berkebile helped facilitate a planning process that included the leading experts in resource and energy efficiency technologies. The team’s recommendations for the $1.2 billion restoration were organized into five sections: energy; building ecology; water, landscaping and grounds; materials, waste and resource management; and cultural and behavioral change.
In recognition of the need to provide for the necessary expansion of the institution over the next 20 to 30 years, the University is proposing to develop a new Central Campus at the south edge of the Texas Medical Center (TMC). Planned by BNIM, the Central Campus Plan permitted the development of several buildings that support and attract world-class researchers – each building is designed to provide the flexibility required to meet the needs of ever-changing technologies and research.
Prior to Better Block KC, BNIM led the Grand Boulevard Streetscape Plan, which identified and established a long-term vision for a revitalized Grand Boulevard. The initial concept was to make Grand Boulevard "grand." The streetscape plan envisions a safe, livable and walkable downtown while incorporating complete street concepts, including a strong focus on transit and new bicycle facilities. After the master plan was completed, buy-in at the highest levels of government was not present.
The NOLA East Bank project is one of the most promising major redevelopment sites on the City of New Orleans’ Riverfront. The existing three main buildings represent a concentrated arrangement of building mass at the intersection of the Industrial Canal and the Mississippi River. The size of the existing buildings, the complexity of the proposed scope and program, and the interface of the site with existing neighborhoods and industrial uses demanded a thorough and thoughtful approach.
The design team is working with a private developer and the Kansas City Missouri Water Services Department to create a pilot Green Infrastructure project in the Historic West Bottoms District. The project has two major inter-related goals: to transform the public realm of the West Bottoms into a place where people want to live and work, and to alleviate the massive volume of stormwater that flows directly into Kansas City’s antiquated combined sewer system.
Makers Quarter is both a place and a collective ethos inspired by the Maker Movement, which provides a creative environment to inspire entrepreneurs and artists to challenge convention and achieve new heights in innovation. This five-block development in downtown San Diego will become a community with the conscious development of lifestyle, residential, and business properties, designed to reflect the artistic integrity of the neighborhood.
BNIM was selected to lead the design addition and renovation of Temple Hall at Missouri State University (MSU) in Springfield, MO. The new MSU Blunt Hall houses the College of Natural and Applied Sciences Program (CNAS) and serves as a hub for the College. The addition and renovation will bring together the three primary departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Geography, Geology & Planning (GGP), while improving flexibility and usability of spaces within Blunt Hall.
The renovation of the Bloch Galleries transforms 9,000 square feet of the original 1933 Nelson-Atkins building. The expanded galleries add more than 220 linear feet of wall space, and create an open viewing experience with sightlines encouraging viewers to make connections among works. The design was developed in the context of strategies for strengthening the audience experience of the 1933 Building and adjacent galleries on levels one and two. The installation presents themes within the general chronology, presenting a fuller story of Western art.
Makers Quarter ™ is both a place and a collective ethos inspired by the Maker Movement, which provides a creative environment to inspire entrepreneurs and artists to challenge convention and achieve new heights in innovation. This five-block development in downtown San Diego will become a community with the conscious development of lifestyle, residential, and business properties, designed to reflect the artistic integrity of the neighborhood.
Following the East Campus Framework Plan (with Sasaki and Andropogon) and the East Campus Master Plan (with Michael Vergason), BNIM continued its collaborative relationship at Washington University in St. Louis, this time with KieranTimberlake on a new underground parking garage.
BNIM has been honored to design an addition to the existing building with Jacob’s Well, a thriving creative church community located in the heart of midtown Kansas City, Missouri. The beloved existing building, constructed in 1930 by Roanoke Presbyterian Church, was not designed for the current congregation and today’s accessibility standards. To better support the mission of the church, the design acknowledges the need for more diverse spaces to serve three themes: hospitality, spiritual formation, and community engagement.
BNIM is leading the update of the Rosedale Master Plan. Building on the foundation of the 2005 Master Plan for the area, the plan integrates the unique culture of Rosedale, intensive development pressure, and the needs of the fast-expanding University of Kansas Hospital, to create an urban experience that is a model for livability throughout the metropolitan area.
cou·ture: noun the design and manufacture of fashionable clothes to a client's specific requirements and measurements. The art of couture designs for the unique contours of the human body — a highly individualized experience of fashion dependent on human interaction and insight.
The new Glenn Korff School of Music Building will be a premiere creative center for music and dance excellence located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) campus. It will redefine what it means to be a collaborative, inclusive, and healthy environment for performing arts education for the 21st century. Located at the corner of 10th and Q streets, the building will act as a welcoming front door to the city campus and tie into the existing Arts Quad.
The reimagination of Washington University's East End of the Danforth Campus establishes a pedagogical, metaphorical, and physical gateway to the campus and the world for every student and faculty member who engages with the University on their pathways to making the world a better place. Working with a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of esteemed global design practitioners, BNIM developed a campus framework plan that envisioned an East End to restore beautiful, connective campus spaces back to nature and to people.
The 10th and Wyandotte Parking Garage rethinks parking structure design and reveals unexpected possibilities in Kansas City’s urban core. The project is a collaboration with the artist Andy Brayman — founder of The Matter Factory, a studio for ceramics artists who integrate digital modeling and fabrication processes into their practices — whose goal in crafting the ceramic inserts was to make the garage beautiful from a distance and to the touch.
The design approach of the Kansas State University McCain Auditorium Lobby Addition and Renovation is focused on celebrating the performing arts by activating the surrounding campus precinct and creating potential for new and exciting experiences and activities by re-establishing McCain as a vital physical and cultural campus destination.
Lutheran Church of Hope –Grimes is a satellite facility of a large, multi-campus Evangelical Lutheran Church in the heart of Iowa. The 21,150 square-foot building serves as a community and worship center for a fast-growing congregation within an expanding rural community. Site
The University of Iowa Informatics Initiative (UI3) space incorporates various types of environments to foster collaboration between researchers, graduate students, and staff from various disciplines across campus. To help form and define the vision for this new, dynamic environment, BNIM facilitated a series of meetings between the UI3 core team and multidisciplinary committee members, cluster faculty, and graduate students. Because the project required rich innovative technologies, significant collaboration occurred between the design team, users, and UI Information Technology Services.
BASIC Agency Headquarters is located on the 5th floor Makers Quarter Block D in downtown San Diego. The full floor suite consists of a full workplace eco system, offering multiple working spaces varying in size, scale, and finish. The office core was conceived of as a simple, elegant box (the BASIC box) made up of a series of smaller breakout rooms where users can meet, socialize, or work privately. This core includes a conference room, media center, break room, and a think tank room featuring 360-degrees of writable surface.
The new Fine Arts + Design Studios (FADS) building at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) brings together the following disciplines into a single, carefully crafted facility: graphic design, sculpture, ceramics, metals, painting, drawing, photography, and filmmaking. The building and its spaces exemplify the notion of learning by doing, providing a framework for new synergies and enhanced collaboration across disciplines that were previously dispersed across campus.
Located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the city of San Marcos, the California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) has far exceeded growth projections with current enrollment of over 17,000 students. In particular, the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) has experienced growth exceeding expectations. Prompted by existing space constraints and deficits, a need to provide space for a new engineering department, and accommodate future college growth, the University engaged BNIM to develop a feasibility study for a new 110,000 GSF academic building.
Following the devastating tornado that destroyed their town and schools, USD 422 followed the principles of BNIM’s award-winning comprehensive master plan by placing the school's front door along Main Street. The Kiowa County K-12 school is organized around a central courtyard serving as a major community focal point and school amenity.
The new 2,200-vehicle Garage 5 at the University of Kansas Medical Center is one of the largest parking garages in the Kansas City area. It serves both the University of Kansas Hospital and the School of Medicine. Large urban medical centers can often be difficult to navigate. That difficulty is compounded when one is sick, nervous, or elderly. Human-purposed design in this situation means offering a building that’s simple, open, and easy to use. These are the outcomes that have guided the design of the garage.
City Union Mission is a not-for-profit organization serving the base level needs of those whose lives have been disrupted in the Kansas City community. Their previous facility was inadequate to meet rising demands, thus a separate structure housing the Christian Life Program was created. This program nurtures the re-entry process for one-hundred of the most promising men who will live and attend classes in the facility during their one-year curriculum.
The Town Center Master Plan provides an extraordinary opportunity to redevelop 37 acres of urban infill directly adjacent to the Euclid Avenue Station, the second busiest multi-modal station within San Diego, located less than 5-miles east of downtown San Diego. BNIM has worked closely with the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation (JCNI) to develop this plan, which provides a framework to redevelop those sites adjacent to the Euclid Avenue Station to provide more jobs, housing, and recreational opportunities within walking distance to transit access.
The new 17,000 SF Tom and Ruth Harkin Center is designed to serve as a distinguished landmark on the Drake University campus in Des Moines, Iowa. Founded in 2013, the Harkin Institute seeks to improve the lives of all Americans by giving policymakers access to high-quality information and engaging citizens as active participants in the formation of public policy. It promotes understanding of the issues to which former Senator Tom Harkin devoted his career, including his historic legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Serving more than 170 hospitals across the Midwest region, LifeServe Blood Center Headquarters is a new office space and blood donation center in Johnston, IA, that aims to support the organization’s vital work within the community and their mission to save lives. LifeServe’s new headquarters provides a welcoming, collaborative, and flexible building that enables LifeServe to grow and adapt for the future while strengthening their community presence.
The site and building design of this new academic building at the Kansas City Art Institute provides a new campus gateway and community connector that anchors an important civic space in between the Kemper Art Museum and the Nelson-Atkins museum of fine art and welcomes students, faculty, tourists, and patrons to this higher educational jewel of Kansas City.
The Zhou B Art Center is a new hub for visual and performing arts in Kansas City. The Zhou Brothers, ShanZuo and DaHuang Zhou, founded the first Zhou B Art Center in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood in 2004, and is now expanded to Kansas City as the first offshoot location for a new center. The project involves the expansion and renovation of the landmark Crispus Attucks School building in Kansas City's historic 18th and Vine Jazz District.
The Des Moines Heritage Center has made its new home in the restored landmark 1909 East Des Moines Union Depot and a new adjacent events space for educational and cultural programming as well as community engagement on site. The 110-year-old building was once the main east-side train depot and is one of only two Flemish Renaissance-style depots in the United States. Industrial warehouses have hidden the depot from view for years.
Strata is 260,000 square feet and 16 stories of environmentally responsible, energy efficient, high-performance office design. This Class A Office Building takes advantage of an urban infill site currently occupied by 2 stories of retail. The office building will begin 115 feet above street level at a unique outdoor roof terrace above the existing retail space and a new 750 stall parking garage. Each office floor showcases flexible areas allowing views of the city through ultra-clear, floor to ceiling glass and character-defining sunshades that optimize daylight.
The MCC Blue River East Building establishes a new campus presence in Independence, MO, which is home to the Great Plains OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Education Center and MCC's CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), Forklift, Linework, and Logistics programs. The Blue River East Campus serves 800+ students enrolled in these specialized programs, and aims to help strengthen Kansas City’s future workforce, fulfill a high demand for technical skills, and create a positive impact within the local economy.
Located 2 miles north of downtown San Diego within the Hillcrest neighborhood, the Park Boulevard project provides 58 dwelling units within an 8-story building with 2 levels of underground parking. The unit plans are a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom units with upper level units designed as double height spaces with mezzanines. Retail space is located on the ground level, and parking levels include car lifts to maximize parking provided while limiting the construction area.
As Innovative companies seek to transform their cultures and workplaces, the traditional office campus is in a state of accelerated evolution. The Pacific Center Campus Development demonstrates how landscape architecture can lead and enrich this evolution by melding active campus design ideas and innovative workplace strategies with native plant ecosystems, innovative water strategies, and the productivity and health benefits of being surrounded by nature.
The Maintenance and Operations Complex for Palomar Community College District is a 28,000 SF facility that serves the grounds and maintenance division across the entire 252-acre campus. While campus operations facilities are often relegated to secondary locations, this facility is located at a highly visible campus gateway. BNIM used site topography and the strategic placement of the building to screen vehicular uses and to create a series of memorable indoor and outdoor spaces that are visible from pedestrian and vehicular entries to the campus.
The new Kansas City International (KCI) Airport parking garage and terminal introduce a transformational new era of the KCI Airport and represent the Kansas City region on a global scale. BNIM, in a collaborative design-build partnership with JE Dunn, completed the new 2.5 million SF KCI Airport parking garage which accompanies the newly constructed single terminal. BNIM and JE Dunn coordinated efforts with SOM to develop a cohesive compositional relationship between the parking garage and terminal through structural rhythm and facades, enhancing KCI Airport’s presence.
The project is a new-construction mixed use housing development located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The project is one of the last undeveloped sites surrounding the city, and is envisioned to spur redevelopment, density, and walkability along Lucy Drive. Conceptually the building is a pair of ‘L’ s strategically broken to step across the site forming a central courtyard between the two. Along the street level there are a series of commercial and offices spaces.
The Hugh L. Libby Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) anchors a new career and technical neighborhood on campus, demonstrating the College’s strong commitment to technology and innovation, and providing unique opportunities for collaboration and industry partnerships. The building serves as a dynamic academic setting for the programs housed within, including HVAC, electrical, automation, automotive, and continuing education.
Confluence is a site-specific public artwork that mimics the nearby confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers in the West Bottoms of Kansas City. The sculpture is composed of two steel armatures that incorporate locally sourced and repurposed materials within the West Bottoms, such as rail line, deconstructed shipping containers, and a deconstructed water tower.
The Keeler Court Apartments create affordable, sustainable design solutions for the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego. Fulfilling a great need for housing in this area, the Keeler Court Apartments provide 71 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes for families and individuals earning 30-60 percent of the area median income. Seven of these units are reserved for formerly unhoused veterans, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, HUD, and the San Diego Housing Commission.
The College of Business is a transformational new facility for business education and innovation on this higher education campus. Situated at a highly visible and frequently travelled site on campus, the building was envisioned as an engaging and welcoming convening space for students, faculty, and visitors that would establish an important campus corridor between the university and the local community beyond.
To support the mission and needs of its congregation, Leawood Presbyterian Church determined the need for an addition and renovation of its existing campus buildings. BNIM is working with Leawood Presbyterian Church to transform the site to establish enhanced, harmonious connectivity between existing and new structures while providing a beautiful and inspiring context for the church and its surrounding community.
The adaptive reuse of 1640 Baltimore was conceived as a mixed-use office and commercial space, designed as a prototype for the interplay of sustainable, site, and wellness standards. The three-story, 43,000 square-foot building would have served as home for the Kansas City headquarters of BNIM, and provided an additional 12,000 square-feet of leasable space. During the design process, 1640 Baltimore came to be known as Building Positive due to its positive attributes of community-building.
The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art is a new cultural arts destination on the University of Iowa campus that returns a dedicated art museum presence to the campus community after 14 years. Following historic flooding in 2008, the new Stanley Museum of Art reunites the University with its renowned collections of African Art, 20th Century Art, as well as seminal works such as Jackson Pollock’s Mural that previously held temporary residence in art institutions across the world.
The new Gerdin Building expansion at Iowa State University creates a dynamic nexus and intellectual center for the Ivy College of Business. The design expands the College’s ability to foster collaboration and innovation among business scholars through modern teaching methodologies, impactful research, and community engagement. BNIM and Story Construction formed an integrated design/build team in response to the university’s request for design and cost proposals.
The interior renovation of 2460 Pershing revitalized the iconic 1970s massive brutalist structure into a modern work environment that is a replicable model for transformative workplace design. Large windows expose views over Kansas City’s Crown Center commercial complex and landscaped grounds.
BNIM, along with Urban Neighborhood Initiative, developed a proposal for a non-profit, mixed-income cooperative housing proposal at 31st and Troost that incorporated social services and created a new model for residents. Working together for the area’s development plan, both understood that affordable and innovative housing was a high priority for residents and the city as a whole. The proposal at the corner of 31st and Troost would have developed almost 100 living units ranging from studios to two-bedroom units.
The City of Kansas City, MO is planning to improve their Swope Campus (comprised of the Parks and Recreation Headquarters and the Water Services Department) as an education lab for Best Management Practices (BMPs). In addition to the transformation of the campus into series of outdoor learning labs, the Departments had the vision to integrate the campus with an elementary school curriculum that meets state educational requirements and showcases how each member of society has a role in protecting the health of the watershed and enhancing the quality of life for those living downstream.
BNIM and Sinclair Hille Architects are working with Southeast Community College (SCC) to design a new Construction Technologies Center (CTC) in Milford, NE. The Construction Technology programs on the Milford campus have a tradition of excellence, and are critical components in SCC’s mission to offer the highest quality programs and services to meet student, employer, and community demand throughout the College’s entire 15-county service area.
In 1938, Charity Hospital was constructed to expand the public healthcare resources available to the City of New Orleans. Outside of the immediate impact within its walls, the hospital also served as the impetus for the birth of a medical district that slowly grew around it. For nearly 70 years, Charity Hospital was an economic catalyst, spurring the growth of a district built around the medical industry. After Hurricane Katrina, the severity of damage to Charity Hospital permanently shuttered its doors, and the district surrounding it abruptly died.
Makers Quarter™ is both a place and a collective ethos inspired by the Maker Movement, which provides a creative environment to inspire entrepreneurs and artists to challenge convention and achieve new heights in innovation. This five-block development in downtown San Diego will become a community with the conscious development of lifestyle, residential, and business properties, designed to reflect the artistic integrity of the neighborhood.
BNIM led the design of the Board of Public Utilities Office Building (BPU) for Kansas City, Kansas. The building is comprised of administrative offices, a public lobby for customer service functions and boardroom space for the organization's monthly meetings. This building is a balance of public and private spaces that are functional and appealing to all users. The lobby provides a public space and teller area for residents paying utility bills, while upper floors provide a more private, secure office area for employees.
This massive redevelopment plan, with a three-quarter-mile waterfront site as its catalyst, covers 3,000 acres, including 350 acres that the City of North Charleston, South Carolina, acquired from the Charleston Naval Complex Redevelopment Authority. The major objective for North Charleston is to offer an alternative to urban sprawl by setting the benchmark for smart growth, reclaiming the waterfront for public use while integrating the former Navy base into the city. In short, the plan transforms the ways in which the community functions, interacts and lives.
This adaptive re-use and addition, located in downtown Kansas City, is annexed to JE Dunn's headquarters, which BNIM completed in 1995. JE Dunn Construction Company purchased the building at the southeast corner of 9th and Charlotte in the fall of 1999 to address the demands of the rapid growth that the company faced. The renovation and expansion of the former two-level, 8,400 square foot existing office building into to a three-level, 31,000 square foot building was completed with a fast-tracked design and construction process.
Nested atop a treed hill slope, the Jannes Library and Learning Center—an addition to a 1912 Georgian style mansion on the Kansas City Art Institute campus—maximizes site configurations, while providing ease of access for pedestrians and vehicles alike. The new addition was designed to respect the existing structure by not trying to mimic its architecture or compete with its street presence. By contrasting the new from the old, both structures are able to retain their separate integrities and are true to their time and construction methods.
The Kansas City Art Institute hired BNIM to transform a 1960s abandoned building into a gallery space for the private arts college. The 2-story, L-shaped volume was punctured to create an atrium with new laminated glass openings, bathing the entry in daylight. The existing steel beam dividing the two halves of the structure was the departure point for the new entry element consisting of a canopy, a signature open stair, elevator, large storefront openings and an overlook into a new 2-story volume.
The library is part of Plaza Colonnade, a mixed-use project created through an innovative public-private partnership. The library offers more of what the community has been asking for: more information, space, programs and technology. Features such as a children's center, a 350-seat auditorium and a four level parking garage with 200 spaces just for library patrons make the library a vital community asset.
From its onset, the goals of this green building research for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) project sought to define and make possible a new vision for the future of architecture—to change the way buildings are designed, built, operated and maintained.
Located in Midtown, a historic neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, Plexpod Westport Commons is the largest co-working facility in the world. This ambitious, innovative development is a leading example of urban acupuncture — a design and financial intervention in an abandoned community asset that sparks the revitalization of the community surrounding it.
Plaza Colonnade is an innovative and successful public-private partnership comprised of commercial and institutional uses. The site, at 48th and Main in Kansas City, is positioned with dramatic views to the renowned Country Club Plaza mixed-use district and was previously occupied by a cherished, but structurally failing library. The new solution solved the fiscal and community needs of the library and neighborhood with a new mixed-use program.
To serve its customers and its branch offices across the nation, H&R Block needed a centralized Service Center to provide support for the company's many services. The new building is nestled in a wooded site and features expansive views of both Brush Creek and surrounding City parkland. The remainder of the site is fully landscaped and sits atop an underground irrigation system.
BNIM's involvement with the Folly Theater began with a feasibility study to save the ailing structure in 1974. Since then, the firm has participated in all phases of the efforts to save and restore the turn-of-the-century Folly Theater in downtown Kansas City, which is listed on the National Registration of Historic Places. BNIM was involved in grant writing, presentation and fundraising stages, while simultaneously developing construction procedures to solve on-site problems as the theater was gradually restored to the condition it enjoyed in 1923.
Located on a prominent site in downtown Kansas City, the Kansas City Southern Railway Headquarters is situated within the Cathedral Square Complex. The sites encompasses a full city block designed for two office buildings — the six-story Kansas City Southern Railway Headquarters (Tower I) at the northwest and a future building (Tower II) planned on the site's eastern site — and a parking garage.
The Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri - Columbia unites faculty and students from several schools and programs into one, collaboratively focused research center. The Colleges of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Arts and Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Human and Environmental Sciences Engineering, and the School of Medicine engage in joint research into genomic and biomolecular structures.
BNIM was selected by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (BCBSKC) in 1998 as their long-term corporate architect for their headquarters and ancillary facilities. The scope of work included space consolidation of their five locations into three primary ones. BNIM's services included master planning, blocking and stacking, programming, space planning and interior design of the office space. The design solution also established new standards for finishes, detailing, workstations, environmental graphics, offices, conferencing and commercial spaces throughout the entire organization.
In partnership with Montana State University and the National Institute for Standards and Technology, BNIM designed a building that goes beyond "state-of-the-art" in efficiency, sustainability and effectiveness as a learning tool. The EPICenter (Educational Performance & Innovation Center) was designed to set new standards for science education and for sustainable building design. This LEED 2.0 Pilot project helped to define the U.S. Green Building Councils Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Guidelines.
Educators with the Missouri Department of Conservation imagined a place in urban Kansas City where children could connect with their natural environment and where conservation services could be provided to an urban audience. The program for the facility on twelve acres of previously developed land was to accommodate six educational workshops that promoted conservation strategies, metro offices for the Department, as well as multiple-sized meeting spaces and a large 250-seat auditorium available to the community.
Located in the heart of Kansas City, Union Station served the city as the train depot throughout most of the 20th century. In 1996, taxpayers from Missouri and Kansas voted to restore the vacant building into a children's science museum. In collaboration with other local architects, BNIM was selected as a team member to carry out the Union Station renovation. BNIM served as Team Leader for Museums and Theaters for Science City.
Since the late 1990s BNIM has been involved in facility renovations, upgrades, and master planning of the Jackson County Downtown Courthouse. Most recently, BNIM was retained by the county to assist with evaluation, remediation, and renovation of interior portions of the Downtown Courthouse building that incurred water-related damage from failure in a mechanical room on level 6M.
The Poindexter Building and Parking Structure is a renovated office building in the heart of Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The 9-level pre-cast parking structure has 1,000 spaces and features a brick exterior and extensive streetscape amenities, including retail space, fountain and plaza.
The Government Employees Hospital Association (GEHA) Headquarters consolidates off-site offices into a single two-story, 47,000 square foot office building that represents the first of two phases. As the first to be located in the Rollins Meadows Office Park at the southeast corner of I-470 and Douglas Road, the building crowns the hill of the site, with an orientation desirable for passive solar conditions. Surface parking for 190 cars is provided for the first phase, within a natural landscaping design, utilizing the wetland areas and promoting regional prairie grasses and plant materials.
BNIM designed this residence after winning an initial competition sponsored by the owner. It rests atop a ridge formation, and consists of a series of six distinct pavilions. Each of the pavilions contains one function of the residence: living, study, master bedroom, guest bedroom, kitchen / dining, and utility. The pavilions, which receive abundant natural light, are composed in order to create a series of outdoor rooms that embrace the distinctive site and capture views.
The Shouson Hills Residential Complex in Hong Kong, SAR is a 24-unit residential complex that serves as a place of respite for diplomatic staff at the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong who have just finished tours in hardship locations around the world. The complex is consistently impacted by heavy rains, sometimes called “black rains” at their most extreme, which are familiar occurrences on Hong Kong Island. Despite this, typical construction does not acknowledge the technical precision required to create an effective and secure building envelope.
This feasibility study will determine what is possible given the current and future needs of building users within the department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Drake University. Meredith Hall is a historically significant building designed by renowned modernist architect Mies van der Rohe in 1963. While Drake University values the character and history of the structure, energy efficiencies do not meet modern needs and desired modes of learning, collaboration, and informal interaction are not currently supported by the spaces within.
The Kansas City Zoological Gardens Sustainable Master Plan and Development was BNIM's first major effort to adapt sustainability goals to a large complex project. Based on the firm's research, the client expanded their focus from simply the design of an education facility to initiating a comprehensive master plan that embraced the Zoo's natural environment as a classroom and met and supported both the Zoo's mission and the animals' basic needs.
The Deramus Education Pavilion facility includes a 400-seat IMAX Theater, administrative offices and several public functions. Under the leadership of Friends of the Zoo, the building was created to symbolize the New Zoo as well as provide a preparatory experience for every zoo visitor.
BNIM is working with the University of California, Berkeley to create a project program for the initial phase of a full renovation of the first through third floors of Moffitt Library. UC Berkeley’s 32 constituent and affiliated libraries together make Moffitt the fourth largest university library by number of volumes in the United States — surpassed only by the libraries of Harvard, Yale, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Opened in 1970 as a cutting-edge library for undergraduates, Moffitt Library rejected the neoclassical tradition of most campus buildings.
Brush Creek Community Partners coordinated a visioning process and an Urban Renewal Area Plan for Historic Manheim Park in order to strengthen the area and promote appropriate, sustainable redevelopment projects and incentives. A consultant team comprised of BNIM, Patti Banks Associates, and graduate and undergraduate students from University of Missouri – Kansas City volunteered to assemble technical data and facilitate a community driven visioning process. Three meetings were held with the Historic Manheim Park, Rockhill and Hyde Park neighborhoods.
The Regional Law Enforcement Memorial Garden honors and celebrates the men and women who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Located at the Regional Police Academy, the garden is envisioned as a sequence of ever-changing spaces that tell the stories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as to honor past and current officers and their families, who make daily sacrifices to serve and protect.
Located in downtown Kansas City, this entry plaza was designed as part of the GSA’s First Impression Program. BNIM used new plaza components such as a fountain, planters, flagpole and light bollards to transform the entry experience of this 1960s era bunker-style building. The result is more inviting, while maintaining the security necessary after 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The Rowat Lofts sit on the site formally occupied by Rowat Cut Stone, within the Market District, a historically industrial area of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Material selections were made to complement the surrounding historic warehouse structures, such as brick and metal cladding on the exterior facade and cedar plank siding within interior spaces.
Reconciliation Services (RS) has served the urban core of Kansas City since 1987, driven by dignity, community, and advocacy to address needs for affordable food access, safe gathering spaces, and building positive connections. In 2018, BNIM led visioning workshops and programming conversations that informed a conceptual master plan for the organization’s existing property at the corner of 31st and Troost.
BNIM recently collaborated with PLaN Architecture (lead designer) to develop the design concept for The Gilchrist Learning Center, a free-standing addition to the Sioux City Art Center (SCAC). The facility provides art studios and public interaction space that expands the teaching mission of SCAC. Composed of four white, solid, rectangular volumes, the addition complements the animated façade of the original building, and serves as neutral ‘canvas’ for the adjacent sculpture garden.
Third & Grand is a premier transit-oriented mixed-use office development in the heart of the vibrant River Market district. At the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers—where the Lewis and Clark expedition camped for three days in 1804 and traders from the east disembarked from their steamboats while traveling the Santa Fe Trail in 1827—the River Market serves as a gateway to the larger Kansas City metropolitan.
One Kansas City Place occupies a site as prominent as its name would suggest. With 42 stories and 1.3 million square feet of space, One Kansas City Place comprises a striking, but respectful presence at the block bounded by Main, Baltimore, 12th and 13th Streets in downtown Kansas City. The contemporary exterior of the building utilizes a tinted glass skin accented by vertical granite strips and clear glazed corners to accentuate the building's setbacks.
Located on a prominent site in downtown Kansas City, the Cathedral Complex encompasses a full city block and includes two office buildings (one completed, one planned for future expansion), a parking garage, and an expansive outdoor open space.
Unlike most campus operations facilities, The Palomar College Operations and Maintenance Complex is located at a prominent and highly visible gateway into the Palomar campus. The design team has used site topography, landscape and the strategic placement of the buildings to screen heavy vehicular uses and to create a colorful and dramatic landscape entry into campus
BNIM was enlisted to help lead the redevelopment of a 3-acre parcel of land at 18th and Troost Avenue in Kansas City. The investment is the first step in a larger vision — the Keystone Innovation District — spurring redevelopment along the 18th Street corridor. The center will house multidisciplinary innovation spaces including co-working, maker spaces, flex labs and fabrication studios, conference and meeting rooms, and space for industrial training programs.
Located within the State of Iowa Capitol Complex in Des Moines, Iowa, this project is an infill development on the 6-acre site of a former landfill. As a gateway to the complex at its Southeast corner, the project is a figural and literal threshold to the powerful example of government. It proves that exemplary performance can be solved even within limited budgets. A central angled courtyard directs visitors to the building entry and, conversely, frames a visual connection to the capitol.
With more than 80% of their employees being millennials, Rivo Holdings, a financial services provider, was ready for a fresh approach for their workplace. The Union Bank building has 360-degree views of San Diego, including downtown, the Pacific Ocean, Balboa Park, the San Diego Bay, and the mountains to the east. These views and the abundance of natural daylight provided an ideal opportunity for BNIM to design a workplace with strong connections to nature.
In a joint venture with Harry Weese Associates, BNIM won a national design competition sponsored by the General Services Administration to renovate the St. Louis Old Post Office built in 1884. More than 650 federal employees occupy flexible office areas on the upper four floors, with commercial space available in the sub-basement, basement, and first level for shops, restaurants, and display areas.
BNIM is currently leading the design for the County of San Diego rehabilitation of the Mira Mesa Epicentre. The project consists of an 8,000 square foot (SF) youth community facility with 14,000 SF of open space that will serve the Mira Mesa community. The Mira Mesa Epicentre project holds cultural significance for the community, as it will provide a replacement for the former teen music venue and preserve an important cultural tradition in the area.
The Bull Shoals Field Station is an existing research location for Missouri State University (MSU) students located within the Ozarks on the shores of Bull Shoals lake and within the Drury-Mincy conservation area. There was an increasing demand for educational opportunities within the college and other organizations at the Bull Shoals Field Station, and a new facility was envisioned to support the expansion of ecological study and research.
The new Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield School of Music at the University of Missouri-Columbia is the first of a three-phase master planned facility that consolidates all the school’s academic, practice, and performance venues into a single facility. Students previously attended classes in a series of acoustically inadequate buildings scattered across campus and needed a facility that would better support and strengthen their premier collegiate music program.
The campus landscape at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) is similar to other community college landscapes in many ways, yet is also uniquely different. The gathering spaces between the academic buildings vary in scale, from large, more public courtyard spaces or amphitheater style spaces down to small, very intimate areas for personal study or reflection. All of these spaces, despite their scale, are enhanced by a lush, very diverse and comprehensive palette of plant material, unlike the majority of community college campuses.
Over the last decade, the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design (APDesign) at Kansas State University has risen in stature and recognition among the nation’s design programs, and the program’s home in the historic Seaton Hall complex came to no longer support the college’s needs. Each semester, APDesign students, faculty, and visitors together explore the potential of design to impact human experience, health, and happiness – the new and renovated facility is born of these same pedagogical objectives.
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum offers one of the most extensive collections of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world with 33,000+ artifacts across 12 historic buildings. The museum campus extends over an entire city block and fronts Water Street, the primary commercial street in Decorah. It includes buildings that are contributors to the vibrant Decorah Commercial Historic District.
BNIM created the master plan for the Oglala Lakota Nation on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 2009. The Lakota people highly value their connection to the earth and sky, and they align their built environment, seasonal planning, and ceremonies to harmonize with the cardinal directions. The master plan includes three circles of homes directly west of the Green Spine, which is used to connect community gathering areas, walking paths and fruitful landscape.
As innovative companies seek to transform their cultures and workplaces, the traditional office campus is in a state of accelerated evolution. The Pacific Center Campus Development demonstrates how landscape architecture can lead and enrich this evolution by melding active campus design ideas and innovative workplace strategies with native plant ecosystems, innovative water strategies, and the productivity and health benefits of being surrounded by nature.
The IRS Kansas City Campus is located just south of downtown adjacent to Liberty Memorial and Union Station. This facility can hold up to 8,000 IRS employees and provides multiple outdoor environments for breaks and outdoor gatherings. The design establishes a strong connection between interior and exterior spaces while balancing issues of security, sustainability and urban design.
The renovation of a corporate office and conference center facility in the Des Moines area transformed a large warehouse structure into a vibrant environment of workspaces and amenities that promote productivity and wellness. With the client’s goals to create an office environment that offered more collaborative, healthy, and flexible spaces for employees, the design team worked to maximize the potential of the existing office space through reorganization, modernization, and human-purposed design strategies.
The North Kansas City School District selected BNIM’s multidisciplinary team of architects, planners, landscape architects, and interior designers to transform its beloved North Kansas City High School into an innovative, modern learning environment. To create an educational experience that supports the next generation of students, the new North Kansas City High School is deeply rooted in pedagogy, flexibility, and sustainability. Space changes reflect these attributes through an increase in accessibility, community, and gathering space.
The campus landscape at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) is similar to other community college landscapes in many ways, yet is also uniquely different. The gathering spaces between the academic buildings vary in scale, from large, more public courtyard spaces or amphitheater style spaces down to small, very intimate areas for personal study or reflection. All of these spaces, despite their scale, are enhanced by a lush, very diverse and comprehensive palette of plant material, unlike the majority of community college campuses.
BNIM led the initial Campus Master Plan and Conceptual Design process, which was completed in April 2012, for the Pacific Center Campus Development. In August of that year, BNIM was again selected to lead the design of a two-building campus expansion. The two buildings add 410,000 square feet of office, dry laboratory, catering/café, health center, fitness center, lecture hall, multi-purpose learning and conference space to the campus. Both buildings have received LEED gold certification.
The Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City Renovation Project is a transformational renovation of an existing two-story Original Greek Orthodox Church located at the intersection of Linwood and Paseo Boulevard in Kansas City, MO. The building was previously used by KCMO Public Works and then occupied by Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City (Habitat KC) as their offices for many years.
Located in San Diego’s East Village, BNIM’s new office space quadruples the firm’s space and addresses its rapid growth and expansion in the San Diego region. The 4,900 SF office provides three zones: social gathering and event space with an open work café that is the heart of the space; collaborative space with six meeting areas, each one providing a different type of meeting environment; and focused space where employees, all on laptops, can work in a benching environment or smaller “focus” rooms.
BNIM and RFD were selected for Master Planning and Programming for the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University. The study identified an additional need for 125,000 GSF of research space; 59,000 GSF of teaching space; 79,000 GSF of office space; and 122,000 GSF of greenhouse space for a total of 385,000 GSF. The proposed expansion of facilities will be addressed by building two new buildings, a set of three new greenhouses and renovating existing research and teaching space to provide opportunities for novel research and contemporary models of teaching and collaboration to occur.
The revitalization of the former Western Electric Building in the Crossroads District of Kansas City serves as a key example of BNIM’s interdisciplinary approach.
Within the bustling, vibrant city of Kampala, the capital of Uganda, BNIM was tasked with designing an expansion to the existing United States Embassy building to accommodate growing campus facility needs and showcase the tenets of eco-diplomacy in an ever-changing built environment. It was imperative to create a facility that is sensitive to the culture, the place, and the climate, as well as providing a new workplace that provides a healthy environment for all employees.
BNIM worked with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City to renovate and adaptively reuse the historic Lyric Theatre in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, as the Kirk Family YMCA. Because of urban revitalization efforts, including increased residential and school options, the area has seen an expanding presence of young professionals, families with children, and empty nesters. Bringing the Y back to the urban core after more than two decades, the Kirk Family YMCA is a welcoming and inclusive community resource that includes programming to support the needs of these diverse populations.
BNIM is collaborating with HNTB on the Des Moines International Airport Terminal Planning Study, which is focused on replacing the existing terminal to improve the patron experience, appropriately designed and sized for the future of air travel. The multidisciplinary team is considering projected passenger counts, projected aircraft fleet size, compliance with TSA security requirements, and other associated improvements required to provide quality service for patrons.
Makers Quarter ™ is both a place and a collective ethos inspired by the Maker Movement, which provides a creative environment to inspire entrepreneurs and artists to challenge convention and achieve new heights in innovation. This five-block development in downtown San Diego will become a community with the conscious development of lifestyle, residential, and business properties, designed to reflect the artistic integrity of the neighborhood.
This is the story of a community imagining a different future for themselves and the path they took to realize it. It began with seeking peace in the region through access to clean water, then enhancing educational opportunities for their primary school graduates. Because of its remote location in northwest Kenya and within a community of subsistence farmers and pastoralists, true sustainability has been the driver for each design decision, including design integration of a severe environment, an engaged community, and local economics.
BOK Financial will serve as a new full-service banking and office space located at 17th and Grand Boulevard in Crossroads District of Kansas City, Missouri. The facility features a welcoming lobby equipped with teller stations and corporate offices, as well as a banking drive-thru and walk-up ATM to enable street-level activation. Additional office spaces, a flexible break room, and a daylight-filled event space and patio with views of downtown Kansas City are located on the facility's second level.
The historic renovation of the Old Virginia Hotel and United Way offices into Quality Hill Academy provided a beautiful new life to an admired building. It was a fast-paced project that required careful attention to detail. Starting design work on January 1, 2016, BNIM worked with Crossroads Academy to imagine and then build a new learning space, built on the lessons of the first campus, which opened on schedule in August 2016.
BNIM is currently completing a programming and feasibility study for the Robert E. Kennedy Library, a five-story Brutalist structure originally constructed in 1980. The renovation and addition will repair degrading infrastructure, accommodate current and future technology, increase energy and water conservation, and enhance overall functionality and flexibility for the 21st-century student experience.
This office building is located on the administrative campus of a suburban school district. In compliance with the Campus Master Plan, the building was sited to maximize green space for future development and minimize the impact on this fairly undisturbed site. The design incorporated existing trees to the maximum extent possible, both conserving the natural elements of the site and providing shade along the south side of the new building.
BNIM, in partnership with Ferguson Pyatt Architects, was selected to design the Cansayapi Wicoicage Oti (CWO) in Morton, Minnesota. The purpose of the CWO is to strategically promote intergenerational engagement, cultural transmission, art mediums, continuation of their indigenous language, and economic well-being at the Lower Sioux Indian Community.
Miesblock is a speculative development adjacent to the historic Mies van der Rohe Catholic Pastoral Center, formerly the Home Federal Savings and Loan building constructed in 1962. The original Mies building and new adjacent Miesblock development reside in the urban core of Des Moines, Iowa.
The design of Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building has been carefully and thoughtfully organized to foster community among industrial engineering scholars. This design creates a unique identity for the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, elevating and enhancing the student, faculty, and visitor experience with a collaborative, light-filled, and engaging spirit.
BNIM is collaborating with HNTB on the New Terminal Project at Des Moines International Airport, aimed to provide a transformative passenger experience that serves as a front door to Metropolitan Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa region. The program will include all major infrastructure for new check-in, baggage handling, concessions/retail, and security screening. The purpose-driven effort focuses on generous design that is welcoming to passengers with an intuitive and comfortable passenger-oriented experience.
Due to emerging trends in healthcare and the critical role that nurses serve in patient-centered care, the College of Nursing at the University of Iowa — a highly regarded provider of nursing education in the region — expanded enrollment for its nurse practitioner programs.
As part of its 2010 Master Plan Update, Metropolitan Community College (MCC) began to strategically create centers of specialization at various MCC locations in order to reduce facility redundancy and improve the effectiveness of its delivery of education to the community. The Master Plan Update called for three separate buildings and integrated landscape on the historic Fort Omaha Campus in Omaha, Nebraska.
Located in Des Moines, Iowa, the American Republic Insurance Building fills a half block of land on in the main western central business district. Occupied by American Enterprise Group (AEG), the building is eight stories tall and was originally designed and constructed in 1965 by the New York office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) under architect Gordon Bunshaft, FAIA. The building was completed in 1965 and received an AIA Honor Award for Architecture in 1967.
The Ivy Senior Apartments create 52 supportive studio apartment homes for seniors with chronic medical needs in San Diego who have experienced homelessness. Demonstrating a “Housing First” model — a proven model for reducing chronic homelessness — Ivy Senior Apartments create supportive housing in tandem with resident services and resources provided by PATH, St. Paul's PACE, and Alpha Project Home Finder. New homes are equipped with furniture, supplies, and appliances, and residents have access to health and wellness care, skill building, and advocacy resources.
The A to Z Nutrition Center is a healthy food market and experiential kitchen that will guide visitors from across the globe toward healthy and nourishing lifestyles to support mental, emotional, and physical health. The A to Z Nutrition Center will also be unique in its community focus for all those living in the region who may shop for healthy foods and take advantage of the culinary medicine/ education offered.
The West Bottoms Flats are a market-rate housing project in the West Bottoms area of Kansas City, Missouri, that have transformed four historic warehouse and manufacturing buildings into apartments, micro-retail, indoor/outdoor amenity space, and parking. While retaining the historical facades and many of the interior architectural features of the buildings, the West Bottoms Flats includes four unique buildings – Abernathy, Liberty, Wyoming, and Bemis – that provide 265 residential units, courtyards, tenant amenities, ground-level commercial spaces to activate street-level, and a valet pa
In February 2014, BNIM and a multi-disciplinary team of high performance, integrated design consultants were contracted by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to provide comprehensive design services to adaptively reuse Price Gilbert Memorial Library and Crosland Tower on the Georgia Institute of Technology Campus. The two buildings will be transformed into Georgia Tech’s vision for the Research Library of the 21st Century.
The EPA headquarters is built on a restored site that maximizes natural beauty, stormwater infiltration and a quality outdoor environment while meeting the GSA security requirements. Four finger-like office wings extend out from the building creating outdoor plazas and gathering nodes with connections to the adjacent trail and lake system. The courtyards each have a unique character, with each design collecting and filtering building runoff. Runnels and rain gardens direct the flow of storm water from the roofs through each courtyard.
Overbrook Overlook is a farmhouse situated on a historically and family-owned farm in Overbrook, KS. It repurposes a 1960 yellow pine structure and a corrugated metal barn into a charming home overlooking the town. The exterior retains the weathered corrugated metal siding, creating a rustic contrast with the warm pine interior. The farmhouse is designed to maximize natural light and connect with the surrounding nature through high-performance H windows.
BNIM was contracted through Sweet 100 to design a restaurant/kitchen space for Carnitas’ Snack Shack. This project is located within a Port of San Diego pavilion space designed by the artist Pae White. This is a key part of the larger Embarcadero Master Plan being developed by the Port of San Diego to re-imagine the downtown waterfront. BNIM was tasked with completing the building as part of the tenant improvement project. The structure and roof were in place, but the glass storefront, utilities, mechanical systems, and floor slabs still required design when the project began.
The design intent for the H&R Block and Bloch Family Foundations' new home envisioned a light-filled space where all associates have access to daylight and views regardless of the workstation or office location. The new layout fosters collaboration and communication among associates, while providing private, quiet space for heads down work. It was a key goal for Henry & Marion Bloch to be represented throughout the space. The design focuses on and highlights several of Henry Bloch's personal artifacts and art.
BNIM was selected to lead the design of the Las Vegas Civic Center and Plaza in collaboration with LGA architects and OJB landscape Architecture. The project, sited across 2 square blocks in down town Las Vegas, will serve as the focal point of the developing civic district which includes the recent Las Vegas City Hall and Courthouse buildings on adjacent sites.
The Girl Scouts Camp Tongawood is envisioned as a regional hub for STEAM learning that will offer a variety of immersive indoor and outdoor educational experiences that inspire, challenge, and empower girls. BNIM is currently working with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas Northwest Missouri to support this vision by designing buildings and environments as teaching tools integrated with nature at the 76-acre camp.
The Makers Quarter Coliseum—located on the southwest corner of E and 15th Streets—has quickly become the focal point of Makers Quarter, a six-block work/live/play district in San Diego’s East Village. Housed within the former Coliseum Athletic Club, an iconic boxing venue from the 1920s, the building was noted for giving many well-known boxers their initial debut into their careers. The club closed its doors in the 1970s, and was later used as a furniture warehouse for several years.
For this project, BNIM teamed with HDR and HNTB to help a multi-jurisdiction partnership explore the potential costs, benefits, and feasibility of extending the Downtown Kansas City streetcar starter from Downtown Kansas City, across the Missouri River, to North Kansas City and beyond. The NorthRail project combined a forward-looking community dialogue about North Kansas City’s future with an evaluation of key land use, engineering, and financial decisions.
The Patient-Centered Care Learning Center (PCCLC) serves the University of Missouri School of Medicine’s (SOM) mission to educate students to provide patient-centered care in problem based learning spaces. The PCCLC includes an anatomy lab, an active learning classroom, clinical simulation rooms, problem-based learning classrooms, and student seminar rooms as well as a host of support spaces including offices and student lounge areas.
BNIM is working closely with the Crossroads Academy of Kansas City to expand their current program from K-5 to include a 6-8 grade middle school, and develop a downtown campus in the urban core. Phase I, completed January 2015, included the renovation to a 30,000 sf historic building to include classrooms and multipurpose rooms for the K-8 charter school. BNIM and the Crossroads Academy have developed a different model for how classrooms are designed for collaboration by creating small rooms, individual spaces, huddle rooms, group areas, and pods.
The Cedar Creek Watershed is a community treasure. Rolling hills, forests, and undisturbed streamways provide the watershed with unique natural capital and character worth preserving. The Cedar Creek Watershed is also unique in the potential it holds for the future of Olathe. City leaders understand the importance of attracting new residents and continuing to grow, in order to strengthen the City's tax base, better utilize existing infrastructure investments, and position Olathe on a path to be vibrant, healthy, and competitive in the coming decades.
Through a community-based and data-driven process, the City of Kansas City, Missouri and its project team, led by BNIM, are developing a plan for the expansion of the Downtown Streetcar Starter Line into a citywide network that creates new connections between people and places and catalyzes the revitalization of our neighborhoods.
Building upon the goals outlined by Vision Metcalf and the Downtown Form-Based Code, the Overland Park Downtown Parking Plan identifies specific parking strategies that support a higher density, mixed-use pedestrian-friendly area. New development and activity will create a need for more parking.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has served as an iconic, living memorial to President Kennedy since its completion in 1971. Building on this legacy, the REACH represents a 21st century complement to the monumental Kennedy Center structure and offers a new model for civic engagement in the arts.
The Catalyst Plan is an initiative of the Marlborough Community Coalition to discover and develop the rich assets of the five neighborhoods of the Marlborough community, and craft an action plan that will transform this potential into a thriving place to grow up, live, and work.
The South Annex Addition to the Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences will build a larger community within the entire engineering facility and foster innovation in teaching, learning, and discovery.
BNIM designed a new residence on a heavily wooded parcel in rural Iowa. The unique nature of the topography suggested a dramatic solution to span the ravine that runs down the middle of the site. The entrance and bedrooms are located on opposite banks, and the primary living areas serve as a bridge between the two sides.
Paragon Star, located on the northeast quadrant of a main highway in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, will be a state-of-the-art sports complex and village that will feature new hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, office space, and housing. Anchored by a large youth sports complex, it will accommodate local and regional tournaments for soccer and other sports, drawing visitors to the area and catalyzing commercial investment in the I-470 and View High Drive corridors.
BNIM and Vireo were selected by the Environmental Protection Agency to create a design strategy for a portion of 6th Avenue where Des Moines plans to implement the City's pilot Green Infrastructure project. The neighborhoods in this area of Des Moines are home to Mercy Hospital, a host of non-profit organizations, and newly immigrated populations from Laos, Vietnam and Sudan.
The City of Branson is undertaking an exciting project to transform Highway 76 into a place like no other. The first phase of the project included the creation of a conceptual design plan and funding strategy that transforms the 76 Country Boulevard into a "Complete Street,” enhancing efficiency, improving aesthetics, infusing energy, and fostering an authentic identity. The current phase of work includes the design of the roadway corridor and adjacent properties to enable safe, attractive, and comfortable access and travel for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists
In 2012, BNIM was selected to lead the reconstruction of the Westport Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Missouri, a 27,000 square foot multi-story church building in one of Kansas City's oldest and most historic neighborhoods. The existing church building was severely damaged in a catastrophic fire in 2011, and while much of the Church's roof structure, interior structure and finishes were destroyed, the exterior limestone shell survived the fire in good condition.
BNIM led the initial Campus Master Plan and Conceptual Design process, which was completed in April 2012, for the Pacific Center Campus Development. In August of that year, BNIM was again selected to lead the design of a two-building campus expansion. The two buildings add 410,000 square feet of office, dry laboratory, catering/café, health center, fitness center, lecture hall, multi-purpose learning, and conference space to the campus. Both buildings have received LEED gold certification.
Manheim Park is an inner ring neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri. As part of the Green Impact Zone, it has benefited from infrastructure investment. The neighborhood is also home to the Bancroft School Redevelopment, a catalytic project to revitalize a vacant school into affordable and sustainable apartments. These investments provoked interest from developers who want to build in the neighborhood.
BNIM was selected to design an addition and renovation for the Des Moines Community Playhouse, a beloved pillar in the cultural community of Des Moines since 1919. The renovated facility provides a new education wing with classrooms designed to accommodate expected education program growth, a renovated 400-seat Mainstage theatre, additional costume and properties storage, new dressing rooms, administrative offices, green rooms that multi-task as classrooms, updated mechanics and additional parking.
The redevelopment of the historic Bancroft School in the Manheim Park neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri is critical to the healthy transformation of the neighborhood. It will provide an economic catalyst for the Troost corridor and the neighborhood through the revitalization of infrastructure and housing, connection to a new transit corridor to spur economic development and job creation, as well as community education and support programs.
BNIM led the initial Campus Master Plan and Conceptual Design process for the Pacific Center Campus Development in San Diego, California. The master plan was developed as a deeply sustainable and powerful tool to support recruitment, boost productivity and enhance the corporate values of a Fortune 500 company – innovation | execution | partnerships. The master plan concept was focused on transforming the existing site from a vehicle-oriented development to a pedestrian-oriented campus environment.
Lutheran Church of Hope is the suburban satellite campus of a large Evangelical Lutheran Church in the heart of Iowa. The church is a place of sanctuary and connection within a rapidly expanding contextual environment composed of mixed-use development along an arterial street connecting multiple neighborhoods. The simple, white precast concrete form sits in stark contrast to the earth tone sided and shingled environment of the surrounding suburb. Phase I
Dedicated to documenting the diverse cultural heritage of the people of southwest Missouri, the Springfield Art Museum collection is housed in an existing 51,000 SF facility. In the fall of 2017, the museum hired BNIM to develop a master plan focused on three areas of study for growth: renovation, replacement, and/or expansion of the existing Education Wing; renovation of the existing building to improve visitor and staff experience; and improvements to the campus to better connect the Museum to surrounding amenities.
The Hawthorne Valley Association is a non-profit organization that promotes social and cultural renewal through the integration of education, agriculture and the arts. Hawthorne Valley is committed to environmentally sound land management as the basis for sustainable economic success. In February of 2012, BNIM and a visionary team of engineers and deeply-rooted community members began a dialogue about a new Master Plan that drew from the initial vision developed at Hawthorne Valley in the 1960s.
Once North America's largest continuous ecosystem, only 4% of the Tallgrass Prairie remains today, mostly in Kansas. The Flint Hills Regional Plan will promote economic development, protect natural resources and strengthen the many communities that call the Flint Hills home. The prairie, its inhabitants and larger economic forces are all part of the same system.
The BNIM-led team worked with Missouri State University to design a 295-bed housing facility to accommodate upper-class students. The facility includes various housing units, study spaces, support space and retail space. It is intentionally programmed to help the University attract and retain students and support the University's commitment to downtown Springfield by reinforcing urban context and creating a transition zone with the potential to spur retail development in the area.
The South Capitol area of Lincoln, Nebraska has the key ingredients of a walkable neighborhood. It is an historic area close to downtown with mature trees, well-maintained housing, mixed land use along major streets, a school, and local small businesses. This area provides an opportunity to model environmentally friendly streetscapes that treat every drop of rainwater as a precious resource and provide greater transportation options.
BNIM was selected by DevelopSpringfield and the Springfield Redevelopment Authority to lead the recovery planning of several Springfield neighborhoods after a tornado ripped through the city in early June 2011. The EF-3 tornado caused a six-mile path of destruction through the city and suburbs, damaging over 600 homes, businesses, and institutions along with hundreds of historic trees. BNIM and the planning team created a citywide plan, specific district plans, and an implementation strategy to rebuild the seven neighborhoods affected by the tornado.
The EPA's vision for their new Region 7 headquarters, which is housed in a building originally designed by BNIM, was that the facility be innovative in concept and excellent in design. This required the building design to embody image and aesthetics; accommodate needs for flexibility, accessibility, and universality; and incorporate state-of-the-art technology and design solutions that foster communication, interaction, productivity, and sustainable design.
In April 2011, an EF4 tornado left an unprecedented path of destruction through the City of Tuscaloosa. The resilient spirit of the citizens of Tuscaloosa and the compassion of the people of Alabama have refused to let this tragedy define them. Working with the people of Tuscaloosa, BNIM and a team of local and national firms developed a plan that will help Tuscaloosa emerge from this disaster by rebuilding a stronger and more capable city than ever before.
This project originated as a grassroots effort to reimagine Grand Boulevard in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri as a game-changing catalyst sustainable project, connecting the Missouri River, Downtown, Crossroads and Crown Center districts through an iconic streetscape project.
BNIM recently worked with the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at UMKC to design a new building. The Henry W. Bloch Executive Hall for Entrepreneurship and Innovation provides new spaces for the demands of increased student population, the specialized needs of entrepreneurial education programs and to serve the growing executive education programs of the Bloch School, while also serving the currently unmet needs for teaching spaces to serve the undergraduate and graduate programs of the school.
The Municipal Farm site is a historic and environmental landmark in Kansas City, but over the years neglect and possible contamination has left the site largely abandoned and environmentally damaged. Today, the site is home to a diverse array of conditions, including waterways, wetlands, wooded areas, dramatic topography and scattered development. This plan recognizes the opportunity to revitalize the city-owned property and the surrounding Eastwood Hills Neighborhood by creating an inspiring and achievable vision.
BNIM led a comprehensive design team to develop a new building for the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, which will establish a new gateway for the Health Sciences campus, create a front door for the School of Medicine (SOM), and integrate the new building with existing facilities to provide greater campus connectivity and new outdoor spaces.
BNIM worked with JE Dunn and Walker Parking Consultants to design the five-level Cherry Street Parking Structure to replace an existing parking garage and surface lot on the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) campus. The design for the parking structure is complementary to the existing campus aesthetic set by the newer projects along Oak Street and the larger urban fabric of Kansas City's Country Club Plaza.
BNIM worked with UCLA to design new facilities for their Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science (HSSEAS). The development of the Engineering VI building (Phase I) on the UCLA campus represents the highest of aspirations for the research community in supporting the advancement of clean and green technologies. The building houses three primary driving Centers of Excellence in the field of nano-systems and clean technology.
The Psychological and Brain Sciences Building creates an important gateway to the University of Iowa campus. The facility is designed to create a new welcoming front door for the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, while serving a unique purpose as both a teaching and research facility that welcomes students as well as the general public to the University of Iowa campus. The building features active learning classrooms, research laboratories, graduate student and faculty offices, breakout rooms, and learning commons space for studying, gathering and socializing.
The Tarrant County College Energy Technology Center (ETC) houses the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) Program, as well as training programs for oil, gas, and renewable energy technologies. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, on the TCCD South Campus, this facility sets a new course for development on a campus largely built in the 1970s and is now a premier training center for its students, faculty, and the greater community. The project seeks to achieve and go beyond LEED Platinum with a goal of net zero energy use.
BNIM, as part of a team of nationally known designers and specialty consulting firms, worked with the Boy Scouts of America to design and construct the Scott Visitor Center at the Summit Bechtel Family Scout Reserve in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia.
BNIM, as part of a team of nationally known designers and specialty consulting firms, worked with the Boy Scouts of America to design and construct the Sustainability Treehouse at the Summit Bechtel Family Scout Reserve in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia.
BNIM worked with the U.S. EPA to develop an environmentally and economically sustainable plan for the Millbottom area of Jefferson City, Missouri, a gateway to the state capitol building, for EPA's Greening America's Capitals program. BNIM and the project team developed the City's vision for the area through a three-day workshop that engaged a range of state and local stakeholders, including the mayor and city council, business and property owners, state and local government employees, and members of the public.
BNIM worked with the City of Fargo to update the City's Comprehensive Plan. The updated Plan establishes the community's vision for the future of Fargo, addressing major issues facing the City's growth and prosperity, including the increasing frequency and severity of flooding events. The plan analyzes opportunities for increases in energy efficiency, affordable housing, increased transit, and promoting walkable, vibrant, healthy neighborhoods. The public defined the vision of the plan and the recommendations will drive Fargo's future for the next 20 years.
BNIM's design for Troxel Hall Auditorium at Iowa State University incorporates cutting-edge teaching technologies and high performance sustainable strategies. Troxel Hall is a freestanding facility with a 400-seat lecture auditorium designed with swiveling seating and tier arrangements to encourage and promote interaction among students.
In May 2010, Nashville, Tennessee experienced the worst flooding in 80 years. During this disaster, the people of Nashville rose to the occasion to help safeguard life and then to clean-up and rebuild. They turned their attention to the future and viewed this disaster as an opportunity to set Davidson County on a path of recovery that will not only restore what was lost, but that will achieve lasting prosperity.
After completing programming and conceptual design services for the UMKC Hospital Hill Campus Health Sciences Education and Research Buildings, BNIM began a multi-phased renovation project on the 254,000 square foot School of Medicine building, scheduled to take place over the next several years. The first phase was comprised of approximately 11,000 square feet on the first and third floors. The primary program areas for the renovation were a Computer Test Lab and a prototypical design for a Docent Unit.
As part of a design competition for the redevelopment of the Edmonton City Centre Airport (ECCA), Align Collaborative's conceptual master plan transformed the Airport Lands into a sustainable and nurturing environment while memorializing its history. By creating healthy, lively, thriving communities, the BNIM-led team's design would make Edmonton a leader in 21st century city living and a model for all of North America. The conceptual master plan was driven by four design principles:
BNIM, in collaboration with PageSoutherlandPage, designed the new Outdoor Discovery Center at Gunnison and Southwest Regional Service Center for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The program for the complex includes indoor and outdoor educational/recreational components, Division offices, a customer service center, classrooms, an education/visitor center, an indoor shooting range, and shop and storage buildings.
BNIM's renovation work includes the complete exterior makeover of a Residence Life complex at Missouri State University, including Hammons House, Hutchens House and Garst Dining Center. The renovation replaced all exterior façades with new window and entrance assemblies consisting of low-e coatings for improved energy performance and maximized daylight. New waterproofing and air barriers systems, combined with insulation and a ventilated rainscreen system composed of reconstituted stone, keeps the building dry and conditioned.
The recently completed North Parking Garage and Retail for Rockhurst University is a mixed-use facility designed to serve the campus and adjacent community. The garage is strategically located on the edge of the campus and along Troost Avenue, a once prominent Kansas City business thoroughfare that is in the midst of great revitalization.
The University of Iowa Visual Arts Building replaces the School of Art and Art History functions that were housed in the 1930's Art Building, which experienced significant flood damage in 2008. The 126,000 square-foot facility provide studio space for ceramics, sculpture, metals, photography, printmaking, 3D design, intermedia, animation and graphic design, as well as graduate student studios, faculty and staff studios and offices, and gallery space.
SuperBlock is a three-phase plan providing 1,000,000 SF of innovative workplace in the I.D.E.A. District of East Village in downtown San Diego. Existing structures on the property were built in the 1980s as manufacturing and storage facility for Jerome’s Furniture.
Chatham University's Eden Hall Campus (EHC), which is 25 miles north of the main campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will be home to the new School of Sustainability and the Environment, and a model sustainable living and learning community for the region and beyond. BNIM and Andropogon worked to align the vision of University stakeholders and plan a restorative campus that will enhance the regional environment, ensure the long-term financial success of the University, and create quality of life and learning for current and future students.
BNIM has worked with Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation (TVCDC) since 2009. The first project in this partnership was the regional sustainability plan for the Oglala Lakota Nation on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. From broad public engagement and professional insight during this two-year planning process, 12 interrelated initiatives emerged that hold the greatest potential for achieving the objectives of the regional sustainability plan.
The Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation (TVCDC) was awarded a Sustainable Communities Planning Grant in October 2010 to work in partnership with multiple tribal governmental agencies, local non-profits, a team of experts, including BNIM, and the Oglala Lakota Oyate (people) to develop a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development. This plan will serve as the blueprint for investment decisions, both public and private, to support a more sustainable future for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, part of the greater Sioux Nation of South Dakota.
In 2009, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) began work to evaluate their space options in preparation for the expiration of their lease at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri. BNIM worked with NAIC to evaluate several building options, weighing programming needs, growth potential, and financial considerations. NAIC ultimately selected six floors at Town Pavilion in downtown Kansas City, Missouri as their new location.
To facilitate the practice of regenerative design and development, the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and a core team envisioned a forum, a repository of information and a framework that are capable of stimulating dialogue among a diversity of practitioners and decision-makers with different disciplinary backgrounds and viewpoints. The REGEN tool is a work in progress and intended to support any regenerative design and development process, particularly in the early planning and design stages, with new questions and new types of information organized into a web of interconnection.
The project site is very unique in its location, character, topography and relationship to the future campus growth. The campus master plan study was conducted to inform the new building organization on the site to balance functionality, energy efficiency, daylighting and campus design. The fundamental planning approach is one that is intended to result in buildings and outdoor spaces that are ideally suited to the climate and environmental conditions and make strong connections to existing and future neighboring buildings.
Located south of the existing campus, the Center represents a major addition to Little Big Horn College's (LBHC) ability to serve its students and the surrounding community. The new facility provides a much-needed venue for the College's athletic teams, as well as a learning environment for health and wellness related educational programs. The building will also serve the wider community as a place for physical fitness, pow wows, dances, gatherings and graduations.
BNIM was selected to complete a Plan Update in late 2009 that focused on the future downtown, a 900 acre undeveloped area called Horizons, and developing a city-wide sustainability plan. An extensive community process and stakeholder involvement led to an exceptional final plan that will guide the City over the coming decades to be a resilient natural oasis in Kansas City's urban core.
Oberlin College is a national leader in both the arts and environmental sciences. The plan for the Green Arts District is to augment Oberlin's world-class reputation with facilities that bring the arts and sciences together in a way that transforms human potential and the way it is communicated. The District will be a global model for high performance buildings and whole systems thinking, maximizing the ability to build synergistic relationships between infrastructure, ecology, economy and human productivity and prosperity.
The Grinnell College Preschool-Psychology Laboratory facility houses a preschool program that is run through Grinnell College's Psychology Department. The Psychology Department uses the preschool to observe child behavior as a part of their curriculum. The primary spaces of the building include a preschool classroom and adjacent observation room.
The new Egyptian Gallery, part of the Susan B. and Mark A. Susz Galleries at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, provides a permanent home for the exquisite funerary objects of the Ancient Egyptian noblewoman Meretites. The gilt sarcophagus of Meretites stands upright drawing visitors into a gallery space, which is calm, reflective and reverent to the nature of the collection.
The renovated Housing and Community Development (HCD) building will be a complete transformation. It will be beautiful and deeply sustainable. It will serve as a compelling amenity and powerful tool to increase productivity and overall employee wellness, support recruiting and retaining top talent, and be a showcase to technology. All of these facets serve as advocates for the department’s core values: collaboration, community and partnership.
The Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia will transform education and research by setting a new benchmark as the world's most sustainable academic lab building.
Following a 2008 flood of the Iowa River, 20 buildings on the University of Iowa campus sustained damage. The Steven Holl-designed University of Iowa Art & Art History Building had nearly five feet of water above the grade level, and water had completely filled the lower level mechanical and building infrastructure space. Once FEMA removed damaged finishes and systems, BNIM and its consultant team were entrusted to design and document the recovery of the building to its original condition.
The Overflow Control Plan addresses repairing and improving the Kansas City's 150-year-old combined sanitary sewer system. The ambitious plan, authored by a team including BNIM, promotes improvements that transform the appearance of neighborhoods by using green solutions, while meeting regulatory requirements put forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
With finite supply and increasing global demand for fresh water, the management and reuse of stormwater has become one of the most critical environmental concerns in the building design industry. In September of 2008, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the recipients of its 2008 Green Building Research Fund Grants, the first grants of their kind in the green building industry. BNIM's research proposal, which focused on managing stormwater around building sites, was among the handful of research proposals selected from over 250 submissions to share the $2 million grant fund.
BNIM worked with design architect Callison through the visioning and concept phases for DPR Construction's San Diego office space to develop the high-performance strategies implemented in the final design. The net zero energy project has taken a typical existing suburban office building nearing obsolescence and transformed it into a forward-thinking, sustainable, and vibrant new office space. The transformation of the single-story tilt up building is a great example of the potential within existing structures when passive design strategies are integrated to produce high-performance results.
Burlington Street is a high traffic north-south connector that crosses the town of North Kansas City, Missouri. In an effort to transform the Burlington Corridor into a destination and create a walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment, the City of North Kansas City and the BNIM-led team embarked on a corridor study.
The Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center will play an important role in the instruction of tomorrow's public health officials, as this issue becomes of growing concern in society. The building's place on campus provides a sense of campus community and is symbolic of the school's important role in education. The Center establishes a common identity for the eleven academic departments and centers of the college, providing a single location on campus for research, teaching and community outreach related to public health.
Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) has made a commitment to be "America's Greenest City in America's Greenest Region." BNIM was hired by the city to lead the ongoing efforts to achieve this goal. Building upon City Council directives and work completed to date, the team is working with City leadership to create synergy, with the goal of increasing collaboration among departments to develop and realize sustainable goals.
The retreat is located on a bucolic 700-acre site in the rolling hills of rural Iowa. The site originally contained a mix of prairie, woodland and former farmland. With assistance from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the owner has restored much of the fallow farmland and non-native woodlands back to its native prairie ecology. With its siting in an existing clearing, as well as its form and materiality, the building echoes the agrarian typologies of the region.
The master plan for the Kansas City Art Institute serves as a development framework as this highly-reputable school reinvents its role in academics through advancing a collaborative and interdisciplinary curriculum with a strong focus on environmental stewardship. This will not only enhance the campus, but also the surrounding community and city at large.
Early civilizations were the first to design and engineer societies and architectural marvels that withstood time and inspired their predecessors. The History Channel challenged today's top architects and engineers to do the same in ‘City of the Future: A Design and Engineering Challenge'.
The guiding theme of the Rockhurst University Campus Master Plan is "In the City for Good," a strong statement of commitment to Kansas City and the University's surrounding community and student body. The plan for Rockhurst's campus was the result of an eight-month process of in-depth research, study and discussion that BNIM coordinated on campus.
Princeton University's Lewis Center for the Arts is a new facility that houses performance and teaching spaces for the programs in Theater and Dance, the Department of Music, and the Fellows in the Creative and Performing Arts. The 139,000-square-foot complex consists of three contemporary buildings designed around a courtyard. The buildings share a common reception area and house several public spaces, including an art gallery, a black box theater, a dance studio, and a music rehearsal room. The complex also houses faculty and administrative offices, and a box office.
In 2008, BNIM was selected by the University of Iowa to renovate Stuit Hall, or the Old Music Building, a historic structure completed in 1918. Originally designed as a hospital facility, the building was later occupied by the University's Music Department. In 1971, the Music Department relocated to a new building, and for nearly forty years the Old Music Building sat largely unoccupied and in an increasing state of disrepair.
BNIM collaborated with Debbie Glassberg to design her new residence constructed from five shipping containers in the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. The containers, pieced together with a steel and concrete framework, create space for two bedrooms, an office, television room, kitchen, dining area, living room and three bathrooms. The pre-fabricated containers are taller than typical shipping containers, allowing for large windows that create an open and light-filled space. The roof of the two-story residence includes an edible garden and patio.
Downtown Kansas City is undergoing a transformation, experiencing an eruption of economic development in excess of $4.5 billion over the past few years. As a result of this new development, the City Planning and Development Department of Kansas City, Missouri formed a partnership with the COR Team, led by BNIM, to create policies designed to make certain that the City is able to maintain the momentum of the urban revitalization, while providing strategies to address the unique issues and needs of neighborhoods within the Greater Downtown Area.
The Petite Riviere Redevelopment Plan aims to transform an existing golf course site in Montreal, Quebec, into a high performance, sustainable community. Montreal developer Groupe Pacific envisions a neighborhood that strengthens community, provides a healthier quality of life and restores the environment with a 60% ecological footprint reduction.
After all of its facilities were destroyed in the May 4, 2007 tornado, the Kiowa County School District (USD-422) decided to rebuild in an expeditious, sustainable, high-performance and progressive manner. In its quest to embrace the spirit of the Greensburg community, BNIM and the School District constructed new educational and public use facilities that accommodate and enhance the District's educational mission in an outstanding and high quality way.
In 2007, Evergy (formerly Kansas City Power & Light Co.) entered into an agreement with the Sierra Club to reduce the utility company's overall CO2 emissions by 20 percent by the year 2020 through compliance with legislative and regulatory changes. Accordingly, Evergy is taking considerable steps to improve its facilities through aggressive sustainable design solutions. BNIM's LEED Gold design for Evergy's new headquarters is teaching an old building new tricks.
This project is an addition to an historic residential structure used as office space for the Central Administration of Grinnell College. The addition provides additional office space, a conference room/classroom, and an accessible entrance to the facility. The expanded facility is located in a transition zone between the academic campus and a private residential neighborhood that is comprised of a number of historic residential structures, which are owned and occupied by the College.
BNIM designed this energy efficient office building to house the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) and the Office of the Consumer Advocate (OCA). An infill development on the State of Iowa Capitol Complex in downtown Des Moines, the project was developed on a challenging, awkwardly proportioned landfill site and serves to create a gateway to the complex at its southeast corner. The building serves as a testament to the sustainable stewardship of the State of Iowa. It is a model office building demonstrating proven, cost-effective energy efficiency measures for new construction.
BNIM has been a part of the Make It Right project since it started in 2007 with the goal to build 150 green, affordable, high-quality homes in the neighborhood closest to the levee breach after Hurricane Katrina. In addition to developing a single-family and duplex home design for Make It Right, BNIM was asked to address a segment of the community-wide pilot street design within the area in a way that considers lighting, stormwater management, landscaping and creating community.
As part of its mission to protect and restore our natural resources, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources selected BNIM to design and build an office facility — the Lewis and Clark State Office Building — that showcases affordable and cost-effective 'green' strategies. Utilizing the LEED rating system as an organizing matrix, it provides a template for the State, as well as other Missouri companies, to build in ways that are more respectful of the environment and people.
Greensburg's City Hall serves as the symbol of the town's vitality and leadership in becoming a model sustainable community where social, environmental and economic concerns are held in balance. Located prominently in the center of town along Main Street, the building is within walking distance to shops, amenities and many residences, strengthening the connection between the government and the townspeople.
The City of Greensburg and USDA's Rural Development team partnered to create the Business Incubator to provide start-up space for small businesses to grow for a limited period of time at attractive rental rates until they can relocate or build a larger facility. The facility, along Main Street, houses five retail shops on the first floor and nine professional service offices on the second floor, along with a storm shelter.
The City of Greensburg, Kansas, is developing a downtown environment that provides a unique experience for residents and visitors, and helps the city reach its community goals. As one of the first major infrastructure projects in Greensburg since the EF-5 tornado destroyed the majority of the town in 2007, the Main Street Streetscape is a signature project and will help to sustain the momentum for rebuilding a model sustainable town.
In May of 2007, a devastating EF-5 tornado destroyed more than 90 percent of the town of Greensburg, Kansas. At the State's request, BNIM became an early contributor to the town's initial recovery efforts, working with community members and town officials as well as local, state and federal organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency. BNIM also contributed to shaping the vision of the nonprofit Greensburg GreenTown, which was formed to help the city's residents rebuild Greensburg as a model green community.
The Water Services Department and the Parks & Recreation Headquarters comprise the Swope Campus. Situated on twenty acres of developed land and ten acres of vacant land, these facilities, located north of Swope Park and adjacent to the Byram’s Ford Civil War site, reside within the Blue River watershed. With the 4800 Building employee parking lot in a severe state of disrepair, the Water Service Department entered into a contract with BNIM to design a sustainable parking lot. The overall sustainable design responds to stormwater filtering, infiltrating and detention goals.
The International Coffee Building sits atop the bank of the Buffalo Bayou at Allen's Landing, a site linked to the roots of Houston's early history. The Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP), a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing this natural resource, is leading the renovation of the 1910 building with BNIM and Lake|Flato. The renovation plans for the International Coffee Building respect the special history of the location and give the three-story building a second life.
Omega is the first project in the world to achieve both 'Living' Status and LEED Platinum.
In 2006, BNIM was selected to serve as the sustainable consultant, in collaboration with Affiliated Engineers and ASG Architects, for a Utilities Master Plan at Carolina North in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The goal of the Utilities Master Plan was to provide a conceptual framework for the development of the necessary infrastructure at Carolina North. It is anticipated that Carolina North will be built in phases with an ultimate build-out of approximately 8 million gross square feet.
Following work on the Broadway Streetscape Master Plan, the City of Kansas City, Missouri hired BNIM to design select blocks of Broadway Street in the downtown core. The project is a continuation of the demonstration streetscape BNIM designed on a 7-block stretch of 12th Street. The project creates a pedestrian-friendly environment with a brick paver amenity zone that ties the character of the new street to that of the existing streetscape.
The Bolling Federal Building has been a prominent presence in downtown Kansas City, Missouri since it opened in 1964. BNIM was retained by the General Services Administration to improve the public perception of the building and to develop innovative design concepts in accordance with the "First Impressions" initiative to "improve the appearance and efficiency of GSA buildings."
The Copilevitz & Canter law offices reflect the culture of this non-traditional law practice. The workplace is casual, functional yet fun, environmentally responsible and incorporates strategies that foster human health and productivity.
JE Dunn Construction, one of the nation's largest general building companies, selected BNIM/360 to design its world headquarters office tower and adjacent 800-car parking structure. Located on the eastern edge of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, the design respects the architectural styles of the neighboring City Hall, Federal Courthouse and Department of Transportation buildings. The building opens onto Ilus W. Davis Park, embracing a connection to the outdoors and providing an opportunity to strengthen the building's relationship with its urban community.
The relocation of the Kansas City Ballet to the new Todd Bolender Center for Dance and Creativity involved the preservation and adaptive reuse of the former Power House at Union Station. The building was originally designed by architect Jarvis Hunt and was constructed from 1913-1914, representing an important era in Kansas City history.
BNIM was retained by the City of Kansas City, Missouri to design a streetscape plan for 12th Street between Wyandotte and Locust Streets that would be a demonstration for future streetscape development in the downtown loop. BNIM collaborated with City staff, the Parks and Recreation Department and the Downtown Council, as well as adjacent property owners and citizens, to design a pedestrian-oriented streetscape using the Downtown Streetscape Guidelines.
BNIM was retained by the City of Riverside to create the Comprehensive Master Plan and Implementation Guidelines to lead the City into a new decade. Riverside has many of the amenities a great town would hope to have: access to a significant river, a highly accessible link to a major downtown core, beautiful views from its limestone hills and a riverboat casino that generates significant tax revenue. The town of 3,000 residents has historically nurtured an "anything goes" mentality and resisted change even as its neighbors underwent development.
Bartimus, Frickleton, Robertson & Gorny selected BNIM for the interior design of their office space in Leawood, Kansas. The office takes advantage of dramatic views of an adjacent golf course. Glass partitions with varying levels of transparency are used to define areas throughout the space.
The City of North Charleston approached BNIM and Burt-Hill with one challenge - create a unique memorial dedicated to the thousands of their men and women, both military and civilian, who have risked their lives fighting for our country and citizens. Located on the grounds of the former Charleston Naval Base in Riverfront Park, the memorial is organized along a visual timeline using architecture, graphics and landscape to communicate the evolution of three naval vessels built over the course of the Base's operational years: the Landing Craft, the Submarine and the Destroyer.
BNIM led the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) through a formal programming process to understand and define MARC's goals, issues, concerns and vision, as they considered their current and future space needs. After a 6-week programming exercise, it was determined that MARC needed to increase their square footage to accommodate their needs through 2011.
BNIM's renovated office space revitalizes one of the most prestigious Art Deco buildings in the nation and one of Kansas City's historical treasures of 20th century American architecture. Built in 1931, the Power and Light Building was designed by Hoit, Price & Barnes. The building's exterior and interior emphasize ornamentation that is characteristic of Art Deco style.
The newest facility at City Union Mission is dedicated to renewing the lives of homeless men by breaking the cycle of homelessness through support, education, recovery and addiction programs. The facility houses the Christian Life Program, a one-year curriculum that prepares students for re-entry into the community. The center supports the Mission's belief that each person deserves to be surrounded by a healthy, well-designed environment that helps them establish a new direction for their lives.
The preservation and redevelopment of the historic Main Post Office building in Philadelphia transformed the building into a world-class office facility. All character-defining historic features of the Mayan-inspired Art Deco design were retained and meticulously restored. The project reversed 70 years of exterior and interior deterioration, and was one of the largest historic tax credit projects in Pennsylvania history.
This academic workplace environment for the Blue Valley Unified School District, one of Kansas' top school systems, supports the district in its mission to deliver quality education. The building accommodates four district departments: Planning and Facilities, Safety and Security, Food Services and IT Services. Organized around a two-story atrium, the building features 9,500 square feet of open office space, private offices, conference rooms and the district's central data system. The BNIM-designed building promotes user comfort, energy reduction and sustainable site strategies.
As part of a design-build collaboration with JE Dunn Construction, BNIM was selected to design a new 1,208 car parking facility for the University of Missouri - Kansas City campus. An important element of the design was the development of a plaza space that focuses on the pedestrian activity surrounding the site. This plaza, which is flanked by retail and sits opposite two significant academic buildings, promises to become a dynamic campus destination, as well as an important transition space.
North Kansas City School District worked with BNIM to create a modern, welcoming entrance addition and a series of enhanced interior spaces for Winnetonka High School that support connection among the student community and set a new standard in future design initiatives within the School and District. As the School has grown, interior adjacencies and entrance sequences came to no longer support Winnetonka’s students and staff, lacking desired functionality, space, and access to natural daylight.
31st and Troost was one of three priority areas identified for study in the Kansas City Catalytic Urban Redevelopment (KC-CUR) Implementation Strategy. BNIM — in partnership with LISC Kansas City, Urban Neighborhood Initiative (UNI), and community stakeholders — led the Revitalization Scenario for the 31st and Troost KC-CUR Priority Area. BNIM was tasked with creating the planning document that would reflect stakeholder input, integrate with existing plans and initiatives, outline a development plan, and identify catalytic projects.
Located in Kansas City's popular Crossroads Arts District, the Freight House Flats are the renovation of an historic three-story warehouse into new urban luxury loft living spaces. BNIM converted the existing building into a 22-unit condominium complex featuring concrete floors, lofty ceilings, balconies and a roof garden. Because the building received historic tax credits, the existing building shell was maintained and restored.
The Applebee's Restaurant Support Center was designed to house more than 500 associates who provide support for the company's 1,800 restaurants worldwide. The facility incorporates many progressive workplace and sustainable design principles to increase satisfaction and productivity of the company's associates. The facility is focused on flexibility, collaboration, human health and productivity — a direct response to the culture and needs of the company.
Once located at the riverfront in Kansas City, MO, the 250 foot long Pencoyd Railroad Bridge was built in 1892 and closed in 1970. BNIM worked to relocate the historic bridge to a new home in Kansas City's Freight House District, where it serves as a pedestrian link spanning the railroad artery that separates the Freight House and Crossroads Art Districts from popular civic destinations to the south including Union Station, Crown Center Plaza and Liberty Memorial.
The American Indian Art Galleries bring to fruition the Museum's long-standing efforts to illuminate the importance of Native artistic traditions, and the significant role these traditions have played in the development of our nation's cultural identity. The collection is arranged by origin according to seven geographic areas: Woodlands, Plains, Southwest, Plateau, California and the adjacent Great Basin, Northwest and Arctic.
The creation of the Sarah and Landon Rowland American Art Galleries at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art serves as a testament to the renewed value of American Art and demonstrates the importance these works have in the preservation and promotion of our collective history.
BNIM was selected by Kansas City, Missouri to develop The Urban Design Framework for East Downtown. This plan establishes a new design vision for a 30-acre area east of the Government/Civic district in downtown Kansas City.
This site, a leftover tract of land, would have been deemed unsuitable for building in most traditional forms of development. The City of Merriam, Kansas, however, saw the site as an ideal location for a new welcome center. Through the design process, the BNIM design team and the client used the site's availability and prominence as an invitation to both residents and passers-by.
The Point Pavilion is an iconic performance setting in Riverfront Park. The Pavilion, taking reference from the surrounding structures of the former Navy Yard, bridges and woven sea grass baskets indigenous to the region, provides a sun-screen for outdoor performances. The open-air structure allows views to performances both from the park lawn and from the water. Integrated into the overall plan for Riverfront Park, the Point Pavilion was designed to anchor the park at the intersection of Noisette Creek and Cooper River and serve as a park destination.
New Belgium Brewing Company—brewers of Fat Tire and other great beers—asked Elements, the research and consulting division of BNIM, to work with them on envisioning a master plan for their 50-acre site in Fort Collins, Colorado. After a visioning session with their Board and key staff members, and through careful analysis of their existing facility and site, the joint owner-architect team created a master plan that is their day-to-day guideline for a sustainable future.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Kansas City Campus is composed of three 200,000 square foot processing wings, which occupy the western portion of the site and are connected with a "main street" that serves as circulation and support space. The existing historic Post Office building, a 475,000 square foot federal style building, anchors the northeast corner of the IRS Campus and serves as the public entrance to the building. Increased productivity through a quality work environment is addressed by providing access to natural daylight and improved workstation standards.
At Camp Naish, an 1,100-acre camp in Bonner Springs, Kansas, BNIM designed an entry building, dining hall and pool facility using a "camp" vernacular. The exterior material selection, along with landscape elements like a council ring and connecting pathways, ties the three building together to impart an integrated feel.
The Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building, home of the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, is a comprehensive research facility on a tight urban site within the Texas Medical Center campus. This facility is designated to support research collaboration in the area of molecular medicine, particularly in genetics and proteomics and bioinformatics. The Sarofim Research Building houses dry and wet laboratories, offices, conferencing areas, a 200-seat assembly facility, and appropriate support spaces.
The Elements research and consulting division of BNIM served as the sustainable design consultant for the Heifer International Headquarters. Elements was brought in at the owner's request to share knowledge about sustainable design with the existing design team and to help facilitate the achievement of Heifer's green design goals. Elements performed energy modeling and analysis, developed function daylighting strategies and assisted in the selection of materials that reduced embodied energy and improved indoor air quality.
The Town of Kansas Bridge begins at Main Street, spanning 635 feet over the Town of Kansas and the Union Pacific tracks, with a stair and elevator link down to the slab of the old wharf building. The project included views over the Town of Kansas and an overlook above the river. This, in effect, makes Main Street the only Kansas City street to symbolically and actually terminate at the river's edge.
To accommodate the ever increasing need for event and support spaces, the City of Kansas City, Missouri initiated this project to expand the existing Bartle Hall Conference Center, which has served as Kansas City's premier venue for conferences, sporting events and other gatherings since 1993. BNIM, in a joint venture with a larger project team including HNTB, was selected to design and construct an addition that includes a 46,000 square foot ballroom, and pre-function, kitchen and support spaces.
BNIM's research and consulting division, Elements, developed the Implement website for the City of Seattle's online sustainable building tool. The website is used as a practical how-to-tool that helps people implement the city's sustainable building policy. The site includes a six-step process informing owners, designers, contractors, developers, and users about how to make a better building. Elements developed Integrated Design Tools (IDT) together with the city's facility department.
Located on the banks of the Missouri River, the Fort Osage Education Center invites patrons of all ages to learn about the significance of this location on the river as a historic military outpost. In celebration of the Lewis and Clark bicentennial, the fort's owners made plans for a new visitor center to support the County's educational mission. The design integrates the cultural history of the fort and site, while addressing the Center's pedagogical mission. Nestled into the site, the building has a strong visual link to the fort and the river.
In an effort to keep pace with the demand, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) added capacity with a new facility offering forty-one guest rooms to augment their existing facility. The site occupies the southern end of Longfellow Park, within easy walking distance of the existing house. The new building occupies less than half of the 1.65-acre park; the remaining parkland was redesigned as a "Healing Garden" to revitalize and serve the Hospital Hill community.
This collaborative office environment was designed to accommodate an expanding architectural practice in an existing street level urban office building located in the Central Business District of Des Moines, Iowa. While the work stations are relatively fixed, the organization of the spaces, the communal tack wall and open conferencing areas provide for flexibility and sharing of ideas and concepts. Designed initially to provide work areas for 14, the space can comfortably accommodate 18 work areas for future growth.
BNIM was selected to design all environmental graphics for the renowned Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The overall campus signage program included guidelines for wayfinding, donor and regulatory signage for the Museum's existing building, the Bloch Building addition, the Kansas City Sculpture Garden and the museum's various sub-organizations, such as the Ford Learning Center .
The signage for the Ford Learning Center at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art was the first implementation of an overall campus signage program designed by BNIM. The environmental graphics solution for the Ford Learning Center is youthful, yet sophisticated, to remain in keeping with the historic structure and its esteemed collection. Other learning center components such as an Educator Resource Center, an Orientation/Training classroom, and support offices are demarked in the signage language of the existing building.
Originally conceived by Steven Holl as the connecting gallery between the new Bloch Building lobby and Kirkwood Hall in the historic museum, BNIM was commissioned to develop this concept into a design that recognized both the rich Beaux-Arts detailing of the original museum and the modern celebration of light and space in the Bloch Building. The program grew to encompass the creation of new stone portals between the Sculpture Hall, the adjacent galleries, and the flanking corridors in order to visually link these spaces together.
In conjunction with the creation of the Adelaide Cobb Ward Sculpture Hall, BNIM was commissioned to design and oversee the renovations to Kirkwood Hall, the ceremonial heart of the original Nelson-Atkins Building. The Hall, affectionately dubbed "the spine," is the main connective artery between the original building and the new Bloch Building addition.
As part of the overall renovation of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the lower level of the original building was renovated to provide administrative office space for the Museum's curatorial, human resources, and finance departments. The renovation fulfills a significant part of the Museum's Long-Term Master Plan to vacate leased office space and locate all employees on the Museum campus.
BNIM designed the Ford Learning Center as part of the overall renovation of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Funded through a $4.5 million grant from the Ford Motor Company, the Ford Learning Center fulfills the Museum's educational program needs for children, adults, families and urban-core youth agencies. It serves as the center of all the Museum's education and outreach programs.
The main entry plaza for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art features a reflecting pool with an installation entitled "One Sun/34 Moons" by Walter De Maria. The 450-car below-grade parking structure features a specially formed 'wave tee' ceiling — made of precast and rest-in-place concrete — with 37 lenses bringing filtered light down from the 160 by 140 foot pool above. The structure provides connections to the surrounding sculpture garden and to the Bloch Building addition, including an underground entry to the plaza courtyard.
The Henry W. and Marion H. Bloch Gallery of Art, an expansion to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, fuses architecture with landscape and features five striking glass "lenses" rising from the rolling terrain on the east side of the Museum. These lenses house gallery space that dots the landscape and allows diffuse light to enter the galleries below and respond to the undulating topography outside. The expansion is the first major addition to this cultural institution and Beaux-Arts style structure since it opened in 1933. It is considered a "feather" to the original museum's "stone."
Located on the axial intersection of the center of Union Station and Liberty Memorial in the center of Pershing Road, the fountain, engineered by WET Design of California, performs a series of kinetic sequences that range from ambient and quietly formal, to vibrant and playful, to grand and emblematic. The choreography can support the variety of functions of Union Station, from those occurring on a daily basis, to commemorative and state occasions.
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is counted among the finest performing arts venues in the world because of its superior acoustics, complex geometry and momentous spaces of exquisite design, detailing and construction. This facility was designed to produce near perfect acoustics, promising an exceptional experience for performers and audiences alike.
The Sustainability Report & Matrix was the BNIM design team's response to setting sustainability goals for a proposed headquarters for the David & Lucile Packard Foundation workplace in Los Altos, California— a 90,000 square foot office facility that would consolidate the client's staff and resources to one location.
The renovation to the General Services Administration's Bannister Federal Complex was centered on improving the working environment within a converted warehouse, and includes a new atrium and revitalized office space. The solutions transcend the typical work environment using sustainable design principles and Workplace 2020 initiatives to enhance the life of the users with light, color, space and inspiration.
The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston is one of Houston's premier teaching institutions for health-related professions. As such, it recognized its responsibility to take the lead in the creation of an environment that speaks to living health-centered lives. This facility was designed with a focus on creating a benchmark for pedagogy. Goals of increased air quality, increased natural daylighting, reduction of polluting emissions and run-off, and increased user satisfaction and productivity were achieved using the LEED rating system as a platform.
BNIM designed an office building for the Ash Grove Cement Company that reinforces and enhances their working environment with an economical, yet well designed solution. The facility houses administrative functions, as well as a materials and construction research laboratory component on the main floor. To tie into the Ash Grove's business, the building was constructed with a prominent and creative use of concrete in both the post-tensioned concrete frame and precast skin systems.
D.J. Johnson recently joined BNIM as an Urban Designer and Planner with a passion for sustainability and community revitalization. Through his professional experience in Urban Planning and Real Estate Consulting, D.J. provides a deep knowledge of urban planning in his role at BNIM, seamlessly planning, leading, and directing initiatives that enhance urban environments.
Christian Truscinski is an Associate in BNIM's Des Moines studio. Christian is recognized as a thoughtful designer who is fully engaged and passionate about the dialog of design. Since joining BNIM, he has made significant contributions to BNIM's work on the Des Moines International Airport Terminal. He is recognized by colleagues and collaborators for the value, design acumen and resolution that he brings to his project teams.
Tyler Jessen is an experienced architect and Associate in BNIM's Des Moines office. In his time with BNIM, Tyler has demonstrated strong alignment with the ideals and goals of BNIM. He has a passion for great design and provides the technical and leadership skills to bring it to life. Tyler approaches his work and any challenges with grace, determination, resilience, and leadership. Tyler also serves as an excellent mentor for his colleagues at BNIM, approachable and generous with his time and knowledge.
Amy Dishman is NCIDQ certified, a LEED Accredited Professional, and BNIM's latest LFA professional, with over 15 years design experience in education, residential, commercial, healthcare, corporate, governmental and civic projects. She is known for her passion for sustainable and active design and believes in promoting health and well-being through the interaction between the natural and built environments.
Jackson den Herder is an architect and Associate in BNIM's Des Moines studio who is located remotely out of North Carolina. He brings 12 years of experience in the profession to his role and has set a high standard for collaboration and communication within design teams. He leads by example, driving the design forward, advising on progress, and consistently delivering on his commitments on complex and high-profile projects. In his time at BNIM, he has held a significant role in the office renovation for MidAmerican Energy Company and the Des Moines International Airport Terminal.
Hannah Gray is a designer in BNIM’s Kansas City office who joined the firm following her studies at the University of Arkansas where she completed her Bachelor of Architecture with a focus on Sustainability and History of Architecture and Design.
Jamie Intervalo brings over 15 years of experience in the San Diego area to her role as Pacific Studio Director at BNIM. Jamie’s portfolio encompasses a variety of project types including specialization in design for higher education, commercial, workplace, and multi-family residential clients. As an experienced project manager and architect, she is focused on implementing an integrated design approach to ensure design concepts are supported in every space and detail.
David Amstutz is an interior architect in BNIM’s Kansas City office. David is fascinated by how things work, how components come together, and inspired by how the resulting products and built environments shape the people that interact with them and the ecosystems they inhabit. He searches for innovative solutions that foster growth from limited resources and bring hope and joy to every story. At BNIM, David has served as an integral team member for the renovation of Reconciliation Services at 31st and Troost in Kansas City, MO.
Carleigh Pope is a designer in BNIM’s Washington D.C. studio. Following her studies at Kansas State University where she completed her Master of Architecture, Carleigh has contributed to several significant projects at BNIM, including the Adaptive Reuse and Redevelopment of Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA, and the addition and renovation to Blunt Hall, a research and lab science building at the heart of Missouri State University campus. Carleigh embraces BNIM’s core purpose and values the opportunity to advocate for people and enhance the human condition through the projects she works on.
Kate Kovarik is an Associate and Business Development Manager at BNIM. In this role, Kate works collaboratively with studios across the firm to lead and support initiatives in business development, thought leadership, and strategic communications. With her background and passion in writing and communication, she helps share the stories of human-purposed, sustainable, and thoughtful design at BNIM.
David perceived design through the perspective that interiors and architecture are mutually inclusive and intertwined. Through his understanding of that relationship, David transformed the way BNIM approached spaces and materials, both technically and artistically. His leadership was instrumental in progressing BNIM's efforts to design a new generation of healthy, sustainable workplace environments that promote indoor air quality, flexibility, longevity, economic benefit, and user wellbeing.
MJ Johnson is an Associate in BNIM's Des Moines office. MJ seamlessly translates project design into documentation with an adept understanding of technical precision. She is a highly sought-after and invaluable team member, resource, and mentor within the firm. MJ's experience at BNIM includes a variety of significant projects, including the adaptive reuse of historic Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA, Iowa State University's Ivy College of Business Gerdin Building Expansion, and repurposing of the historic Des Moines Union Depot into the Des Moines Heritage Center.
Matthew is a project designer and Associate in BNIM’s Kansas City office. Committed to design excellence, he has established himself as a strong design leader within BNIM through finding elegant solutions from within complex project constraints. Interested in the overlap between people and culture, Matthew brings a foundation of rigorous design exploration to each project that has been formed through multi-disciplinary project experience including civic, cultural, higher-education, mixed-use, office, transit, and master planning.
Jamie Kluesner is an Associate at BNIM with over 15 years of experience in executive assistance and office administration. As Executive Assistant and Studio Coordinator at BNIM, Jamie manages numerous tasks and processes to ensure our practice runs more smoothly and effectively. Jamie fundamentally understands the importance of BNIM's culture and advances core values through her many contributions, providing invaluable support for BNIM's projects, studios, and firm leadership.
Katie is a Principal in BNIM’s Kansas City office. She works collaboratively with owner representatives, design consultants, and colleagues to lead design processes that transform a diverse range of learning and social environments. Katie enjoys developing a deep contextual understanding of each project’s opportunities, focusing on performance, systems thinking and an integrative approach to design to create a collective vision for transformative project outcomes. Her recent project leadership includes the Dr. E.J.
Mark Neibling is a licensed project architect in BNIM’s Kansas City office. He is an award-winning designer with a wide range of project experience including civic, higher-education, and mixed-use projects. Mark has a scientific and detail-orientated way of thinking that is evident in his communications with clients. As a result, he consistently earns their trust and confidence in his abilities to lead their projects effectively and achieve their vision of success. Mark earned his Master of Architecture from Kansas State University.
Joyce Raybuck is a Principal at BNIM with over 15 years of professional experience. Her background includes extensive national and international experience on innovative projects in higher education, embassy design, office and urban development. Joyce is interested in the relationship of quantitative performance and its qualitative manifestation in architecture. She sees research, analysis, and testing as crucial to questioning each facet of a design and its implementation.
Ryan McCabe, AIA, is an Associate at BNIM, located out of Washington D.C. Ryan has a passion for design and excels in translating complex programmatic challenges into simple design solutions. Recently, Ryan has contributed to the expansion of the United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda; the West Bottoms Flats; Third and Grand; Westport High School Master Plan; and the adaptive reuse of the former Lryic Theatre into the Kirk Family YMCA. Prior to joining BNIM, Ryan worked on a number of K-12, higher education, and corporate office projects in the Kansas City and Lawrence areas.
Laura combines a rare blend of attributes that lends a spirit of collaboration and stewardship to her work. She enjoys the exploration and discovery of the unique characteristics of each project and is dedicated to pursuing the highest levels of sustainability to build truly thriving communities. Laura led the design team efforts on the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Anita B.
April Darbyshire is a designer at the BNIM Kansas City office. April’s leadership style, integrated approach to design excellence, and generosity in her mentorship contribute greatly to BNIM’s core values as a practice. April’s work includes Johnson County Community College Career and Technical Education Center and Fine Arts and Design Studios, Westport Commons, the Center for Connected Learning at Moffitt Library for UC Berkeley, and multiple projects for the Thunder Valley Master Plan.
Liz Sears is an Associate at BNIM specialized in human resources. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Denver. She previously worked in not-for-profit management and was the Marketing Coordinator for a publishing company that specialized in onsite convention materials for professional organization and trade associations. Her passion is using her administrative skills as a site coordinator for Angel Tree’s Christmas program, providing a connection between inmates and their children during the holiday season.
Over the past 25+ years, Janell has played an integral role in a wide variety of highly successful projects for universities, workplaces, governmental entities, performing arts centers, and community spaces. Her experience includes the Lewis Center for the Performing Arts at Princeton University; the new REACH expansion at the John F.
James Baker supports BNIM’s Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning studio, along with various other projects, as an Administrative Assistant. A graduate of the University of Kansas’s African American Studies program, James is interested in the effect of urban planning, development, architecture and design on immigrant communities and communities of color. He is also interested in the integration of research into BNIM’s practice. James previously worked with the Shawnee Mission School District as a Spanish interpreter and with the Kansas City Public Library as a research and writing intern.
Dan Johnson is an Associate at BNIM, located out of Oklahoma City, OK. Since joining BNIM in 2016, Dan has become a key contributor to the culture and work of BNIM and is recognized for his strong leadership as a Project Architect.
Tina is unique in the broad expanse of her abilities to lead and contribute. While focused on her leadership in architectural interiors, Tina is a trusted contributor and collaborator on all aspects of our built environment projects. Known by peers and clients as a reliable, creative, and resourceful leader, Tina is called upon by many of BNIM’s studios to contribute her knowledge and skills. Clients recognize Tina’s professionalism, thoroughness, and attention to detail all while maintaining an optimistic attitude inside and outside of the office.
Andrew is an Associate in BNIM’s Kansas City office and is an Iowa State University graduate from Northeastern Iowa. As an architect, he has years of experience on acoustically and visually sensitive spaces, including recital halls, recording studios, and museum galleries. Andrew has played a significant role in the design, documentation, and implementation of numerous projects, including the University of Missouri School of Music, the John F.
Josh Harrold is a Principal at BNIM with nearly two decades of experience creating a body of work that has received regional and national awards. Josh is focused on the intersections of architecture, landscape, interiors, objects, and technologies, with a mission to improve the relationship between people’s needs, desires, and capacities in the built environment. Josh is an ideas based architect who operates between the duality of equaled and bound excitement and focus, idealism and pragmatism, physical and metaphysical.
Paul Waters is an IS Systems Administrator at BNIM. To this role he brings extensive experience in systems administration, networks and technical support. Prior to joining BNIM, he was the IT Manager for Garsite, a global provider of aviation refueling equipment. His past work experience includes a broad range of industries including technology, education, and manufacturing. Paul has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from DeVry Institute of Technology and a Masters of Information Systems from the University of Phoenix.
Maria Maffry leads business development, strategic planning, and business oversight at BNIM. In part due to Maria’s guidance, BNIM has established a reputation for design excellence, sustainable practices, and thought leadership while becoming an international practice. She is a visionary leader who leads from her core personal values and sees no limit to what is possible. Throughout her career, Maria has advocated for the next generation of leaders by inspiring them to actively participate and contribute their talents.
Jeff Shaffer is an Associate Principal in BNIM’s Des Moines office and serves as a leader and advocate for design excellence across OneBNIM. His impacts are exemplified in the leadership roles he demonstrated on projects such as the Pacific Center Campus Development in San Diego, CA; BNIM’s Studio North offices, which received the AIA National Interior Honor Award under his guidance; and the MCC Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology. His experience in a variety of project types for both private and public clients has allowed him to work effectively within a complex team environment.
Hans Nettelblad brings over three decades of experience in the architectural profession with in-depth involvement across the entire range of project design, from concept through construction. Hans has has provided unparalleled leadership and direction on complex, large-scale projects at BNIM, advocating for sustainable and human-purposed design solutions. His work aims to improve performance and provide healthier living, working, and learning environments for users.
Sam De Jong is an Associate Principal in BNIM’s Kansas City office. He is passionate about design for social impact with the belief that architecture of high quality and innovation is created by disparate minds coming together. Sam’s extensive experience at BNIM bridges numerous project types and scales, from higher education projects with University of Missouri and Rockhurst University, to housing, nonprofit, religious, urban design and planning, and diplomatic work with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations.
Jason Kruse is an Associate Principal in BNIM's Des Moines office. Jason's experience includes a collaborative background centered on sustainable design and technologies.
Levi is unquestionably recognized within the firm for his relentless pursuit of BNIM’s core values. He has a deep knowledge of design excellence related to architecture and visual arts, and he is often sought as a resource for constructive dialogue and direction based on historical and theoretical design awareness. He has led the conceptualization of numerous projects varying in size and scope, including serving as a critical design resource and leader for the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art.
Carey Nagle is a Principal in BNIM's Des Moines office. Carey is proven leader in the realm of high-performance design excellence. His leadership, characterized by humility, integrity, and dedication to delivering the best possible design outcomes, has transformed architectural practice at BNIM and across the U.S. He is a holistic practitioner with a broad range of notable project experience consisting of museums and cultural facilities, higher education projects, office buildings, adaptive reuse and modernist preservation.
Adam Wiechman is a member of BNIM's nationally recognized Landscape and Planning studio. A proven self starter and valued team member, Adam contributes excellent problem solving and analytical design skills to his projects and the team. Adam has participated in a variety of higher education, parks, civic, and corporate campus projects.
While serving as Director of Practice at BNIM, Casey furthered thought leadership within BNIM and the industry. A leader in his firm—and local and professional communities—his efforts influenced the creation of new methodologies and industry tools that deliver solutions to address the challenges of the modern practice.
Beena Ramaswami is a skilled communication designer with a penchant for technology. In her role at BNIM, Beena conceptualizes, designs and develops identity and branding systems, collateral, publication design and BNIM's website. Her work includes the design of environmental graphics and publication design on BNIM projects.
Jeremy Kahm is a Project Manager and Project Architect based in BNIM's Kansas City office. Jeremy's experience includes a key role on a variety of building types and project sizes, including both renovation and new construction. Recent projects include a comprehensive, multi-phase renewal of the Georgia Tech Library in Atlanta, the new School of Business at Marquette University in Milwaukee, a hands-on career training center for Metropolitan Community College in Independence, MO, and the West Bottoms Flats Apartments in Kansas City.
Sarah Murphy is an integral team member and Associate in BNIM’s Kansas City office. She consistently exhibits leadership qualities and is highly regarded as a passionate, caring, thoughtful designer at BNIM.
Dana Sorensen is an Associate Principal in BNIM's Des Moines office. In this role, he is committed to achieving design excellence through rigorous attention to detail. Dana serves as leader within the firm and has held his key roles in projects such as the University of Iowa Visual Arts Building, Lutheran Church of Hope Ankeny, the Des Moines Heritage Trust project, the Iowa State University Gerdin Business Building expansion for the Ivy College of Business, and the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art.
Elvis Achelpohl is an Associate in BNIM’s Kansas City office who demonstrates significant leadership through his projects and firm contributions as well as through his involvement in academia and with the artist community. To all of his efforts, Elvis brings a truly unique voice and perspective that are tied directly to his passion for the arts. He has served as a key team member on a number of important projects, including the Princeton University Lewis Center for the Arts, the REACH Expansion at the John F.
Alyssa Parsons is an Associate Principal and a designer of outstanding talent who has contributed to some of BNIM’s most complex and notable projects, including the LEED Gold certified Pacific Center Campus Development in San Diego, MSU Blunt Hall Renovation and Addition, and the transformation of Westport Commons. Her passion and commitment extend beyond the boundaries of architecture. She is actively involved in several initiatives that are focused on realizing the full potential of Kansas City’s urban core. Alyssa earned a Masters in Architecture from Kansas State University.
Ruthie Harrison is an experienced Human Resources Manager whose prior work experience includes both non-profit and corporate organizations. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kansas and a Master of Science in Management from Baker University. She serves on the Board for the RevoCup Foundation and is an active volunteer in refugee resettlement and immigration services in her local community.
Dev Malik serves as BNIM's Chief Operating Officer and oversees overarching firm management. His business acumen and architectural training play a key role in moving High Performance Integrated Design to higher levels at BNIM. He is particularly knowledgeable regarding information and design technology, in which capacity he establishes and implements information technology strategy to maintain BNIM's commitment to leadership and pioneering methods of empowering technology in sustainable design.
Greg Sheldon is a Principal in BNIM’s Kansas City office. His professional experience on numerous complex projects, his contemplative design process and his boundless passion for the built environment have contributed to his reputation, in Kansas City and nationally, as a highly proficient and respected architect.
Kevin Nordmeyer brings more than 30 years of highly relevant leadership and design experience to the profession. He has served as a pioneer in sustainable and inclusive design in Iowa, leading the creation of Iowa’s first sustainable buildings in the mid-1990’s along with receiving Iowa’s first National AIA Top Ten Green Buildings award in 2002.
Rod Kruse is recognized nationally for creating client focused solutions that demonstrate the responsible use of natural and financial resources, enhance client performance and are recognized for design excellence. Rod’s body of work includes a diverse variety of project types for private and public sector clients. His portfolio includes more than 110 Higher Education projects and studies on 14 campuses, corporate office and research facilities, parking structures, cultural facilities and private residences.
Craig Scranton is a Principal at BNIM who has led some of the firm’s most complex projects. He is adept at working with large design and management teams, and continuously leads teams to create projects that elevate design beyond what clients and building users think is possible. His previous work laid the foundation in assisting the architectural and construction industries in understanding how sustainable design can impact the environment and business costs throughout the life of a building. Craig directs BNIM’s Development practice area.
Tom Nelson is a founding principal of BNIM. In this role and in his personal time, Tom has continuously been involved in civic affairs, particularly those affecting the physical shape of Kansas City. Tom’s commitment to his city is validated by the wide variety of professional and civic activities he has led among peers and urban planners.
John brings a depth of professional architectural experience to his role as a Project Architect on many projects at BNIM. He has been responsible for all project aspects, from programming and design to production and implementation and construction administration. His ability to analyze and resolve complex issues makes him an indispensable member of the team.
Jonathan Ramsey is a Principal and experienced design leader at BNIM. He is a trusted advisor to clients and collaborators and approaches each of his projects with a goal of high-performing, integrated design. Jonathan has led many notable BNIM projects, including serving as Project Director of a new addition to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School and Project Manager for the MidAmerican Energy Corporate Office and Conference Center transformation in Des Moines, IA, and the Psychological and Brain Sciences Building at the University of Iowa.
Jeremy Knoll, LEED Fellow, AIA, SEED, EcoDistricts AP, is an Associate Principal and BNIM's Director of Sustainable and Regenerative Design. Jeremy guides project teams across BNIM to create positive impacts for human and building performance, develops new research and industry resources, and empowers staff, clients, and communities to take daily climate action. He has served as an integral design team member on numerous projects at BNIM, leading sustainability, building performance, and green building rating systems.
Rachel has been with BNIM since 2006. She graduated in 2001 from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. As an Executive Assistant, her knowledge of the practice and legacy of BNIM informs her role as the Executive Assistant to Steve McDowell.
Doug Stevens leads challenging projects with unwavering enthusiasm for excellence in design and client service. An exceptional project leader, Doug ensures that he and his project teams follow through to the finest details of quality and organization. His extensive experience with projects of varying scopes and sizes--especially large, government, commercial, mixed-use and corporate projects--includes a commanding knowledge of development, land planning, organization needs, space planning, adaptive re-use and design. He is the Program Manager for BNIM’s multi-year contract with the U. S.
Any list of accomplished, influential environmentalists and preservationists includes Bob Berkebile. Highly regarded by fellow professionals, Bob focuses on improving the quality of life in our society with the integrity and spirit of his firm’s work. In 2009, Bob received a Heinz Award from Theresa Heinz and the Heinz Family Foundation for his role in promoting green building design and for his commitment and action towards restoring social, economic and environmental vitality to America’s communities through sustainable architecture and planning.
James Pfeiffer is a Principal in BNIM's Kansas City office. He is an award-winning designer and creative collaborator whose core strengths are centered around design, culture, and people. Adept at many roles in all phases of design, he is a rare designer who moves seamlessly through all phases, grasping the rigor and innovation of strong concept development to the precision required in construction documentation and administration. James has developed numerous projects that have set new standards in human purposed design.
Sarah Hirsch is an Associate Principal and BNIM's Director of Technical Services. Sarah directs the firm's technical processes and works with design teams and individuals across BNIM to advance building information modeling, quality assurance, project management, and sustainability. Sarah has contributed to a wide variety of project types with a diverse range of clients including governmental, cultural, corporate, institutional, retail, and residential.
Steve McDowell is an innovator, and his workplace is a laboratory for exploring ideas related to site, environment and technical investigation. He believes in a lively exchange of thoughts to stimulate exploration and sustain innovation. Steve maintains that good design is about people–their health, productivity and lifting the human spirit through design. His work is setting new standards in high performance design with projects such as The Omega Center for Sustainable Living in Rhinebeck, NY; the Pacific Center Campus Development in San Diego, CA; and the Henry W.
Jon is recognized by clients and peers as an experienced project leader with steadfast focus on project management, design excellence, and client service. Since joining the firm in 2011, Jon has continued to serve projects in BNIM’s Des Moines office, including leading construction administration for the University of Iowa Visual Arts Building and leading the design, production, and construction administration efforts for the University of Iowa Psychology project. Concurrent with project management duties with clients, he also contributes to the coordination of project staffing.
Kayla Berkson, AIA is an architect in the Des Moines studio. During her 11 years with BNIM, she has played an integral role in several projects, including: University of Iowa Visual Arts Building, American Enterprise Group Corporate Headquarters Renovation, the Lutheran Church of Hope Johnston Grimes, and most recently, the redevelopment of Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA. Kayla is passionate about good design and its positive impact on the human experience and the environment. She enjoys working collaboratively with clients, consultants, and colleagues to achieve th
Since joining BNIM 18 years ago, Shelley has become a critical part of the firm’s day-to-day operations. In recent years, particularly since the relocation of the Kansas City office to Crown Center, Shelley has assumed ownership of BNIM’s facilities management, becoming the go-to person for all office and facility-related matters. With confidence and resourcefulness – and always with a smile – Shelley tackles the many challenges that come with keeping the BNIM office space running smoothly.
The United Way of Greater Kansas City was at the end of their lease at their current office location and envisioned a workplace that would better align with their brand and mission while leveraging space in the Plaza Colonnade building. The Kansas City Public Library serves as a resource for many of United Way’s everyday clients, and the proximity of this new office space provides easier access to United Way’s services for these individuals.
BNIM Architects, together with local developers Copaken, White & Blitt, was selected to create a plan for a compact, mixed use development for the City of Lenexa, Kansas that fulfils the community's vision for a new City Center.
BNIM collaborated with Linda Segebrect, Executive Director, and Terry Chase of Chase Studios to create unique learning experiences at Earthworks for visiting groups of fourth grade students. These educational experiences are anchored at the intersection of the two very important ecotones that create Kansas City’s environment, the Ozark woodland and the Tallgrass prairie. BNIM created spaces to host activities related to the five different ecosystems: soil, prairie, pond, cave, and forest. Each ecosystem is connected to the next by a sinuous wooden walkway.
Building on the design principles and vision of the Springfield Art Museum master plan, BNIM is continuing its partnership with the Museum to design and construct its future. Since BNIM developed the master plan in 2018, the landscape for the arts has evolved significantly, particularly in response to the global pandemic. BNIM is working closely with the Springfield Art Museum to reaffirm the fundamental principles of the original master plan while making strategic adjustments to meet the Museum’s 100-year vision for the future.
Kansas City, Missouri Transit-Oriented Development Policy identifies the critical elements of a successful TOD and provides a concise program of initiatives to implement TOD in Kansas City. Several City agencies and departments have existing plans and policies that partially address TOD-related strategies. This TOD Policy will organize these efforts into a cohesive and comprehensive approach that supports the City’s efforts to create walkable, vibrant communities centered on transit.
The South Loop project is part of the reimagining of the I-670 corridor to create an enhanced, green mobility hub within Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, that emphasizes multimodal transportation including enhanced vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections; regional job access; green and healthy living spaces; private development; and climate responsiveness. BNIM is part of a multidisciplinary team with HNTB and OJB, contributing to this future-focused initiative for Kansas City.
BNIM is working with Grace Presbyterian Church of Water Mill, NY, to complete visioning, programming, and concept design for a future renovation and addition of their existing facilities. Grace Presbyterian is a congregation on the East End of Long Island, which held its first service in 2007 at their current location. Since this time, the congregation has grown and is in need of an updated space to serve their community into the future.
New site delivers vision that addresses shared community and team goals KANSAS CITY, MO (August 26th, 2024) — When the Kansas City Royals won the World Series in 2015, the city celebrated at Union Station and Washington Square Park. Since then, the location has hosted multiple Super Bowl celebrations and was the shining star of the NFL Draft. With its magical connection to victories, a group of Downtown Business owners envision an even greater civic win: a downtown home for the Royals.
Architizer recently released their first annual 100 Best Architecture and Design Firms in the United States. BNIM is excited to announce that our practice is among this list of top-ranked firms, recognized as 45th in the U.S. The publication's 100 Best Architecture and Design Firms in the United States features firms that have been honored as A+ Award recipients and finalists, have a strong presence of projects on Architizer, and have been selected as "Project of the Day" or "Featured Projects." Check out the full list of Architizer's 100 Best Architecture and Design Firms here.
River to River, hosted by Ben Kieffer of Iowa Public Radio, featured conversation on The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement and its new home of the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center at Drake University, a model for universal and inclusive design.
Reconciliation Services (RS) and Thelma’s Kitchen, hosted a celebratory grand re-opening to the community this July at the corner of 31st and Troost Avenue in Kansas City, MO.BNIM began our work with RS with a design charrette in 2012, followed by community visioning workshops and a master planning process in 2016. This work led to BNIM's collaboration with RS on the transformative renovation and stabilization of the organization’s 115-year-old building, representing a reinvestment by RS in its programs, neighborhood, and history.
LifeServe Blood Center Headquarters celebrated its grand opening in the community of Johnston, IA, this July. The new LifeServe Blood Center Headquarters supports critical and life-saving work of the organization which serves over 170 hospitals across the region. LifeServe collaborated with BNIM to envision and design a facility that would provide a healthy, supportive, functional headquarters office space for the organization’s employees while establishing a welcoming community presence in Johnston that encourages and raises awareness for blood donation.
BNIM is proud to announce that O'Brien Hall at Marquette University is one of 20 projects that was recently honored at the City of Milwaukee's 27th Annual Mayor's Design Awards. This awards program recognizes exceptional design and development projects that positively contribute to Milwaukee’s urban environment.
The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art has been recognized among leading international design projects with a 2024 Green GOOD DESIGN Award from The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. The Green GOOD DESIGN Award recognizes architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, product, packaging, and graphic design projects that are outstanding examples of Green Design and advancing a sustainable environment worldwide.
'In Missouri, the Springfield Art Museum is slated for a major renovation and expansion by BNIM. The Kansas City office is working on a design scheme that sets out to modernize the existing 51,000-square-foot building in the Ozarks.
A new book by ORO, "Creating the Regenerative School" highlights the latest research and exemplary case studies that demonstrate how to design healthy, resilient, and restorative learning environments for students from early childhood education through 12th grade. BNIM's Asilong Christian High School in Pokot, Kenya along with other stellar schools from around the world is featured as part of this book by Alan Ford, Kate Mraw, and Betsy del Monte.
The Zhou B Art Center recently celebrated its grand opening on June 1, in Kansas City, MO, introducing a vibrant new arts center that establishes an anchor at the east end of Kansas City’s 18th Street Cultural Corridor, linking the Crossroads Arts District to the Historic Jazz District. The project involved the transformative renovation and stabilization of the nationally-listed historic Crispus Attucks School, a formerly segregated school for African American students in Kansas City in the mid 20th century.
Dr. E.J. and Margaret O’Brien Hall at Marquette University showcases the ways in which relationship building between people, disciplines, space types, and contexts advances design to achieve human-purposed, inclusive outcomes for the College of Business.
DES MOINES, IA (June 10, 2024) —BNIM is honored to announce that The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center is the recipient of an American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment (AIA COTE) Top Ten Award for 2024. The project serves as a new workplace, research space, and center for engagement for The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center was recognized with the COTE Top Ten Award at AIA National Conference on Architecture & Design Awards Gala in Washington D.C. on June 7.
The Kansas City International (KCI) Airport Parking Garage and the Kirk Family YMCA were recently honored with an Award in Architecture and Award in Historic Resources from the Washington D.C. Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The projects will be honored at AIA DC's award ceremony and featured in DC Architecture Magazine this fall.
BNIM Principal Joyce Raybuck presented at the USGBC Impact Conference in Minneapolis, MN, on "Empowering Change: Lessons in Climate Advocacy and Policy." The presentation addressed the political challenges U.S. cities face in achieving rapid decarbonization and a Just Transition.
As sustainable building materials gain popularity, mass timber construction is emerging as a key player in the industry. To explore the opportunities and challenges presented by mass timber in the Midwest, Kansas City Business Journal hosted a panel discussion titled "Timber Talks: Exploring the Environmental, Economic, and Aesthetic Impacts of Mass Timber Construction in the Midwest.' Two BNIM Associate Principals Sam De Jong and Jeremy Knoll provided valuable perspectives on the environmental benefits, economic feasibility, and aesthetic possibilities of mass t
On May 1st, the Kansas City International (KCI) Airport Garage was honored with a Judges’ Special Recognition Award at the Kansas City Business Journal (KCBJ) 2024 Capstone Awards. The KCBJ Capstone Awards “honor the top real estate and development projects in the Kansas City area,” and this year’s program recognized 26 projects across the metro.
Campus spaces are being used by students and faculty in unanticipated ways, and building flexibility is being put to the test in meeting the evolving needs of colleges and universities today. Marquette University’s O’Brien Hall, home to the College of Business, Graduate School of Management, and innovation leadership programs, serves as a case study for campus facilities in navigating needs for surprising space use and striking a balance between purpose-built and long-life, loose-fit design for the future.
BNIM was honored to have received two award recognitions at the 2024 AIA Central Oklahoma Design Awards Celebration on Friday night in Oklahoma City, OK! The jury was led by Brad Tomecek of Tomecek Studio. He was joined by Renée del Gaudio of Renée del Gaudio Architecture and Rebekah Wagoner of Gensler.
DES MOINES, IA (March 4, 2024) —BNIM is thrilled to announce Carey Nagle and Kevin Nordmeyer have been elevated to The College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). Nagle and Nordmeyer are Principals in BNIM’s Des Moines studio whose synergistic strengths, exemplary leadership, and holistic approach to design excellence elevate BNIM’s core purpose and advance the profession. Nagle and Nordmeyer are among 98 architects elevated to Fellow, the highest AIA membership honor, for their significant contributions to architecture and society.
James Pfeiffer, BNIM Principal, is a guest speaker at the 2024 Sarasota Design Conference presented by AIA Florida Gulf Coast March 1 - 2. This year’s conference features the theme of “Perspectives,” and focuses on the role of architects as agents of change in designing and proposing new paradigms. The conference brings together design practitioners who work at a range of scales and each provide a unique and holistic approach to architecture and design.
BNIM proudly announces Jonathan Ramsey, AIA as a newly appointed Director for the AIA Iowa Board. Ramsey’s term started at the beginning of 2024 and will conclude December 31st, 2026.
Our thoughts are with Marsha Maytum’s loved ones and our friends at Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects this week as we remember and honor Marsha, her positive impact, and her tremendous legacy as a design practitioner and change-maker. Marsha moved the needle in our profession, redefining design excellence through her persistent pursuit of climate action, social justice, and practice with purpose. BNIM is proud to be part of a cohort of architects like Marsha Maytum, FAIA, who are deeply committed to the role we hold as architects and designers in our collective future.
Craig Scranton, AIA, LEED AP, BNIM Principal, has led significant placemaking and development initiatives across the Kansas City area. In addition to his work with BNIM, Craig is actively involved with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Kansas City chapter. ULI’s mission is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. Craig has served as a co-chair of ULI’s Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) for Downtown Shawnee, Kansas, and Barney Allis Plaza in Kansas City, MO.
Jamie Intervalo, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C, Studio Director of BNIM’s San Diego Studio, recently started her term as 2024 AIA San Diego President. In her Message from the President, Jamie shared her reflections and goals for the chapter in its 96th year:
BNIM proudly announces the appointment of new Principal, Joyce Raybuck to the esteemed Committee on the Environment Leadership Group by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Raybuck's term, starting in January 2024 and concluding on December 31, 2025, underscores her commitment to advance climate action and climate justice by working towards multi-scalar decarbonization for a regenerative future. "I strongly believe in the transformative power of design and our profession’s responsibility for climate action.
WASHINGTON, DC (January 19, 2024) — BNIM has established a new office in Washington D.C. to expand project initiatives and strengthen the firm’s local presence on the East Coast. Ryan McCabe, AIA, and Carleigh Pope, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, are leading the firm’s studio expansion in the D.C. area to bring high-performance, human-purposed design to the Mid-Atlantic Region.
BNIM was featured in Bloomberg CityLab. The article discussed our recent transition to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) in October, emphasizing insights from principals Laura Lesniewski and James Pfeiffer on client feedback, the impact on project design, and recruitment efforts. James Pfeiffer comments on how the ESOP discussion started, “We have this phrase that no one knows as much as everyone. We use it almost every day. It really is one of our core values. The transition and how it’s come about has been a natural evolution of our ethos.”
AIA celebrated Kimberly Dowdell’s inauguration as AIA’s 100th President this past December at the annual Governance Week. As the incoming 2024 President, Kimberly will be succeeding Emily Grandstaff-Rice and preceding Evelyn Lee. This is the first time that the AIA will have three consecutive women architects at the helm. Along with Lakisha Ann Woods CAE in the EVP/CEO position, it will also be the first time the AIA will have two Black women leading its organization.
BNIM is excited to announce the advancement of seven new Associate Principals and nine new Associates across the firm’s studios.
KANSAS CITY, MO (Dec. 11, 2023) — BNIM announces the advancement of four new Principals including Hans Nettelblad, AIA LEED AP, Joyce Raybuck, AIA, LEED AP, Josh Harrold, AIA, and Katie Nichols, AIA LEED AP. BNIM recognizes these four architects for their significant work as design leaders, mentors, innovators, and collaborators, strengthening the firm’s collective capacity as a practice to design and deliver beautiful, integrated environments to inspire change and enhance the human condition.
Three of BNIM’s received Honor Awards at the 2023 Kansas City Design Excellence Awards Celebration. The jury included Wendell Burnette, FAIA, Diana Jacobs, FAIA, and Eddie Jones, FAIA. The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art - Project of the Year, AIA KC Honor Award in Architecture (Large)
Metropolitan Community College Blue River East and the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art are honored with The American Architecture Award for 2023 from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. The American Architectural Awards® is one the nation’s highest and most prestigious public arts, culture, and educational awards programs that honors new and cutting-edge design in the United States.
BNIM is proud to announce the firm is now an employee-owned design company. BNIM transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and Trust in October 2023. The firm invests in a shared future by placing ownership in employees’ hands, strengthening a collective commitment to design excellence, leadership, and alignment with BNIM's core purpose and values.
Celebrate 30+ years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with The Harkin Institute . Join in conversations with former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin and Ruth Harkin during part one and Kevin Nordmeyer and Jason Kruse in part 2 on the MillerKnoll Podcast. In S3, E9: Advocating for Inclusion, Tom and Ruth discuss the ADA's history of impact and their commitment to inclusivity for the future. In S3, E10: Designing for Progress, Kevin and Jason talk about the design of the facility and their process of creating it.
Vesterheim Commons, an impactful new addition to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, IA, recently celebrated its grand opening. The project is featured in number of national publications including Dezeen, Aruitectura Viva, and Archinect.
KANSAS CITY, MO (Oct. 18, 2023) — BNIM announces Sarah Hirsch as Director of Technical Services. Sarah Hirsch, LEED AP BD+C RA CSI CCS, is an Associate Principal at BNIM who has held an integral role in developing and streamlining BNIM’s processes, embedding materials and systems knowledge within projects, and guiding multi-disciplinary teams across BNIM’s studios.
The Des Moines International Airport celebrated a groundbreaking collaboration with BNIM and HNTB for a visionary New Terminal Project on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023. The project aims to redefine the airport experience and welcome travelers through a new front door to Metropolitan Des Moines and Iowa. This 260,000 GSF development encompasses all major infrastructure for new check-in, baggage handling, concessions/retail, and security screening, ensuring a seamless and comfortable passenger experience.
BNIM was honored to receive three awards for design excellence at the 2023 AIA Kansas Design Excellence Awards in Manhattan, Kansas, in October. The jury included Steven Ehrlich, FAIA, Meryati Blackwell, AIA, Paul Mankins, FAIA, and Elizabeth Ranieri, AIA.
The Dr. E.J. and Margaret O’Brien Hall at Marquette University showcases the ways in which relationship building between people, disciplines, space types, and contexts advances design to achieve human-purposed, inclusive outcomes for the College of Business. In this session at the 2023 SCUP North Central Conference in St.
The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art received three recognitions at the 2023 AIA Iowa Awards including one of two Honor Awards for Design Excellence, a Craft Award for Masonry, and a Masonry Institute of Iowa Grand Award.
As a practice, BNIM seeks to deliver beautiful, immersive and transformative experiences. We seek to create positive change; designing places for people to thrive and feel a sense of belonging. Through the lens of our work and process, BNIM Principal Carey Nagle demonstrates multiple scales of holistic resiliency and explores opportunities to design for a better future together at the 2023 AIA Louisiana Conference on Architecture in New Orleans on Friday, the 29th of September.
BNIM's Joyce Raybuck and Dana Sorensen will present an engaging session entitled "Cultivating Community Presence, Sustainability, and Inclusivity in Arts Education" at this year's AIA Nebraska '23 Conference on September 28, 2023 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Joyce and Dana will highlight key strategies for flexibility, sustainability, and human-centered spaces to support arts education, community presence, and inclusivity.
The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art was honored at the 2023 Awards Ceremony in Oklahoma City, OK, this September with a Central States Region Design Award.
The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art is featured on the cover of the Fall 2023 issue of Iowa Architect magazine. The Stanley Museum of Art is a 63,000 SF new cultural arts destination at the University of Iowa that returns a dedicated art museum presence to campus following flooding of the original university art museum in 2008.
On Thursday, September 7th, from 2:00-3:00PM EST, Architectural Record will be hosting the webinar Creating Serene Sanctuaries, which will focus on exploring the therapeutic power of nature-inspired colors and materials in interior design. Participating in this webinar, BNIM Interior Designer Amy Dishman, IIDA, LEED AP, NCIDQ, LFA, will be present on The Practice of Placemaking. Amy will explore how BNIM has incorporated nature-inspired approaches to create a biophilic sense of place to help enhance human well-being. Learning Objectives:
Josh Harrold, Associate Principal at BNIM, recently authored a guest article for Society of College and University Planning (SCUP) magazine, Planning for Higher Education. In his article, “Regionalism, Ecology, and Field-Based Learning Partnerships Broaden Study Opportunities,” Josh highlights BNIM’s work with Missouri State University on the MSU Ozarks Education Center (OEC). The MSU OEC is an exemplary model for immersive outdoor education, field-based learning, and architectural regionalism.
Designing for Zero Carbon Volume 2: Case Studies of All-Electric Multifamily Residential Buildings by Edward Thomas Dean, FAIA, recently featured Ivy Senior Apartments in San Diego, CA. The publication provides insights on navigating space, cost, and design considerations in net-zero carbon multi-family housing. Emerging technologies ease construction and maintenance, while inclusive policies protect the most vulnerable from higher utility costs. Beyond environmental benefits, all-electric buildings enhance resilience, indoor air quality, and outdoor ambiance.
Dr. E.J. and Margaret O’Brien Hall at Marquette University is the new home for the University’s College of Business Administration. The state-of-the-art project is recognized by AIA Wisconsin with a 2023 Honor Award for Design Excellence. O’Brien Hall energizes the campus community as a student-centric destination for learning and innovation.
Amy Dishman, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, LFA, recently earned her Living Future Accreditation (LFA), a professional credential that recognizes proficiency in the most ambitious, advanced, and holistic regenerative design standards. As BNIM’s latest LFA professional, Amy will continue to advance BNIM’s commitment to sustainable and regenerative design and provide guidance in the firm’s future pursuit of Living Building Challenge Certified projects, such as BNIM’s work on the Omega Center for Sustainable Living.
Steve McDowell, BNIM Principal and CEO, is presenting on Designs For A Better World at the BioKansas Innovation Festival on August 3 at 11 a.m. in Crown Center of Kansas City, Missouri. The festival’s conference will focus on showcasing the region’s innovation ecosystem, including new technologies, advancements, and discoveries. Steve will present on BNIM’s approach to placemaking and creating high performance and human purposed environments through predicting and measuring project performance and behavior.
When historic flooding of the Iowa River impacted The University of Iowa campus in 2008, the University’s art museum was left without a permanent home on campus. In the following years, with the museum’s extensive collections holding temporary residence at neighboring and global art institutions, the museum continued work on academic initiatives and focused on cultivating its community presence.
Marquette University’s new Dr. E. J. and Margaret O’Brien Hall garnered significant recognition with two local awards: the 2023 Milwaukee Business Journal Real Estate Award and the 2023 Daily Reporter Top Project Award. The Milwaukee Business Journal Real Estate Awards, renowned for their focus on exceptional real estate deals and projects completed in 2022, presented the honor to O’Brien Hall at the 2023 Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 17. Judges considered numerous factors, placing a strong emphasis on community impact and project success.
John Hill, a writer at World-Architects, recently penned an article titled Architects, Self-Publishing, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing books within the field of architecture. In his piece, he highlighted the example of the book ALL alongside KPF's Design in Detail.
Equitable, Healthy, & Sustainable Synergies to Address the Housing Crisis
In a recent article featured in The Architect's Newspaper, BNIM Principal Carey Nagle shared key features and sustainable design elements of the new Stanley Museum of Art building at the University of Iowa. After the original museum suffered extensive damage from a flood over a decade ago, BNIM was entrusted with creating a resilient structure that would safeguard the Museum’s renowned art collection.
BNIM Associate April Trotter has been named one of the "20 to Know" in architecture by the Kansas City Business Journal. The Kansas City Business Journal's "20 to Know" series aims to showcase the depth and breadth of talent in the Kansas City area and provide a guide for those looking to expand their network. Rather than featuring people readers may already know, the series introduces new faces and highlights the contributions of those making a significant impact in their industry.
In the Spring 2023 Issue of USGBC+ Magazine, Jeremy Knoll is featured for his climate action efforts and initiatives as BNIM's Director of Sustainability and Regenerative Design, and President of Climate Action KC. The article delves into how LEED professionals, such as Jeremy, are collaborating with local organizations to promote environmental justice and encourage climate action within their communities.
The new BNIM mindful podcast is a space for collaborative dialogues and discovery where we explore design and its connection to climate, community, and human experience. In each podcast, team members from across BNIM and our network will be hosting mindful conversation and design thinking to talk through some of Architecture and Design’s complex and important topics.
The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center has been recognized among the leading international design projects that are moving our world toward a more sustainable future by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design 2023 GREEN GOOD DESIGN Awards program. The GREEN GOOD DESIGN Awards program honors projects globally that exhibit outstanding sustainable design and are compatible with the highest standards of good environment .
Sam Nordmeyer, an architectural designer at BNIM, was recently awarded an AIA Iowa Impact Award at this year’s Annual Spring Conference. The award recognizes architects, designers, and other collaborators on architectural projects that directly benefit social, humanitarian, community, or environmental causes. Sam received an honorable mention in the student work category for the College of Design Greenhouse project, completed while he was a student at Iowa State University and a collaborator with Whitehead Design Workshop.
The Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City Renovation project has been selected to receive a KCBJ Capstone Award at the 2023 Capstone Awards program on Thursday, April 13th. The project was recognized by the jury as one of the top real estate and developmental projects in the Kansas City area. This year's panel of judges honored a total of 26 projects, and the Habitat for Humanity of KC project was among them in the Adaptive Reuse category.
The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art was announced as a finalist and winner for the 2023 ICFF Interiors Awards in the Education category. The Interiors Awards and Designer of the Year Award program has held an integral role in the design field, celebrating outstanding interior design work across various industries for over four decades.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Diego Chapter has announced a significant change to its committee dedicated to promoting inclusivity, equity, and diversity within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professions. The Women in Architecture (WIA) committee has been renamed to the WE-in-Architecture (WE-A) committee to encourage more diverse participation and representation. By creating a more inclusive space, WE-A hopes to encourage progress and collaboration towards a more equitable future for all.
On Wednesday, March 15, from 1:00-2:00PM EST, BNIM Principal James Pfeiffer, and Johnson County Community College Dean of the Industrial Technology Division Richard Fort will present the educational session A Community College’s Perspective on Their Role in Future-Proofing Education in an upcoming SCUP Webinar focused on workforce development. This forward-thinking session explores workforce development as a driver for planning and design in community colleges, addressing the demographic cliff for future learners, utilizing metrics to understand long term projections around enrollment nee
KANSAS CITY, Mo (February 28, 2023) — The new Kansas City International (KCI) Airport Parking Garage officially opened to the public on Feb. 28, 2023. In a highly collaborative design-build partnership, BNIM and JE Dunn completed the new 2.5 million SF KCI Airport parking garage which accompanies the newly constructed single terminal, designed by Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill (SOM). Together, the two structures widen the horizon for the future of KCI Airport and represent the Kansas City region on a global scale.
The East End Transformation at Washington University in St. Louis is honored with the 2023 AIA Regional & Urban Design Award, one of the most significant urban planning awards presented by the American Institute of Architects. This honor recognizes projects that demonstrate the best in urban design, regional and city planning, and community development, "modeling architecture's promise and true value to communities." [AIA] BNIM Principal and CEO, Steve McDowell shares BNIM's experience working on the East End Transformation below:
DES MOINES, IA (February 14, 2023) — BNIM announces Jonathan Ramsey’s elevation to Principal. Jonathan Ramsey, AIA, LEED AP, is an experienced design leader and Studio Director of BNIM’s Des Moines studio who has been with the firm for over 15 years and provides nearly 25 years of experience and service within the architectural profession. As BNIM Principal, Jonathan is recognized for his exemplary leadership at BNIM across his project initiatives, the Des Moines studio, and the firm.
BNIM Principal, Carey Nagle, and Associate, Levi Robb, were interviewed by Architectural Products Magazine for their cover story on the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art. Carey and Levi shared details about the design and product decisions the team made for the materials, layout, and systems used in the building’s exterior and interior. “Letting the light into the building through the light-well was the driving force. We really saw that as the heartbeat of this facility.”
The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum was recently featured in The Architect’s Newspaper and Arch Daily for its unique design and connection to the surrounding landscape and community. This cultural institution in Decorah, Iowa, houses one of the largest collections of Norwegian-American artifacts. The campus includes several historic buildings built by Norwegian-American immigrants and facilities for the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School. The design will act as an impactful new entrance to the Vesterheim campus of historic buildings and activities.
The Keeler Court Apartments were recently featured in Architect’s Newspaper. Located in San Diego county, this project provides affordable housing for San Diegans whose income is between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income. Seven of the units are reserved for formerly unhoused veterans in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
To kick off the new year and start of the spring semester, the Dr. E.J. and Margaret O’Brien Hall opened its doors to students and faculty in mid-January. This building is the new home for the College of Business Administration, Graduate School of Management, and innovation leadership programs at Marquette University.
The Westport Presbyterian Church has been selected to be showcased in Calvin University’s Center Art Gallery exhibition, The Architecture of Prayer, an international survey of the contemporary church and its architecture. The exhibition showcases drawings and travel photography of historic church buildings in dialogue with new projects built between 1999 and the present – contributed by over 40 global architecture firms. Collectively, the highlighted work features some of the most stunning and historic religious buildings from around the world.
The Stanley Museum of Art at the University of Iowa has been featured in the Wall Street Journal for its unique and impressive collections of 20th and 21st-Century Art, and African Art. In The Stanley Museum of Art: More Than ‘Mural’, Ms. Dobrzynski thoughtfully writes about the variety of works available for view in the new building, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and more. “With such variety and diversity on view, it’s clear that “Mural” may be the reason visitors come, but the rest of the collection gives them many reasons to stay.” – Judith H.
BNIM Principal Carey Nagle, AIA, LEED AP, and Associate Levi Robb, AIA, will present alongside Academic Outreach Coordinator at the Stanley Museum of Art, Kathryn Reuter, at this year's SCUP (The Society for College and University Planning) Southern 2022 Regional Conference, taking place Feb 8 - 10 (rescheduled). The session, entitled A Teaching Museum for Resiliency, Community Partnerships, and Arts Exploration on Feb. 10, from 10:50 a.m.
BNIM Director of Sustainability and Regenerative Design, Jeremy Knoll, has taken on his new leadership role as Co-President and Chair of Climate Action KC alongside Hillary Parker Thomas. Climate Action KC is a BNIM-supported initiative that brings together elected officials and community leaders who share the common goal of reducing emissions and improving the overall quality of life across Kansas City. The regional collaborative’s work focuses on creating a more resilient, equitable, and healthy community.
Founder and Principal Emeritus, Bob Berkebile, FAIA, was featured in the Q4 issue of Design Intelligence Quarterly. Q4 Influence: Impact focused on the ability to increase impact and investigated the many ways industry experts and leaders influence, measure, recognize, and achieve true impact at all scales. “To close this issue on impact and leave us all with a call to action, in his heartfelt career-spanning interview, environmental godfather Bob Berkebile offers a candid look at his origins and motivations for climate change mitigation in Leaving a Legacy.”
Jamie Kluesner has been appointed to Overland Park's Environmental Advisory Council with a unanimous vote. In her two-year appointment, Jamie is contributing to the study of environmental issues and the implementation of programs that focus on environmental awareness and minimizing environmental impact for the City of Overland Park, which is the second largest city in Kansas. The Environmental Advisory Council’s work helps advise the City Council and the Community Development Committee.
Missouri State University's College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) breaks ground on their Temple Hall Addition and Renovation project on Friday, December 16th in Springfield, Missouri.
BNIM is proud of Joyce Raybuck and Jeremy Knoll on receiving the 2022 AIA KC President's Award for their important work to support the City of Kansas City's efforts to become carbon neutral by 2040. From the AIA Kansas City --
BNIM Pacific Studio Director, Jamie Intervalo, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is recognized with the 2022 AIA San Diego Young Architect of the Year Award. She was honored, alongside fellow Young Architect of the Year, Victor Navarro, AIA, during the Lifetime Achievement & Young Architect of the Year Awards Ceremony on November 16. Jamie is recognized for her exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the profession.
The Stanley Museum of Art at the University of Iowa is highlighted in the November Colleges and Universities issue of Architectural Record magazine. This month's issue showcases college and university buildings in the U.S., Europe, and South America. BNIM worked with the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art to design its new 63,000 SF building that restores an art museum presence to the campus community after 14 years, following historic flooding in 2008.
The Kirk Family YMCA in Kansas City, MO, received The American Architecture Award for 2022 from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. MidAmerican Energy Corporate Office and Conference Center Renovation in Des Moines, IA, received an honorable mention.
BNIMer, Carleigh Pope, attended this year’s NOMA Unplugged International Conference held in Nashville from October 26th – 30th. As the 51st Annual Conference, NOMA invited over 1,000 designers from across the nation to the in-person event in Nashville, and even more designers joined virtually to celebrate the advancements of the community and their impact on the future of architecture and design. The theme of this year’s conference was intended for designers to ‘unplug’ from their day-to-day work lives.
BNIM was honored to attend the 2022 IIDA MADA biennial award ceremony on October 21, in Kansas City, MO, and to receive design honors for the Kirk Family YMCA and MidAmerican Energy Corporate Office and Conference Center Renovation. The Kirk Family YMCA was recognized with the Best of Show Awards and Gold Award in Renovation & Restoration.
Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City Office Renovation is recognized by the 2022 AIA Central States Awards program with an Excellence in Architecture Award. The AIA Central States encompasses Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma and honors projects across the U.S. and world for their unique design, originality, extended use attributes, sustainability, budget and use of environmental surroundings.
KANSAS CITY, Mo (November 1, 2022) — BNIM Director of Sustainability and Regenerative Design and Climate Action Kansas City Executive Board Member Jeremy Knoll will represent the Kansas City region at the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Annual Event in Brussels, Belgium, on Nov. 8. IURC is a program funded by the European Union (EU) that brings together cities and regions as global partners in sustainable thinking, networking and problem solving.
BNIM is honored to have received five award recognitions, including Project of the Year, at the 2022 AIA Kansas City Design Excellence Awards Ceremony that took place on October, 27. The Metropolitan Community College Blue River Campus Building establishes a new campus presence in Independence, MO, which is home to the Great Plains OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Education Center and MCC's CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), Forklift, Linework, and Logistics programs. The project was honored as the 2022 AIA Kansas City Project of the Year. (Jury Comments)
Jeremy Knoll, LEED Fellow, AIA, SEED, EcoDistricts AP, will serve as a workshop leader alongside Jennifer Gunby, PE, LEED AP; Alex Dews, LEED AP BD+C; Panama Bartholomy; Julie Hendricks, AIA, GRI, LEED Fellow; David Smedick, MEM, LEED AP BD+C, and Stacy Smedley, Living Future Accredited, LEED BD+C at the 2022 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in San Francisco, CA (Nov. 1 – 3).
BNIM’s Director of Sustainability and Regenerative Design, Jeremy Knoll, will present at VERGE 22’s Building Program in San Jose, CA, taking place Oct. 25 – 27. VERGE 22 is the leading climate tech event that aims to accelerate solutions with more than 400 thought leaders and practitioners addressing the climate crisis across six strategic areas: clean energy, sustainable transportation, carbon removal, regenerative food systems, net-zero buildings, and the startup ecosystem.
BOK Financial will celebrate its ground breaking on a new full-service banking center and office space on October 21, 2022. The project located at 17th and Grand Boulevard in Kansas City, MO, brings new purpose to the former ‘old Kansas City Star Building.’ BNIM has collaborated with project team members McCownGordon, Henderson Engineers, SK Design Group, and Wallace Design Collective, to design and construct BOK Financial's future space.
The Springfield Art Museum is celebrating the completion of the museum's new parking lot, amphitheater, and Fassnight Creek Naturalization projects as part of the museum's transformation in Springfield, MO. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on October 15, 2022. BNIM led the master planning effort for Springfield Art Museum in 2018, focused on the museum's vision for the next 100 years.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for Phase One of Metropolitan Community College’s (MCC) Longview Automotive Program High Tech Expansion is taking place on October 13, 2022. BNIM has worked with MCC on a number of projects for the College's Blue River and Longview campuses. For the expansion to MCC-Longview's Automotive Program, BNIM partnered with the College to explore their current space needs and requirements for future programs such as Diesel Mechanics, Small Engines, and a Collision Body Shop.
At the SCUP North Central 2022 Regional Conference, BNIM will present a case study of Metropolitan Community College (MCC)'s Blue River East building, home to the Great Plains OSHA Education Center and specialized skills training programs including CDL, Forklift, Linework, and Logistics. This educational session entitled Pragmatic Placemaking for Transformational Skilled Worker Training will address the challenges facing in-demand industries and academic workforce training programs, such as the skills shortage, community and site impact, and pragmatic design solutions.
BNIM Principal, Kevin Nordmeyer, spoke alongside contractor and developer Tamara Brunow at the National Association of Women in Construction’s (NAWIC) Midwest 2022 Fall Conference. Kevin and Tamara presented the design and process for a new Net Zero housing development in Hamburg, Iowa. This development is focused on high-performing accessible home design for Hamburg, a city that was impacted by the historic Missouri River Floods in 2019.
The official groundbreaking ceremony for the Zhou B Art Center took place on October 4 at the former Crispus Attucks Elementary School. The project involves the expansion and renovation of this landmark building located in Kansas City’s historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. The new Zhou B Art Center, a sister space to the Chicago location, will be a new hub for visual and performing arts connecting the historic Jazz District with the Crossroads Art District in a mission to revitalize the area through art and commerce.
BNIM Principal, Kevin Nordmeyer, AIA LEED AP, will participate as workshop speaker and panelist at the 2022 AIA Iowa Convention. The presentation titled Energy Efficiency Jedi and panel discussion will take place Friday, September 30 2:15-3:15 pm. This presentation explores how recent supply-chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and rising construction costs have impacted project scope and timeline. Panelists will discuss some of the recent challenges and solutions based on real-life project examples. Learning Objectives
An in-person building tour of Makers Quarter Block D will be given on Thursday, September 29th as part of AIA San Diego’s a’22xSD event. Little a’22 is the Chapter’s updated Annual Mixer; a local version of (big) AIA’s Conference on Architecture. This event showcases Design Excellence in San Diego and comprise educational programming, a trade show, and networking, all with a focus on Climate Action.
BNIM Principal, Craig Scranton, AIA NCARB LEED AP, participated as a panelist in ULI Kansas City’s Streetcar/Main Street Extension Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) Session that took place September 14-16. This TAP explored various issues surrounding the streetcar extension and redevelopment. The panel studied the area within a quarter mile of 39th and Main Street, where a key streetcar stop will operate. They examined shared district parking as a solution to parking requirements for single developments that often result in the need for incentives.
BNIM is honored to have received four award recognitions at the 2022 AIA Kansas Design Excellence Awards Celebration that took place on September 15 at this year’s AIA Annual Conference in Topeka, Kansas. The Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City Renovation
BNIM joins the chorus of architects across the nation in celebrating the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376). This important law will accelerate the adoption of important carbon reduction strategies through investment in energy efficiency, equitable and affordable housing, and transitioning our economy towards a more just and resilient future that doesn’t rely on fossil-fuels.
SAN DIEGO, Ca (September 7, 2022) – BNIM announces Jamie Intervalo, AIA, LEED AP BD+C as Pacific Studio Director. Jamie is an experienced project manager and architect with 15 years of practice in the San Diego area. Her collaborative, integrated design approach and dedication to advancing the profession through advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion strongly align with BNIM’s core purpose and values. Jamie will elevate the firm’s commitment to designing human-purposed, sustainable, and equitable environments throughout California and the West Coast.
The recent Kansas City Council passage of Resolution 220596, adopting Kansas City Missouri’s Climate Protection & Resiliency Plan (CPRP), expands on the KCMO 2008 Climate Action Plan, to go beyond emissions reductions and develop climate justice and equity focused goals around mobility, energy supply, natural systems, homes and buildings, food, and waste & materials. BNIM staff, the AIA-KC, USGBC Central Plains, the Sierra Club, and many others helped develop the content of these plans and actively advocated for adoption. [source: CPRP Draft PDF]
Carleigh Pope was among the 34 people recently selected to receive the Architects Foundation’s 2022 AIA Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT) ARE scholarship. The Architects Foundation is a program in partnership with the AIA that was created to support and empower the next-generation of architects. This scholarship helps to break down the costs associated with the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), provides a one-year subscription to ArchiPrep and covers one year of Associate AIA or NOMA member fees in an effort to double the number of Black architects by 2030.
KANSAS CITY, Mo (September 1, 2022) — BNIM names Jeremy Knoll as Director of Sustainability and Regenerative Design. Jeremy Knoll, AIA, LEED Fellow, SEED, EcoDistricts AP, is an Associate Principal at BNIM whose strategic leadership in green building systems and carbon reduction advances the firm’s sustainable and regenerative design practice. With Jeremy's new appointment, BNIM amplifies its environmental stewardship and commitment to reducing embodied carbon dioxide emissions on projects by 65% in 2030, by 100% in 2040, and achieving 20% net positive in 2050.
DES MOINES, IA (August 24, 2022) — The Opening Celebration of the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art will take place Aug. 26 – 28. The event will celebrate the completion of the Stanley Museum of Art’s new state-of-the-art public teaching museum on University of Iowa (UI) campus, designed by BNIM. A dedication ceremony and livestream will be held from 3-4 p.m. at the Stanley Museum of Art on Aug. 26, featuring remarks from UI President Barbara Wilson and Stanley Museum of Art Director Lauren Lessing.
This August, Associate Principal Jeremy Knoll, AIA, LEED Fellow, SEED, EcoDistricts AP, became BNIM's latest EcoDistricts Accredited Professional. The EcoDistricts AP credential can be earned by professionals globally across disciplines - from architecture to urban design to public policy - and is one of the only credentials that signifies a professional's commitment and dedication to creating sustainable, equitable neighborhoods and districts.
The official groundbreaking event for LifeServe Blood Center's new 56,000 SF Headquarters building, designed by BNIM, will take place on Tuesday, August 23rd from 9 – 10 a.m. in Johnston, IA. RSVP and learn more about event details here. Serving more than 150 hospitals across the Midwest region, LifeServe Blood Center has been working with BNIM to design a new headquarters building in Johnston, IA, that will better support the organization’s vital work within the community and their mission to save lives.
BNIM's April Trotter, Elvis Achelpohl, and Kylie Schwaller presented their prototype mockups at this year's Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop (ACAW). In its seventh year, ACAW "bring together professionals from the architectural industry and academia, offering participants the opportunity to explore innovative building solutions and further their understanding of architectural terra cotta for large-scale assemblies." BNIM studied and prototyped an ornamental terra cotta band that can be integrated into a typical masonry rain screen wall.
“For us, this is a way to open that pipeline and get younger students interested in architecture as a career path so that we can impact the diversity down the road. We recognize we have a problem, but you can’t fix that just tomorrow.” - Will Trakas, BNIM Associate, Quoted from KCUR Interview
Keeler Court Apartments of San Diego, CA, was honored with a 2021/2022 AIA San Diego Merit Award this spring. “Recognized design excellence through the lens of sustainability,” the AIA San Diego awards select recipients of design awards based on functionality, form, and sustainability. The Keeler Court Apartments provide affordable, high-performance apartments to the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego, designed for families and individuals earning 30-60 percent of the area median income and veterans.
Ivy Senior Apartments and Keeler Court Apartments in San Diego were recently recognized with awards and nominations in this year's PCBC Gold Nugget Awards and Ruby Awards. Keeler Court Apartments received an Award of Merit in the Best Affordable Housing Community Category (30 to 60 units) and the Project of the Year Award for New Construction (<100 units) at the 2022 Ruby Awards.
The Keeler Court Apartments in the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego, CA, celebrated its official opening on June 29th. Fulfilling a great need for housing in this area, the Keeler Court Apartments provide 71 studio, one-, two-, and three- bedroom apartment homes for families and individuals earning 30-60 percent of the area median income.
The Missouri State University (MSU) Ozarks Education Center received a 2022 GREEN GOOD DESIGN Award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. The GREEN GOOD DESIGN Awards honor projects globally that exhibit outstanding ecological and sustainable design. GREEN GOOD DESIGN’s goal is to recognize individuals, companies, and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional thinking and inspired greater progress towards a healthier and more sustainable universe.
This year’s annual AIA Iowa Procrastinators Ball will feature a case study on the Stanley Museum of Art at The University of Iowa. Design team members Carey Nagle, Levi Robb, and Tom Feldmann will present the project’s history from the flooding in 2008, which shuttered its former location, to the design and construction process of the new building. This year's in-person event on Tuesday, May 24th between 9:00 and and 3:00 pm will include interactive educational sessions and a tour of the Stanley Art Museum located at 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City.
BNIM is honored to announce that the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center received the ICFF Interiors Award in the Education category at the 42nd Annual Interiors Award ceremony on May 17th at Gotham Hall in New York City. This esteemed Interior Architecture award program honors exceptional interiors projects across 11 categories, including hotel, office, residential, education, retail, adaptive reuse/historic renovation, bar/restaurant, civic/public, healthcare, student, wellness/sustainable, and other.
KANSAS CITY, Mo (May 2, 2022) — In February 2022, BNIM was selected by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) to lead the design of the new $75 million, Glenn Korff School of Music (GKSOM) Building. The new facility is anticipated to open in the fall of 2025 and will serve as a next-generation performing arts education facility that is a venue for cross-disciplinary collaboration and artistic expression.
The AIA 2030 By the Numbers: The 2020 Summary of the AIA 2030 Commitment measures annual performance of the architecture and design community toward its goal of carbon neutral buildings by 2030. Firms who participate in the 2030 Commitment must submit reports on the performance of their portfolios over each calendar year. The reported data includes building type, area, baseline energy performance, and predicted energy performance. This program and method of reporting offers architects a way to publicly show their dedication and track progress toward a carbon-neutral future.
The Kirk Family YMCA and Winnetonka High School Addition were recently recognized by the Kansas City Business Journal (KCBJ) with 2022 Capstone Awards. The KCBJ Capstone Awards “honor the top real estate and development projects in the Kansas City area,” and this year's program recognized 28 projects across the metro. The Kirk Family YMCA received a Capstone Award in the Adaptive Reuse category, and the Winnetonka High School Addition received a Capstone Award in the Architectural Design category.
Hosted by KC Design Week and KC Incremental Development Alliance, Relearning the Lost Art of Small-Scale Development is a presentation that will bring together four design-focused small-scale developers working within historic areas of Kansas City. BNIM Associate Principal Sam De Jong, AIA, LEED AP, will present alongside Alex Hilton (Grandbridge Real Estate Capital), Diane Botwin (Botwin Commercial Development and Botwin Property Management), and Shomari Benton (real estate attorney, entrepreneur, and community activist).
As part of Kansas City Design Week, BNIM Associate and Landscape Architect Adam Wiechman, ASLA PLA, will present Betting the (Urban) Farm alongside Ami Freeberg of Cultivate Kansas City and Vera Williams, founder and soil scientist for Surface Water Solutions, LLC. The presentation will feature the native plant landscape and urban farm of Westport Commons located on 39th Steet in Kansas City MO, including exploration of best practices, unique features of the design, and challenges and opportunities.
Iowa architecture firms were recognized at the American Institute of Architects, Iowa Chapter’s (AIA Iowa) Annual Spring Conference held virtually April 7th & 8th. Over 150 people joined together to honor the recipients of the AIA Iowa Impact Awards celebrating architects, designers, and other collaborators of an architectural project specifically designed to directly benefit social, humanitarian, community or environmental causes. The 2022 AIA Iowa Impact Award Honor was presented to BNIM Architects for the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center at Drake University.
The Missouri State University (MSU) Ozarks Education Center was recently featured in the April issue of Metal Architecture. The Bull Shoals Field Station is an existing research location for MSU students located within the Ozarks on the shores of Bull Shoals lake. There was an increasing demand for educational opportunities within the college and other organizations, and a new facility was envisioned to support the expansion of ecological study and research.
Designing for Zero Carbon: Case Studies of All-Electric Buildings by Edward Thomas Dean, FAIA, featuring Makers Quarter Block D is now available for purchase on Amazon. The book is also available as an online flip book that readers can view by clicking on the image above.
The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) is featuring Asilong Christian High School in the exhibit Full Circle: Design Without End. The exhibit is focused exploring design projects that strengthen and replenish ecosystems and help humans connect to nature through regenerative design practices. Visitors can attend the exhibit at the MODA from March 17 - September 25, 2022. In celebration of Earth Day and the Full Circle: Design Without End exhibit, MODA is offering free admission on Friday, April 22.
On Saturday April 9, the 2022 Climate Action KC (CAKC) Summit will take place at Johnson County Community College. BNIM Associate Principal, Jeremy Knoll as part of the CAKC Executive Board has assisted in the planning and coordination of events, fundraising, and overall messaging for this year’s summit.
Bob Berkebile, FAIA, founding principal of BNIM, has been honored with the 2022 Edward C. Kemper Award by The Board of Directors and the Strategic Council of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This award is the highest service award the AIA can confer upon a member and recognizes an Architect who has had a significant impact on the profession through exceptional service to the AIA or to an architecture-related organization. BNIM celebrates Bob's exceptional service and leadership in our practice and profession and congratulates him on this well-deserved honor!
BNIM will present on the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center at the Living Future 2022 Conference. This year’s conference will focus on themes of Restoration and Justice, featuring presentations and discussion to “collaboratively address solutions to our climate emergency, environmental and materials health, and share insights and strategies for rectifying racial inequities and injustices in our communities.”
In November 2021, BNIM along with 11 other CEOs from local Kansas City Corporations, took the pledge to join the first cohort of the CEO-to-CEO Challenge. This campaign encourages and empowers business-to-business inclusive purchasing via company leaders making a public commitment to equity, while also helping those leaders develop supplier diversity initiatives for the long haul. “It’s a process meant to showcase action, not just words,” said Neal Sharma, co-chair of KC Rising, the regional initiative leading in the CEO-to-CEO Challenge.
On February 25, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place for the new Metropolitan Community College’s (MCC) Blue River East building. BNIM worked with MCC Blue River East Campus to design a new building for the programs of OSHA, Lineman, CDL, Forklift and High Bay space for vehicle storage. The indoor utility-pole field, state of the art OSHA training lab, and cargo bay for operation of forklifts or other large vehicles set the facility apart from training environments typically found at other educational institutions. To learn more about the project, click here.
BNIM has partnered with Reconciliation Services for the Reveal Strength Campaign in order to renovate their existing building on the corner of 31st and Troost in Kansas City, Missouri. Reconciliation Services (RS) has served the urban core of Kansas City for over three decades, driven by dignity, community, and advocacy to address needs for affordable food access, safe gathering spaces, and building positive connections. The Reveal Strength Campaign focuses on more than the renovation of the historic building.
Design for the new Las Vegas Downtown Civic Center is now underway! A collaborative team of BNIM, LGA, and OJB is leading the design of the new Downtown Las Vegas Civic Center and Plaza. Weaving together beloved elements of the Mojave Desert with the urban fabric of Las Vegas, this new civic center and plaza will become an authentic and engaging destination for all of downtown to utilize. Both an innovative, human-purposed workplace and community asset, the Las Vegas Civic Center and Plaza will also be designed on the path to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
BNIM has recently completed and shared our first JUST label. The JUST program is a voluntary disclosure tool for organizations to be transparent about their operations, including how they treat employees and where they make financial and community investments. Acting as a nutrition label for socially just and equitable organizations, this approach requires reporting on a range of organization and employee-related indicators, which are outlined measurable accountabilities summarized on the label itself.
BNIM’s President and Director of Design, Steve McDowell, FAIA, LEED AP, was recently interviewed for Voyage KC Magazine. Voyage KC Magazine has interviewed artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to share inspiring stories about their personal journeys and contributions to the Kansas City community. Steve shares his challenges, inspirations, and important lessons learned throughout his life that have shaped his career.
KANSAS CITY, Mo (January 28, 2022) — In the fall of 2021, BNIM was selected to lead the design addition and renovation of Temple Hall at Missouri State University (MSU) in Springfield, MO. MSU Temple Hall houses the College of Natural and Applied Sciences Program (CNAS) and serves as a hub for the College. The addition and renovation will bring together the three primary departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Geography, Geology & Planning (GGP), while improving flexibility and usability of spaces within Temple Hall.
The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center at Drake University in Des Moines was honored this January 27, 2022, with a 2021 Best of Development Award from 1000 Friends of Iowa. The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center is in the ‘Best of Show’ category among seven projects selected for the Award, recognizing the center’s smart building and development practices. 1000 Friends of Iowa promotes responsible land use, smart growth principles, livable communities, and sustainability across the State of Iowa and U.S. Read more about 1000 Friends of Iowa Best of Development Award here.
BNIM Principal, Kevin Nordmeyer shared his hopes and fears for 2022, as well as what he predicts will be the biggest disruptors. Architect Magazine reached out to 18 architecture and design leaders, movers, and shakers to ask them their thoughts on what big disruptors are in store for 2022, whether it be ideas, policies, technologies, projects or people. Architects and designers of all backgrounds were able to share their experiences and ideas.
We are excited to announce that BNIM has been selected for the Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program. Established by the Walton Family Foundation, the Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program addresses potential challenges associated with the region’s rapid growth and aims to create welcoming public spaces that foster meaningful, shared experiences. Selected architects, landscape architects and urban designers are regarded as delivering the highest caliber of design excellence across the country.
The Missouri State University (MSU) Ozarks Education Center has been recognized with a 2021 American Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. The American Architecture Awards are “the nation’s highest public awards given by a non-commercial, non-trade affiliated, public arts, culture and educational institution.” [1] The Awards honor the design of building, landscape, and planning projects that demonstrate excellence in architecture and urbanism nationally and globally.
BNIM Associate Principal, Sam De Jong, AIA LEED AP, has been elected Three-Year Director of AIA Kansas City’s Board of Directors for 2022. In this role, he will be establishing and implementing the strategic plan for AIA KC and supporting the ongoing work of the committees. Sam's dedication to the Kansas City design community is shown through his deep level of care and rigor in his work, rooted in his passion of design for social impact. Below is Sam's statement on his new role and what he brings to the Kansas City design community. ____________________________
BNIM was honored to receive six award recognitions at the 2021 AIA Kansas City Design Excellence Awards that took place on November 10. The Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield Music Center unites the School of Music within one welcoming, state-of-the-art facility that renews the program’s culture and identity on the University of Missouri - Columbia campus. The project was recognized with a 2021 AIA Kansas City Design Excellence Citation. The Johnson County Community College Career and Technical Education Center
BNIMer Carleigh Pope, Assoc. AIA was recently nominated to the National Organization of Minority Architects Kansas City (NOMA KC) Executive Board. NOMA KC’s mission is to champion diversity, multicultural design professionals and allied organizations who desire to influence the greater community by advancing the profile of minority design professionals and multicultural business interests. _________________________________________________________________________________________
Dana Sorensen and Kevin Nordmeyer present at the Iowa Association for Energy Efficiency's (IAEE) 2021 Energy Summit on Wednesday, November 10.
BNIM supports the delegation of architects at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, from Oct. 31 - Nov. 12. BNIM is committed to reducing the embodied CO2 emissions on all projects by 65% by 2030, 100% by 2040, 20% net positive by 2050. Together, let's take climate action and challenge our global community and governments to ensure that global warming does not exceed the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target. Learn more about our commitment here. ________________________________________________________________________________________________
BNIM Associate Principal, Josh Harrold, Professor and Director of Bull Shoals Field Station at Missouri State University, Dr. Janice Greene, and University Architect and Director of Planning, Design and Construction at Missouri State University, Mark Wheeler will present at this year's SCUP 2021 North Central Regional Conference: Impactful Partnerships on October 25 - 27, in Milwaukee, WI.
BNIM is honored to have received five award recognitions at the 2021 AIA Kansas | AIA Central States Region Design Excellence Awards Celebration on October 7, recognizing outstanding architecture within that states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. The Kirk Family YMCA
On October 14, there will be ribbon cutting and ceremony for the Kirk Family YMCA, followed by a tour of the building. The Kirk Family YMCA, in the former Lyric Theatre building in Downtown Kansas City, has been opening in phases. In May, it began serving 50 children a week in a YMCA summer day camp program through August 12 addressing an important need to provide learning and social opportunities for youth while supporting working parents.
BNIM was honored to receive four award recognitions at the 2021 AIA Iowa Excellence in Design Awards on Sept. 23. The Des Moines Heritage Center, a recently completed BNIM project and the location of this year’s AIA Iowa awards ceremony, received a 2021 Excellence in Energy Efficient Design Award. The historic adaptive reuse project is recognized for achieving 55% kBTU energy savings when compared to the Commercial New Construction (CNC) program baseline.
An unveiling of the new McCain Auditorium Lobby Addition and Renovation took place on Thursday, September 9th at Kansas State University. Event attendees included donors, staff, the KSU Foundation, and the project's design and construction teams.
Join the BNIM design team as we share an in-depth talk on the recent project Keeler Court Affordable housing community, located in the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego. The site was originally zoned for industrial development, the site was re-zoned to allow residential development of 29 units per acre. With the location being directly adjacent to many amenities, it serves as an ideal location for this Affordable Housing and Sustainable communities project to break ground in the City of San Diego.
BNIM's Kansas City, Missouri office has been recognized as a Gold COVID Stops Here workplace for achieving a 90% vaccination rate. The COVID Stops Here campaign recognizes Missouri workplaces that have achieved widespread vaccination against COVID-19. Organizations that have achieved at least a 70% vaccination rate are eligible to receive a designation. It is critical that Missourians work together to stop the spread of coronavirus — including the dangerous new Delta variant. Vaccination is the best way to stop COVID-19.
The West Bottoms Flats are featured in the latest edition of Metropolis Magazine. The West Bottoms Flats are a market-rate housing project in the West Bottoms area of Kansas City, Missouri, that have transformed four historic warehouse and manufacturing buildings into apartments, micro-retail, indoor/outdoor amenity space, and parking.
BNIM Associate Principal, Jonathan Ramsey participated as a panelist in the Des Moines Business Record Project515: Office Outlook virtual discussion on Friday, August 13. Panelists discussed how remote work has changed the nature of the work environment and use - lack of use - of office space. This group of experts shared their experience and outlook on office vacancies and how this might affect the larger business ecosystem, particularly in downtown Des Moines.
BNIM Principal, Kevin Nordmeyer will be a guest speaker at the 2021 Iowa Summit on Disability Employment. This day long event aims to connect with Iowa business owners, human resource experts and disability service providers to discuss ways to solve some of Iowa’s greatest workforce challenges, from hiring to engagement and retention. Kevin will be discussing how to incorporate inclusive design strategies into buildings in order to create greater opportunities for engaging those with disabilities into the workforce.
BNIMers Will Trakas and Carleigh Pope are volunteering at this year's NOMA KC Project Pipeline Camp taking place August 2-6. The camp is open to middle and high school students of all backgrounds, but is geared towards providing students of color with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of architecture and design. Will and Carleigh will serve as mentors for these students through the camp's in-person and virtual experiences throughout the week.
Joyce Raybuck, AIA, LEED AP, Associate Principal, was named a member of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program in the Spring cohort, which will begin in the fall due to COVID. Joyce will join fellow emerging Kansas City leaders in the Spring 2021 Centurions Class, learning about and serving the Kansas City community.
BNIM Director of Design for Interiors Janell Rock recently became a WELL Accredited Professional. As described by the International WELL Building Institute, professionals with this certification demonstrate “expertise in the WELL Building Standard and a commitment to advancing human health and wellness in buildings and communities around the world.”
Imagine a downtown civic center that is welcoming and inclusive, active and engaging, connective to the City of Las Vegas and the natural landscape of the Las Vegas Valley, and focused on enhancing the health and well-being of people and our environment. We are honored and excited to announce that our LGA / BNIM / OJB team has been selected to lead the design of the future Downtown Las Vegas Civic Center and Plaza.
BNIM Principal, James Pfeiffer, AIA and Associate Principal, Anastasia Huggins, AIA, will be presenting A Community College’s Perspective on Their Role in Future-Proofing Education at this year’s SCUP 2021 Annual Conference. They will be joined by Johnson County Community College Dean of the Industrial Technology Division, Richard Fort. Community colleges offer important lessons regarding educational offerings across a diverse background.
Laura Lesniewski, FAIA, moderated an event at this year’s AIA Conference on Architecture. Throughout Summer 2021, the AIA Conference on Architecture was divided into four event sessions featuring topics on firm resilience, sustainable practice, community engagement, and building efficiencies in Architecture and Design. The session took place on Thursday, July 8, and covered sustainable design practices that can be implemented into a firm or studio’s portfolio.
BNIM’s offices are closed Friday, June 18, in observance of Juneteenth holiday this weekend. Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in America and is a significant moment in our collective history. Celebrating and honoring Juneteenth allows us as OneBNIM to become more educated on the significance of Juneteenth and to amplify the work and voices of Black community leaders. We look forward to celebrating, reflecting, and volunteering with our communities, and will return to work on Monday, June 21.
At this year’s annual AIA Iowa Procrastinators Ball, BNIM will be giving a presentation and discussion of Inclusive Design at the Harkin Institute at Drake University. This year’s in-person event will include a building tour of the Harkin Institute on Drake University Campus. BNIM design team leaders Kevin Nordmeyer and Jason Kruse will present on the Inclusive and Universal Design strategies of the Harkin Institute that elevate building experience for all individuals through generous space, equitable experiences, clear paths, and individual empowerment.
For the 21st year of the West 18th Street Fashion Show, BNIM was chosen among six other local architecture firms to create a backdrop that reflects the theme for this year’s show.
AIA Kansas City’s new program, Show Your Work, takes an in-depth look at Design Excellence Award winning projects. For their first Show Your Work, they will be featuring BNIM’s project Palomar Community College Maintenance and Operations Complex in San Diego, California.
BNIM will be featured in episode eight of My World Too: Season 1 on Saturday, June 12. My World Too is a new series airing on 225 PBS stations across the country including NYC, San Fran, Chicago, DC and many more, and tackles global issues such as food production, clean energy and housing. This series features inspirational stories of environmental stewardship, organic practices and Earth-friendly innovations that viewers can learn from and apply in their own lives.
On Tuesday, June 1, 2021 Kemin Application Solutions (KAS) celebrated an in-person groundbreaking for their newest expansion at its global headquarters campus in Des Moines, Iowa. This new $4.5 million, 11,632 square foot building will be located to the east of Kemin’s corporate headquarters building and will contain a mixture of production and assembly spaces, testing lab, office and conference room space, break room and outdoor patio with a grilling area.
BNIMers from the Kansas City office teamed up with JE Dunn’s Kansas City International Airport TerminalGarage project team for a weeklong volunteer effort for the Veterans Community Project. This crew of people volunteered their time and donated design work for the new pavilion structure for unhoused veterans that reside at Veterans Community Project in Kansas City, Missouri. Along with the time and design work, other local companies donated the materials needed for this team effort.
Kansas City, Mo. (May 20, 2021) – BNIM is pleased to announce the promotion of new Associate Principal, Katie Nichols in our Kansas City office. Katie joins BNIM’s existing leadership in a collective effort to support the firm’s core purpose to “…deliver beautiful, integrated, living environments that inspire change and enhance the human condition.” She has distinguished herself as a leader, mentor, and creative collaborator who embodies the firm’s values.
BNIM is proud to announce that Principal Laura Lesniewski has been voted to receive the AIA Missouri 2021 Distinguished Service Award this fall. This award recognizes architects who show a strong record of public service and leadership, which can be exhibited in strong contributions and leadership to the American Institute of Architects at any or all levels – local, state or national. For almost three decades, Laura has been a dedicated leader in the architectural and design industry, her community and within BNIM.
BNIM Principal Kevin Nordmeyer, AIA and Associate Jason Kruse, AIA along with Amy Bentley at the Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, wrote a piece for the Des Moines Business Record titled “Creating an Inclusive Environment that Benefits Business Owners, Consumers and Employees”.
BNIM Principal Craig Scranton, AIA LEED AP BD+C, helped facilitate a 2021 ULI Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDI) class that was held March 8th, 2021. This 15 week course, held from January 18 to May 23, was designed for women and minorities and participants worked in teams to apply their learning throughout the program in a final presentation based on the Chouteau Court TAP.
BNIM’s Joyce Raybuck, AIA LEED AP and Dana Sorensen, AIA LEED GA will be kicking off the 2021 AIA Iowa Virtual Spring Conference with their presentation Institutionalizing Change: Decarbonization Road. In this presentation they will discuss BNIM’s Sustainability Action Plan and the methodology and focus on embodied carbon reduction through building re-use, carbon footprint analyses, and strategic goal setting.
BNIM Associate Principal Jeremy Knoll, AIA LEED Fellow will be speaking at this year’s Living Future Conference taking place virtually from April 20-23. This year’s conference is focused on Inclusion + Unity and will feature presentations, learning opportunities and discussion of “Where Climate, Health, and Equity in the Build Environment Meet.”
BNIM Principal Rod Kruse, FAIA, LEED, AP has received the Design Achievement Award from the Iowa State University College of Design. Each fall, the ISU Alumni Association give out awards to alumni in numerous categories at the Honors and Awards Ceremony during Homecoming. Rod recently became a Professor of Practice and teaches part time at the University. These 2020 awardees will be celebrated and recognized virtually on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 7pm CST. To register for this event, click here. To read more about Rod's achievements and involvement at Iowa State University, click here.
On Friday March 26th at 3pm CST, the Springfield Art Museum is hosting a small in-person, socially distanced groundbreaking. Members of the Museum as well as city leadership will be in attendance and a virtual groundbreaking will take place at a later date. This 30 year master plan will transform the Museum into a 21st century civic asset. This will include the expansion of educational and public space and creating strong physical and aesthetic connections between the Museum grounds, adjacent park and greenway trail.
We are hurt, angry and deeply upset at the violent event against the Asian American community that took place in Atlanta. Xenophobia and racism have no place at BNIM, in our communities or in our country. We condemn racism, violence and hate in any and all forms towards any group. We call on those leaders who have used xenophobic and racist rhetoric and have failed to take responsibility for their influence to honestly apologize and work to stop Asian hate.
BNIM’s Associate Principal Jeremy Knoll will be speaking at the BayREN Virtual Forum on Thursday March 18. In the past year the Bay Area Counties have been affected by wildfires and smoke, this three hour forum will discuss how built environments can respond to these sorts of challenges while also reducing contributions to climate change.
BNIM’s Associate Sarah Murphy was selected to speak at the American Concrete Institute’s virtual session on Achieving Excellence in Concrete Construction. Sarah will be presenting an overview of the John F Kennedy Center Expansion to provide insight into the design and construction process. The John F Kennedy Center expansion project features a dramatic rise of three sculptural concrete pavilions connected to one another below ground. These structures showcase beautiful and innovative use of concrete to frame light and draw it into each of the spaces below.
Story Construction Co. received the Masters Construction award for the exceptional construction of the ISU Gerdin Business Building Expansion. Every year awards are given out during the MBI Winter Conference in celebration of the Iowa commercial construction industry. These awards recognize companies, teams and individuals who deliver outstanding results within the industry through collaboration and innovation.
BNIM’s Principal Craig Scranton, Associate Principal Joyce Raybuck and Associate Principal Jeremy Knoll spoke at the UMKC Real Estate Virtual Symposium on March 10. The audience of commercial real estate professionals and individuals in the Kansas City development community learned about trends in sustainable design and development that are beneficial to the community.
BNIM’s Principal Laura Lesniewski and Associate Principal Danielle Buttacavoli will be panelists at AIA San Diego’s “Design for Good” virtual panel. AIA San Diego, in partnership with San Diego Architectural Foundation’s OpenHouse, have chosen four local architectural designers to give a closer look into projects that have created a positive impact in disadvantaged and under-served communities.
Principal James Pfeiffer joined Jeffrey Brown, head of technology policy for the Bertlesmann Foundation along with two other panelists in a discussion on COVID-19’s impact on technology and the workplace. Tanya Madam, Senior Director for Emerging Business at T-Mobile, Shonda Atwater, Workforce Manager at Metropolitan Community College and James discussed their approach to adapting in a COVID-19 workplace and answered questions on how technology has helped to shape their company’s work from home experience.
BNIM is thrilled to announce that Principal Laura Lesniewski has been elevated into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Laura is a dedicated design practitioner, industry leader, and sustainable and equitable design advocate who has contributed her design excellence and leadership to BNIM for 27 years. As leader, mentor, team member, and friend, Laura continues to inspire and motivate our practice to deliver beautiful integrated living environments that inspire change and enhance the human condition.
The Marquette University Board of Trustees has approved breaking ground of its new business school facility situated on a prominent site at the gateway to Marquette University’s campus, located on the corner of 16th and Wisconsin Avenue. The new College of Business Administration will house business and interdisciplinary leadership programs, establish a hub for innovation, and engage community stakeholders across the University while linking students, faculty, and industry leaders to the Milwaukee region and beyond.
BNIM is excited to announce that our San Diego studio has moved to Block D in the creative district of Makers Quarter. Designed by BNIM to inspire entrepreneurs and creatives to challenge convention and achieve new heights in innovation, Block D is a LEED Platinum + Net Zero facility envisioned as the future of workplace. Our phone number is still the same: 619.795.9920 Our new San Diego address is: 845 15th Street, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92101
The Renovation and Expansion of Seaton Hall and Regnier Hall recently received LEED Silver certification. Home to the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design (APDesign) at Kansas State University, the facilities set a significant example of sustainability in action for design students as future stewards of the environment, achieving the following metrics and sustainable strategies: 50% irrigation demand reduction 38.3% potable water use reduction 18% energy reduction 35.6% recycled content 52.8% regional content 100% no and low VOC finishes 80.1% landfill diversion
Architect’s Newspaper released the Best of Design Awards of 2020 and BNIM was honored to have a project featured among the exceptional projects this year. The REACH at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, with Steven Holl Architects and Hollander Design Landscape Architects, was the winner of the cultural category. The Eighth Annual Best Of Design Awards is a unique project-based awards program that showcases great buildings, building elements, interiors, and installations.
On December 2nd, Metropolitan Community College students, faculty and administration gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new MCC-Blue River East building just east of the main Blue River campus on 78 Highway in Independence, Missouri. The facility will be the new home of MCC’s commercial driver’s license, utility lineman and forklift/warehousing programs, preparing students to enter these industries that are still hiring given the pandemic. The 25,500-square-foot building will also be home to the Great Plains OSHA Education Center.
BNIM Associate Principal Jeremy Knoll’s article, "Enhancing the Human Condition: Reducing Building Material Toxicity by Design", was recently published in Technology|Architecture + Design, Volume 4 Issue 2. Abstract
The recently completed Ozarks Education Center is featured in AN Interiors Fall Isssue for bringing the 'Inside Out' during these times of confinement. Located within the Ozarks on the shores of Bull Shoals lake and within the Drury-Mincy conservation area, the facility is a place where Missouri State University faculty and students, other universities, and non-profit organizations conduct research. From traditional placemaking to sustainable strategies, everything about the Ozarks Education Center involves nature.
BNIM Principal Kevin Nordmeyer, AIA, LEED AP, will present on High Efficiency Homebuilding, presented by IEDA, at the 2020 virtual Iowa Energy Summit.
Jeremy Knoll, Kevin Nordmeyer, and Jason Kruse of BNIM will be presenting at the virtual 2020 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo from November 10-12. The virtual agenda will include interactive and collaborative education sessions, continuing education, virtual booths, future-focused keynotes from high-profile voices and valuable networking.
BNIM attended the virtual 2020 AIA San Diego Design Awards annual gala on October 29th – with a captive audience of AEC professionals from the Southern California region and beyond. BNIM’s Asilong Christian High School project received an Honor Award in the architecture category this year for honoring innovative design, with an emphasis on sustainability. The jury is comprised of five representatives from AIA Washington DC: Jury Chair: Mary Katherine Lanzillotta, FAIA,LEED AP Greg Mella, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C Joanna Schmickel, AIA, LEED AP
The sixth annual ACI (American Concrete Institute) Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards event showcased dozens of innovative concrete projects from around the world. The "Overall Excellence” award was presented to BNIM and Steven Holl Architects recently completed Kennedy Center Expansion Project, located in Washington, DC. The winning concrete project was recognized at the virtual ACI Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards during the ACI Virtual Concrete Convention on Monday, October 26, 2020.
BNIM participated in the virtual KC Chamber Small Business Awards Celebration this year and was thrilled to receive the 2020 Legacy of Kansas City Award. BNIM President Steve McDowell accepted the award on behalf of the firm and gave thanks to everyone involved.
BNIM President and Director of Design Steve McDowell, AIA, LEED AP, will be a panelist at the P3 Higher Education Summit alongside Sweta Meier, AIA, NCARB and Jan van den Kieboom, AIAI, NCARB, principals of WORKSHOP Architects.
BNIM’s Pacific Studio Director, Danielle Buttacavoli presented as a panelist in the webinar, ‘Expert Insights – Adapting Critical Infrastructure to COVID in the Kansas City region,’ presented by Black & Veatch. Danielle, alongside other industry leaders, focused on discussion of the impacts and adaptations of the built environment as it relates to COVID-19.
BNIM Principal, Kevin Nordmeyer served as a panelist alongside other industry leaders at the Iowa Ideas Energy Panel virtual conference to discuss the topic of “Energy & At-Risk Populations,” with a focus on how these demographics are currently impacted by COVID-19 and solutions for the future.
BNIM team members had the opportunity to present at this year’s virtual ‘Your Global Future’ college and career fair hosted by the International Relations Council of Kansas City. High school students attending the event learned about international opportunities in various career fields.
The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design has awarded over 120 new buildings, commercial and institutional developments, landscape architecture, and urban planning projects from 43 nations for The American Architecture Awards for 2020. BNIM's Lutheran Church of Hope-Grimes is one of three Religious Buildings that received an American Architecture Award this year. Also awarded are Saint Mary’s College High School Student Chapel in Albany, California, and Garden Chapel Pavilion in Memphis, Tennessee.
BNIM is honored to announce that the Missouri State University Ozarks Education Center received an Honor Award in the 2020 AIA Kansas Design Awards. This educational facility provides students, faculty, and visitors with a unique ecological research experience, immersed in the topography of the Ozarks. Cabins, a dining center, residential kitchen, classroom space, and area for programs help support visitors’ pursuit of education and research. View BNIM’s new video created for the AIA Kansas Awards Program to learn more about this project.
Laura Lesniewski, AIA, will serve as a Climate Change panelist in the AIAU Live Course: “Design Excellence and Practice. Leading in Uncertain Times” on October 13 at 1 - 3 p.m. ET. Laura will join other industry experts in a discussion of the impact of COVID-19, climate change, social justice and equity on redefining design excellence in 2020. Moderator: Michael Strogoff, FAIA Guest panelists: Laura Lesniewski, AIA | BNIM Antoine Bryant, Assoc. AIA | Moody Nolan Lisa Cholmondeley, AIA | Gensler Andrew Ibrahim, MD | HOK Marc Mondor, AIA | evolveEA Staci Nesbitt, AIA | GGA Architects
BNIM is honored to be recognized by the AIA Central States Emerging Professionals Committee as a 2020 EP Friendly Firm. BNIM is a collaboration of architectural, design, and planning professionals who leverage a collective capacity for design thinking to solve local and global issues related to design and community. We are proud to support Emerging Professionals through professional opportunities and a workplace environment that allows employee interests and strengths to flourish.
This September, BNIM honors Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg and her powerful legacy in the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Ginsberg's dedication to justice and equality and her pioneering work in advocating for women will continue to have lasting impact. BNIM staff share their thoughts and sentiments in honor of RBG's life and legacy below. ---------
On September 24th, BNIM tuned in to the virtual AIA Iowa and Central States Region Design Awards Ceremony. We are thrilled to have received a total of four awards overall and notable commentary from the jury. 2020 AIA Central States Region Design Awards Asilong Christian High School received Honorable Mention. "Because of the site's remote location, the school itself becomes a teaching tool. Each decision is measured by its utility and ability to moderate the harsh climate." Missouri State University Ozark Education Center received a Merit Award.
Miesblock is featured in the Fall 2020 Issue of Iowa Architect Magazine. The article details the materiality and unique facade of Miesblock and shares thoughts on the design from BNIM’s Jeff Shaffer and Kevin Nordmeyer.
BNIM is honored to celebrate MSU Ozarks Education Center as one of three Honor Award recipients and Springfield Art Museum as one of five Public Recognition Award recipients at the 2020 AIA Springfield Design Awards. Congratulations to BNIM’s fellow award recipients, Dake Wells Architecture, BRP Architecture, patterhn ives, and Arkifex for their honors.
BNIM’s Sustainability Group members, Dana Sorensen, Jeremy Knoll, and Joyce Raybuck presented BNIM’s first Annual Sustainability Report Subject to Change at the AIA Nebraska Annual Conference on Sept. 17, 2020. Dana, Jeremy, and Joyce shared lessons and the process from BNIM’s “year zero” report. Subject to Change shares project highlights, calls out exemplary solutions and strategies across BNIM’s work, and identifies areas for improvement and focus. Our “year zero” begins a decade-long period of intense focus on transforming the way we design, build, and measure our projects.
"BNIM’s glass-shrouded Fine Arts + Design Studios settles into the Great Plains" by Matthew Marani of Architect's Newspaper highlights our collaboration with Johnson County Community College on their new Fine Arts and Design Studio. Project architect, John Collier, highlights how the glass panels came together to create a beautiful, welcoming facility for students and faculty.
BNIM's work with Johnson County Community College on the new Fine Arts and Design Studios was recently highlighted on the Azure Magazine webisite. The article by Kendra Jackson, "4 Glazing Systems Optimized for Everything from Solar Control to Avian Safety", touches on the building's glass facade.
BNIM Principal Laura Lesniewski recently became a WELL Accredited Professional. As described by the International WELL Building Institute, professionals with this certification demonstrate “expertise in the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and a commitment to advancing human health and wellness in buildings and communities around the world.” Laura noted that WELL is a tremendous resource for architects to understand the impact of their designs on physical and mental health and to refine their designs to be positive.
Kayla Berkson, AIA, was recently appointed to serve on the City of Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission. In her five-year term, Kayla will hold an active role as member of the Plan and Zoning Commission in helping shape policy, planning, zoning, and public improvements in Des Moines, IA. As an architect in BNIM’s Des Moines office, Kayla has also been involved in the American Institute of Architects at the local and regional level, having served as the AIA Central States Regional Associate Director and co-chair of the AIA Central States Emerging Professionals Committee.
Asilong Christian High School in West Pokot, Kenya, was recently awarded the Grand Prize $10,000 grant in Contract Magazine’s 2020 Inspirations Awards. The Inspirations Awards recognize projects that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility in architecture + design.
BNIM principal, Steve McDowell, FAIA, recently served as a juror of the 14th annual ARCHITECT R+D Awards, alongside K.P. Reddy, founder and CEO, Shadow Ventures, and Ming Thompson, AIA, co-founder of Atelier Cho Thompson. The R+D Awards presented by ARCHITECT Magazine feature innovations that advance the architectural industry through design approaches, research pursuits, products, or technologies. For this year’s awards, the jurors reviewed 90 unique submissions before selecting the seven R+D Award recipients.
On July 26, America celebrated with The Harkin Institute and Sen. Tom Harkin the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and honored the life of Rep. John Lewis, crossing the Pettus Bridge - petitioned to be renamed the John Lewis Bridge in honor of his life and legacy - in Selma, AL, one last time. We look forward to elevating and informing our work with equity and inclusivity inspired by the important convictions and commitments celebrated on this day.
BNIM will serve as architect of the EVE (Enterprise Village Ecosystem) project at 22nd to 24th Street, Vine Street to Woodland in Kansas City, Missouri. EVE will act as a catalyst for positive environmental, economic, and educational impact within the Kansas City community, empowering students and supporting inclusiveness through sustainability. EVE will provide education opportunities for adult students to study STEAM subjects and help create global jobs and career pathways for minority students.
Facades+ Kansas City will bring together architectural, engineering, construction and design professionals and students from across the Midwest for the Enclosure Innovations in the Midwest conference, co-chaired by Populous on July 30. The conference will feature a series of panel discussions on topics including Bespoke Facades: Design Methods for Custom Enclosures, Experimentation and Advancements in Fabrication, and Resilient Facades: Disaster Safety Methods as well as sponsor workshop sessions.
The REACH at the Kennedy Center is a finalist in three categories for Architizer’s 8th Annual A+Awards - Popular Choice Awards, including Architecture + Light, Religious Buildings & Memorials, Architecture + Concrete. Public voting is open July 20 through July 31, 2020: Architecture + Light Category Religious Buildings & Memorials Category Architecture + Concrete Category
“The Public Realm in the 21st Century” is the first of a 2020 web series hosted by the KC Global Design Innovation Working Group to address actionable steps to support and enhance the current public realm in terms of safety, security, health, economy, and equity.
Connect. Converse. Commit to Change. Metropolis Magazine is hosting its bi-annual sustainability symposium Metropolis Perspective: Sustainability. BNIM sustainable experts, Jeremy Knoll and Sarah Hirsch will participate in the symposium's events, with Jeremy joining the panel discussion in Session 1: Technologies for Sustainability on July 27, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST, alongside panelists from Mithun, Perkins & Will, and SmithGroup, and Sarah and Jeremy taking part in the Sustainability Roundtable on July 30, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. EST. Session 1: Technologies for Sustainability
BNIM Principal, Laura Lesniewski, participated in the MO Humanities Symposium "Water in Architecture" on April 23rd. In celebration of Earth Week, Laura discussed an evolution of design thinking that embraces water and enhances the human condition. The full weinar is available to watch here.
BNIM supports voting #YesOn2, the Medicaid Expansion question, on the August 4th Missouri ballot. Medicaid Expansion in Missouri will give healthcare access to 230,000 of our neighbors who make less than $18,000 per year. It will also reduce pressure on our already stressed medical systems especially emergency rooms across the state. It will bring our tax dollars back to Missouri and create jobs and keep our vulnerable rural hospitals open.
BNIM was recently featured in the summer issue of Iowa Architect for our work with the Lutheran Church of Hope – Grimes, a 21,150 square-foot satellite facility of a large, multi-campus Evangelical Lutheran Church in the heart of Iowa. On pages 22-23, the article, “Building for the Future” describes how the relationship between the church and BNIM created a beautiful, welcoming community for all. The article highlights how the church did not turn to the traditional, inwardly focused elements most churches pursue with their space.
BNIM is serving as architect for an innovative data center campus development plan with Diode Ventures LLC. The proposed development, Golden Plains Technology Park, was recently featured in the Kansas City Business Journal. Excerpt from Kansas City Business Journal, "Multibillion-dollar KC data center would be one of world's largest," by Thomas Friestad:
Laura Lesniewski, AIA, LEED BD+C and Steve McDowell, FAIA LEED AP BD+C provide insight in the AIA Feature, “Bringing a Building to Life,” of Architect Magazine’s June 2020 issue. The feature discusses the future of design as it relates to the Living Building Challenge and high-performance standards becoming the new norm. Excerpt from “Bringing a Builidng to Life,” by Amanda Koellner, Architect Magazine, June 2020 issue:
Craig Scranton joined the conversation on UMKC’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) webinar series, Better Together Tuesdays, alongside field experts and SBDC team members to discuss the topic of focus: “Re-evaluating the Physical Space Needs of Your Business."
Arts education, culture, and engagement have a transformative impact on our communities, encouraging creativity and expression, creating connection, and enriching human wellness and vitality. Kansas City is home to a thriving arts community - one of art, dance, theatre, music, and design - that has created a beautiful and vibrant environment.
The unjust murder of George Floyd sent yet another shockwave through our country and has ignited protests demanding justice not only for Floyd but for countless other victims of state violence. We denounce these murders and violence against Black people, the culture that permits silence and inaction, and the systems and policies that have perpetuated racism throughout our country’s history. We unequivocally state that Black Lives Matter.
As part of USGBC’s West North Central’s new regional forum, sustainABLE, Laura Lesniewsi joined leading industry voices in a webinar discussion, sustainABLE: The State of Construction and Design that focused on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected construction and design. In this webinar discussion, panelists considered topics such as: The current state and adaptions of construction and design Contractors' means, methods, and onsite safety measures Future changes in the design and engineering of working and gathering spaces Legal implications of industry changes
James Pfeiffer joined fellow industry peers and higher education experts in a collaborative discussion during the “Safe Reopening for Higher Education” webinar hosted by KC Global Design, KC Rising, and KC Scholars on May 21. The webinar featured guidance and advice from the facility design perspective, tools to ensure campus safety, and importance of psychological safety and confidence as higher education institutions plan for the future.
Jeremy Knoll recently presented at the USGBC virtual IMPACT Summit: Materials, Carbon, and the Circular Environment. Alongside industry peers, Trevor Acorn (Walter P Moore), Erika Winters-Downey (McCownGordon), and Christie Gamble (CarbonCure), Jeremy presented on the topic, “The Elephant in the Room - How to Tackle Embodied Carbon in Practice,” The presentation highlighted the carbon impacts of concrete and steel on the built environment, and a number of methods on reducing embodied carbon emissions associated with both. Jeremy shared key highlights from the conference:
Following community outreach initiatives led by city organizations and support provided by Kansas City residents, the City Council of Kansas City, Missouri, recently passed two resolutions that focus on advancing initiatives for both people and planet: Vision Zero Resolution: The Vision Zero resolution states that traffic violence will be treated as a matter of public health and equity. The resolution sets out to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030 and asks that the City use data to adapt infrastructure and policy to implement this initiative.
James Baker was recently appointed by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas to the City Plan Commission. As a member of the City Plan Commission, James will contribute to advancing Kansas City's vision and goals for equitable and accessible city development. James is an active leader in equitable development initiatives at BNIM and advocate for shaping Kansas City's housing policy.
The Maintenance and Operations Complex at Palomar Community College District received the 2020 Award of Excellence award from the Prairie Gateway Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. See the full list of PGASLA 2020 Award Recipients here. About the Maintenance and Operations Complex:
The Maintenance and Operations Complex at Palomar Community College received a 2020 Green GOOD DESIGN® Award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. In the 12th year as a special edition of the GOOD DESIGN® program founded by Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, the Green GOOD DESIGN® Awards honor projects globally that demonstrate outstanding ecological and sustainable design.
"Lifting the human spirit in our buildings is crucial for the future." - BNIM's Steve McDowell recently joined other industry experts in a KC Global Design webinar 'Overcoming Fear: The Role Design Plays in Gaining Consumer Confidence' hosted by Henderson Engineers. The turnout was quite successful, with more than 400 people from around the globe, representing 250 organizations, 32 states, and four countries. The webinar provided insight into the following questions, among others: What will public spaces look like? How will crowds feel safe?
Steve McDowell, FAIA, will serve as a jury member for Architect Magazine's 14th annual R+D Awards this May 2020. The program aims to recognize innovative design approaches, research pursuits, products, or technology across disciplines that help discover solutions and advance industry practices . Entry deadline is May 8, 2020 on Architect Magazine. IMAGE COURTESY OF ARCHITECT MAGAZINE
"West Bottoms Reborn: A Vision Study for a System of Public Spaces," written by BNIM's Fiona Bhuyan in collaboration with George Aguilar at the Kansas City Design Center, has received a 2020 ASLA Central States Award. BNIM designer Kylie Schwaller also contributed to initial analysis for this vision study for the West Bottoms. Project Overview
Laura Lesniewski spoke on the Metropolis Forums Webinar on Sustainability During the Slowdown. Join the 13K viewers and tune in to watch BNIM's Laura Lesniewski and sustainable leaders James Connelly of Living Future Institute, Eric Corey Freed of CannonDesign and Pauline Souza of WRNS Studio discuss the lessons they are learning for the fight against climate change in this time of covid-19 and the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day.
It is Earth Day in 2020. Now, more than ever, things are shifting. Our priorities remain the same, but over the last month, they have intensified. On this 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we are celebrating 50 years of practice here at BNIM, while reporting on what lies ahead. "The attitude toward the common good and the public realm is really important at this time. It is important that we look well beyond the work we do as a firm, and as individuals, and have a wholistic approach towards problem-solving and making the world a better place." - Steve McDowell, President and CEO.
340 Gigatons. That is the magic number. This represents the total global carbon dioxide emissions humanity can emit over the next 30 years if we are to keep our planet from warming to the point of irreversible cascade failure. Buildings and infrastructure are currently responsible for half of global emissions, so architects have a vital role to play in the months and years ahead. Now is the moment our innovation, ingenuity, and resourcefulness are needed most in the world.
The College of Nursing at the University of Iowa is featured in the Spring 2020 issue of Iowa Architect Magazine. The College of Nursing modifications enable the College to address the needs for updated technology and state-of-the-art facilities, while also adapting to current pedagogical methods that emphasize active student learning. Read the full article "Inside Out, Inverting a classic 1970s Brutalist design on the University of Iowa's campus," by Haley Smith in Iowa Architect Spring 2020.
MJ Johnson, design team member of BNIM's Des Moines studio was recently recognized with an AIA Iowa Student Impact Award for her Store Floor project completed in 'Design for Disaster Relief' at the Iowa State University College of Design, alongside project partners Nicole Becker, Marissa Engel, Ashton Knepper, and Professor Rob Whitehead. The project received Merit award recognition. The team's project abstract is below:
On April 8th BNIM ran an “Instagram Takeover” on the American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA), San Diego Chapter’s Instagram account. Centered around the theme of “Human Nature” our content was based off of BNIM’s Groundswell book. Projects highlighted in the takeover included Palomar Maintenance and Operations Facility, Pacific Center Campus, CSU San Marcos, and Ivy Senior Living. ASLA National shared the Palomar Maintenance and Operations Facility on their Instagram account.
The new 17,000 SF Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement will be a distinguished landmark on the Drake University campus in Des Moines, Iowa. Founded in 2013, the Harkin Institute seeks to improve the lives of all Americans by giving policymakers access to high-quality information and engaging citizens as active participants in the formation of public policy.
“If we are going to turn this around, we have about 40 years.” Bob Berkebile, BNIM Founder and FAIA Founding COTE Chair, gave this vital testimony 30 years ago and awakened the sustainable architecture movement across the industry. Metropolis Magazine, one of the early pioneers focused on the gravity of sustainability in our practice, reflects on the journey of the everchanging definition of environment.
BNIM is excited to be a part of bringing the future vision of the Center for Connected Learning at Moffitt Library to life for the UC Berkeley community. A place of connection and learning since its opening in 1970, Moffitt Library has always held an important place on the University of California, Berkeley’s campus. As technology and the nature of pedagogy continue to evolve, UC Berkeley has teamed with BNIM to reimagine Moffitt Library as a 21st century center for innovation, technology, and connection that will continue to serve students and the campus community long into the future.
BNIM Principal, Laura Lesniewski will serve as a juror at the AIA New Mexico elevAte Design and Honor Awards this summer 2020. Register and learn more on AIA New Mexico's website.
Joyce Raybuck, AIA, LEED AP, Associate Principal, was named a member of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program in the Spring cohort. Joyce will join fellow emerging Kansas City leaders in the Spring 2020 – 2022 Centurions Class, learning about and serving the Kansas City community.
Steve McDowell, FAIA, presents at the 4th annual KU Sustainable Health & Wellness Symposium: Sustainable Health and Wellness Design on March 5, 2020. As described by the School of Architecture and Design, the focus of the Symposium is on “the issues affecting the ways that architects and designers can incorporate sustainable design principles in environments that enhance human health and well-being.” Steve joined Rick Maniktala of BranchPattern and Willa Kuh of Affiliated Engineers, Inc.
Carey Nagle, AIA, participates in a panel discussion on “Carbon as a design influencer” at The Design Colloquium for Design-First Firms event in San Francisco on March 6, 2020. Nagle will discuss carbon-influenced decision-making as a priority on all projects and the need for allies in this initiative to build consensus through collective vision, leadership, and results.
Jeremy Knoll, AIA, attends the CarbonPositive ’20 Conference and Expo presented by Architecture 2030 and Architect Magazine on March 2-4, 2020 in Los Angeles. This event invites architects, planners, engineers, builders, developers, and policymakers to come together in discussion of a CarbonPositive future. Attendees engage in presentations and breakout sessions to hear about topics including the Architect 2030 network, CarbonPositive design tools and material use, and leaders in decarbonization. Knoll shares his experience from the conference and expo: Observations DAY ONE
Carey Nagle participates in a panel discussion on Charity Redevelopment and Area Master Plan at the ULI Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2020 Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana with Paul Angelone (moderator), Senior Director, Advisory Services, ULI, Joseph A. Stebbins II - Real Estate Developer, New Orleans, and Andy Kopplin - President and CEO, Greater New Orleans Foundation. More
Excerpt from ARCHITECT Magazine, February 2020 - "The Decarbonization of Washington University," Katie Gerfen Re-Greening Through Parking
Kansas City, Mo. (February 24, 2020) – BNIM is pleased to announce the promotion of new Associate Principals and Associates in its Kansas City, Des Moines, and San Diego offices. These individuals join BNIM’s existing leadership in a collective effort to support the firm’s core purpose to “…deliver beautiful, integrated, living environments that inspire change and enhance the human condition.” In BNIM’s 50th anniversary year, they have distinguished themselves as leaders, mentors, innovators, and collaborators who embody the firm’s values.
BNIM Principal, Kevin Nordmeyer, AIA, presents on 'Designing With Purpose' at the December Green Drinks hosted by Urban Ambassadors on Dec. 19, 2019. Urban Ambassadors is a local non-profit organization serving the Des Moines area with the mission to "inspire and empower individuals to be more sustainable at home and in the community."
Jeremy Knoll, AIA, participates in a work session with The American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C. to develop and refine urgent goals, strategies, and actions of the AIA's Climate Action Plan. According to Jeremy, “This was an excellent dialogue and working session focused on amplifying the great work of membership, and identifying the critical resources needed to empower firms and members to champion climate and equity action in practice.”
Bob Berkebile, founder of AIA’s Committee on the Environment (COTE), will serve as a juror for the 2020 AIA COTE Top Ten Awards in the organization’s 30th anniversary year.
Kansas City, MO (December 12, 2019) — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Kansas City has announced the honorees of the organization’s annual Board Awards. Among the recipients, BNIM Principal Laura Lesniewski is recognized as the 2019 Architect of the Year in acknowledgment of her contributions to the industry, her environmental stewardship, and her humanitarian efforts.
BNIM hosts a discussion on the value of concrete with guest speakers Lionel Lemay, Sr. VP, Sustainability & Build with Strength and Donn Thompson, Regional Manager at the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA)
LEED Fellow, Jeremy Knoll, AIA, presents at “LEED Today + Green Building Policy for Municipalities” hosted by Climate Action KC and USGBC Central Plains on Dec. 5, 2019. The event discussed trends, best practices, plans, and available tools and resources for local governments creating green building initiatives.
BNIM Principal and Chief Business Officer, Maria Maffry speaks at the Second Annual Civil Engineering and Design Careers Day on Thursday, November 21, 2019 where upto 200 high school students from more than a dozen Kansas City area schools learn about careers in the civil engineering and design disciplines. This event is organized by the KC STEM Alliance, ASCE Kansas City Section and the Center for Architecture & Design (CAD).
BNIM conceived the new University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art building as a rectilinear solid interrupted by interconnected voids. These light-filled, linked spaces create a home for the display, conservation, and storage of the collection, while guiding patrons physically and visually through the museum. These are exterior exhibition spaces, educational areas, and horizontal and vertical pathways, all connected by a three-story light well that comprises the core of the museum and permeates the entirety of the experience.
Drake University is celebrating 100 years of journalism and mass communication education in 2019-2020 and has announced the start of the major building renovations to the school’s home, Mies van der Rohe-designed Meredith Hall. Drake values the character and history of the structure, and BNIM is researching how to improve the energy efficiencies that currently do not meet modern needs and develop their desired modes of learning, collaboration, and interaction. Learn more about the study here.
BNIM’s Joyce Raybuck, recently worked with the Energy Efficient Codes Coalition to take climate action and initiate important discussion on how our industry must change this statistic for the future, starting with implementing stronger energy efficiency in building codes. Read more about building codes' impact here.
Laura Lesneiwski speaks at at Darr Agricultural Center, Missouri State University, Springfield, in a conference - Ripple Effect II: Green Development Techniques to Protect our Ozark Waterways on the topic 'Power of Zero: Optimizing Cost and Value with Next Generation Green.'
Listening to locals and training them to work as craftspeople during construction ensures that this net-zero school campus will enact lasting change, not just on individual students, but on the region as a whole.
We are excited to announce that Makers Quarter Block D in the East Village of San Diego, received LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, marking it as the first LEED Platinum building in downtown San Diego.
Kansas City, MO (November 8, 2019) — ARCHITECT Magazine released their annual firm rankings on Friday, prominently featuring Kansas City-based BNIM among the top-ranked firms.
2019 AIA Central States Region JCCC Fine Arts and Design Studios Excellence in Design Honor Award 2019 AIA Iowa Awards The Lutheran Church of Hope - Grimes Excellence in Design Honor Award 2019 AIA Kansas Awards The Lutheran Church of Hope - Grimes Honor Award, Architectural Project JCCC Fine Arts and Design Studios Merit Award, Architectural Project Maintenance and Operations Building, Palomar Community College Merit Award, Architectural Project Miesblock Honorable Mention, Architectural Project 2019 AIA Kansas City The Lutheran Church of Hope - Grimes
Kansas City, Mo (October 22, 2019) -- BNIM announces that Jeremy Knoll, AIA, has been named a 2019 LEED Fellow by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Knoll joins 29 other LEED Fellows who represent exceptional practitioners and leaders within the green building community and have demonstrated mastery of the technical application of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building rating system.
Steve McDowell and GretchenHoly present our approach on the strategies behind the Georgia Tech Library renovations at Georgia Institute of Technnology's Designing Libraries Conference during the session, The Architect's Perspective. More
The REACH at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C., by Steven Holl Architects and BNIM celebrated its official opening to the public in September of 2019. The completion of this project acquired coverage from major media sources nationally and internationally. Below are the highlights from the press. "The Reach at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts," by Katie Gerfen, Architect Magazine, October 2019. (seen above)
The 2019 AIA Central States Design Awards took place in St. Louis, to celebrate award-winning architecture designed by architects in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
A ribbon cutting, open house, and dedication ceremony for the newly completed Hugh L. Libby Career and Technical Education Center at Johnson County Community College will take place Thursday, October 10th at 1:15 p.m. The 69,000 SF facility will anchor a new career and technical neighborhood on campus, demonstrate the college’s strong commitment to technology and innovation, and provide unique opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.
Maria Maffry, Principal and Chief Business Development Officer at BNIM is selected as a Co-Chair for the WIN for KC Women’s Sports Awards Celebration. “We would be hard-pressed to find two more remarkable and dedicated women to support our fundraising and planning efforts around the 2020 Women’s Sports Awards Celebration,” says Jessica Blubaugh, Director of WIN for KC. “Whitney and Maria truly embody the mission and vision of WIN for KC, particularly with respect to our goals around leadership development. We are very lucky to have them on board!”
James Pfeiffer and Carey Nagle, Principals at BNIM, present and conduct a workshop at the AIA Middle Tennessee in Nashville on Redesigning Design.
Jason Kruse and Kevin Nordmeyer conducted a workshop on the Harkin Institute's ideals of universal inclusion and eco-wellness at the 2019 AIA Iowa Fall Convention.
The University of Iowa's Visual Arts Building, by Steven Holl Architects and BNIM has received LEED Gold certification by the United States Green Building Council. It is the western hemisphere’s first voided active slab heating and cooling system. “The efficient system places plastic bubble-shaped forms, arranged in a grid, at the center of the slab’s depth—where concrete is least effective—to span farther with the same thickness. “In this building, we were able to use 25 percent less concrete,” says Kelley Gipple of Structural Engineering Associates.
BNIM members hopped on their bikes to ride a total of 1,340 miles to fight MS at the BikeMS Kansas City event September 28th-29th. This is an event we are passionately dedicated to and the team was able to raise over $8,600 toward cure initiatives to fight MS. Here are just a few stats showing how amazing our team performed: Combined 80 hours of moving time. Maximum speed of 37.5 MPH. Average speed of the fastest group was 17.2 MPH. 3,851 feet of elevation gain on Saturday. 6,668 feet of elevation gain on Sunday (with a 13mph headwind). Over 600,000 calories burned.
James Baker was selected to be in the Health Forward Foundation’s last Health Communities Leadership Academy cohort. The academy helps bring together and train leaders to address health-related policy and community environment change. James is excited to learn and explore innovative approaches to community health and integrate them with BNIM’s projects. He also works with Urban Neighborhood Initiative’s Promoting Equitable Neighborhoods work group and looks forward to expanding his knowledge related to healthy housing policy. Learn more here.
The REACH at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C. opened to the public on Saturday, September 7th, kicking off a 16-day festival celebrating the event. In collaboration with Designer Steven Holl Architects (SHA), BNIM served as Associate Architect for the new expansion, rounding out a 20-year collaborative relationship between the two firms.
Will Trakas, AIA, Associate, was named a member of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program for the Fall cohort. Will joins fellow emerging Kansas City leaders of the Fall 2019 - 2021 Centurions Class in a two-year program focused on education, leadership and service in the Kansas City community. “Will truly represents our values through his work at BNIM,” said Maria Maffry, BNIM Principal, Centurions Class of 2000, “His engaging and thoughtful leadership is demonstrated in his commitment to his studio members, clients, and community.”
Ryan McCabe was introduced in the Pillars leadership training program for AIA Kansas City members. The purpose is to prepare a representative cross section of the chapter’s emerging leaders for their role in shaping the future of both the architectural profession and the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The training program includes active participation in programs and exposure to community leaders and issues. Applications are accepted for the program once each year. Criteria for acceptance include proven career success and community involvement.
We are thrilled to announce Jeremy Knoll, LEED AP, as BNIM’s newest associate. A number of our staff across OneBNIM were recognized during our advancement celebration this past January as incredible representatives of the firm, both internally and externally; they are respected by their peers and demonstrate a results-oriented approach to our work. Jeremy has served as a strong advocate, technical expert, and thought leader on sustainable design, developing education programs, and new approaches to streamlining integration of LEED and other sustainable methodologies into the practice of BNIM.
A ceremonial groundbreaking for the Stanley Museum of Art at the University of Iowa took place at Friday afternoon, June 7. The 63,000 square-foot museum will host museum collection exhibitions, traveling exhibitions, artwork storage facilities, and space for study and research. The project will be the final structure to be rebuilt after the 2008 flood, replacing the former building completed in 1969. Read more about the project here.
The Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology (CAET) at Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Omaha, Nebraska, has received a 2019 Good Design is Good Business Award from Architectural Record. The annual awards program recognizes exemplary architectural solutions that have been instrumental in the growth and success of a range of businesses. CAET is one of eight diverse projects receiving the award this year.
A ceremonial groundbreaking to kick off the construction of the Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement at Drake University will take place at 2 p.m. today. The new 17,000 SF building sets a new standard for universal and inclusive design. The Harkin Institute is dedicated to promoting awareness and public policy research about the issues to which former Senator Tom Harkin devoted his career, including his historic legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act. Read more about the project here.
A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the newly completed Fine Arts + Design Studios (FADS) building at Johnson County Community College will take place Friday, April 26 at 1 p.m. The 41,650 square-foot facility provides a new home for graphic design, sculpture, ceramics, metals, painting, drawing, photography, and filmmaking. Spaces include classrooms and studio space, material storage, multiuse common spaces, a gallery, as well as display and collaboration spaces throughout building corridors.
August 24, 1944 - March 29, 2019 It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of our honored friend and colleague, David Immenschuh, on March 29, 2019. In his 47 years as a leader at BNIM, David played a profoundly influential role in shaping our firm, projects, culture, and the BNIM brand.
As part of the San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF) annual Open House San Diego, Makers Quarter Block D will be open and on display from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019. Guided tours of Block D will be given every 30 minutes with a reservation, which can be made here. The free event will be held Saturday and Sunday include over 100 architecturally-significant locations across San Diego, featuring both new buildings as well as historically significant sites such as the Salk Institute and Balboa Park. For more information, visit the SDAF website here.
In early March, it was announced that five College of Design faculty members at Iowa State University received the inaugural BNIM Regenerative Design Challenge grant. The Design Challenge was sponsored by BNIM in collaboration with the College of Design to support multidisciplinary faculty research in the areas of sustainability and regenerative design. Regenerative design utilizes a systems-based approach that seeks to restore and provide net positive impacts to the environment, economy, and humanity.
BNIM Principal Emeritus Bob Berkebile has been announced the Chair of the "Houston 2020 Vision" jury. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, "Houston 2020 Visions" is seeking creative proposals of what resilience might look like for Houston.
Kansas City, Mo. (February 13, 2019) – BNIM is pleased to announce the promotion of new Associate Principals, Associates and Administration in its Kansas City, Des Moines, and San Diego offices.
BNIM Principal Laura Lesniewski will serve as a keynote speaker at the AIA South Carolina "Reslience by Design" Conference in early February. The one-day “mini-conference” — being held February 1 at the Marden Center in Clemson — will allow architects from across the state and region to "gather, learn, and discuss the vital role that architects play in resiliency planning and design in communities and environments," according to AIA SC.
Architect Ryan McCabe was named the 2019 Board President of GenKC, taking over for BNIM Architect Joyce Raybuck. An extension of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, GenKC is an organization for young professionals to connect with local civic leaders and issues. Ryan will also be a part of the Special Events Committee – sign up for the GenKC newsletter here to receive news about upcoming events. Congratulations, Ryan!
In partnership with Pyatt Studio, based in Boulder, Colorado, BNIM was recently selected to design the Lower Sioux Intergenerational Cultural Incubator (LSICI) in Morton, Minnesota. The purpose of the LSICI is to strategically promote intergenerational engagement, cultural transmission, and economic well-being at the Lower Sioux Indian Community.
Palomar Community College Maintenance + Operations Complex was recently honored with two regional design awards in California: an Honor in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) California's 2018 Engineering Excellence Awards; and the Best Green Project in ENR Southern California's 2019 Best Projects Awards. Congratulations to the team, including our friends at Level 10 Construction and Syska Hennessy Group!
2018 was an especially active year for BNIM involvement with American Institute of Architects on local, regional, and national scales. This year, Principal Laura Lesniewski was elected to the AIA National Strategic Council as a representative of the Central States Region. Kayla Berkson served as regional associate director and Emerging Professionals Committee senior chair for AIA Central States Region. Katie Nichols served as president and the 2018 Conference co-chair for AIA Kansas, and will elected to the Board of Directors in 2019 as past president.
BNIM is honored to once again be recognized in the Architect 50. The list of top 50 architects in the United States are ranked by Architect Magazine based on three categories: business, sustainability and design. Thank you to Architect Magazine for the honor, and to our collaborators and clients with whom we work to inspire change and enhance the human condition. Congratulations to all who were recognized — see the full list here.
BNIM was recently awarded the redevelopment of a 3-acre parcel of land at 18th and Troost Avenue in Kansas City, Mo., currently owned by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA). The 18th Street Innovation Hub is being designed in partnership with JE Dunn — who is also leading the development of the site — and Kevin McGinnis, former Sprint executive and founder of the Sprint Accelerator.
BNIM will be hosting a 31st and Troost Panel Discussion at their headquarters, 2460 Pershing, Thursday evening from 4:30-6 p.m. Panelists include: Chris Jehle, Senior Manager of Community Impact at United Way of Greater Kansas City; Father Justin Matthews, Executive Director at Reconciliation Services; Mary Esselman, President and CEO at Operation Breakthrough; and Susie Rollings from Journey to New Life.
As part of a design-build team led by Story Construction, BNIM has been selected for a major expansion of the Gerdin Business Building at Iowa State University. The 45,000 square-foot addition will be designed with students in mind, providing additional classrooms, multi-purpose space, and study areas, with a focus on upgraded technology.
Director of Design for Interiors Janell Rock will be serving as a panelist at the Healthy KC Networking Forum: Wellness by Design on Thursday, November 1. The forums are held quarterly as part of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Healthy KC Initiative and share best practices in positively impacting wellbeing in the workplace. The fourth quarter forum topic is based on evolving wellness standards, and how intentional design can have a direct impact on employee health and wellness, and positively impacting productivity, engagement and morale.
BNIM was recognized with three awards at the AIA Kansas City Design Excellence Awards last night. Jacobs Well received an Honor Award, Asilong Christian High School received an Honor Award, and Makers Quarter Block D received a Merit Award. Jury members included Matthew Kreilich, FAIA, of Snow Kreilich Architects; Jennifer Newsom, AIA, of Dream the Combine; and Jennifer Yoos, FAIA, of VJAA. Members had the following to say about the winning projects: Jacobs Well Addition:
On Tuesday, October 18 BNIM Principal Joe Keal will lecture at Washington State University, a guest of Professor Sue Lani Madsen. Presenting on the topic of "Community Engagement Lessons from Greensburg," Joe will discuss his experience working in Greensburg, Kansas, as well as the challenges and successes of implementing high-performance, human-centered design principals through the development of community, sustainability guidelines, a long-range community masterplan vision and various building projects.
BNIM was recognized with four awards at the 2018 AIA Central States Design Awards last night. Projects recognized include the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Ne., the Jacobs Well Addition in Kansas City, Mo., Makers Quarter Block D in San Diego, and Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts + Sciences South Annex Addition at Iowa State Univeristy in Iowa City. Each received a merit for excellence in design.
BNIM recieved three honor awards for excellence in Design at Thursday's AIA Kansas Design Awards. Winners included Jacobs Well Addition, Makers Quarter Block D, and Seaton Hall Renovation + Expansion. Chaired by Anne Marie Duvall Decker, the jury had the following comments about the projects:
Principal Rod Kruse, FAIA LEED AP, is presenting at this year’s Iowa Homeland Security Conference, “Ten Years After: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future,” on Thursday, October 4. After reviewing Iowa’s largest and most critical recovery projects following the natural disaster events of 2008, the conference planning committee determined that BNIM (as well as OPN and Nuemann Monson) has been involved with nearly 70% of the major public infrastructure related recovery projects throughout the state.
Principals Steve McDowell and Maria Maffry are attending the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Leadership Exchange in Denver this week. An annual best practices trip for community leaders to explore and discuss community opportunities and challenges using the lens that another metro area provides, the 2018 Exchange focused on the topics of regional collaboration, workforce development and business-education partnerships, transportation and innovating mobility, and scientific and cultural facilities.
Des Moines architecture firm BNIM received five design awards on Thursday during the annual AIA Iowa convention, including the only Honor Award for Excellence in Design, the highest project design award of the event. Honor Award, Excellence in Design Westport Presbyterian Church – Kansas City, MO
BNIM is excited to celebrate some of its most recently licensed architects, who attained licensure after an exhaustive series of exams and logging hundreds of hours in practice. Jason Kruse, AIA,
With the 2018 awards season underway, BNIM has received recognition from a prestigious international awards program. The Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University was selected by a distinguished jury of Turkish architects as a recipient of an International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The Pacific Center Campus Development (PCCD) Research + Development Building (R+D Building) in San Diego received a 2018 AIA California Council Merit Award. The R+D Building is a product of research seeking to understand the direct relationship between human health and time spent in nature. Located in San Diego’s mild climate — an intersection of perennial sunlight and ocean breezes — the building provides immersive access to nature by embracing daylight, ventilation, and views.
The innovative façade and myriad other strategies implemented at Makers Quarter – Block D have garnered significant attention as the building nears completion of its core and shell and tenants are beginning to customize the highly flexible office suites. Net Zero Buildings magazine featured Block D in its May issue as one of a handful of net zero projects with efficient building envelopes. To read the feature, view the May issue.
Featured as a “Healthy Buildings in Practice” in D/A Magazine by @VELUX: The Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL) in Rhinebeck, New York. The specification of healthy, local and recycled materials played a major role in the design of the Omega Center, involving unconventional solutions such as making our own toxic free pipe installation and using salvaged materials from former President Barack Obama’s inaugural stage. Read about it on Page 78 of the D/A Magazine
“With the Lewis Arts Complex, Steven Holl Architects and BNIM Architects have created a new, imposing entrée for the university campus in Princeton.” The Lewis Center is featured in Detail Magazine. Read the article here
BNIM architect Ryan McCabe, AIA, will speak at the Facades+ Conference in Kansas City on July 19. Ryan joins Anthony Birchler, Vice President of Engineering at Zahner, and Ryan Gedney, Senior Vice President at HOK, for a panel titled International: Innovations in Façade Design and Delivery.
The Pacific Center Campus Development – Research + Development Building in San Diego, California received the American Architectural Award for 2018 by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. In its 24th year, this awards program is the nation’s highest and most prestigious distinguished awards program that honors new and cutting-edge design in the United States.
BNIM’s newest design studio — its Kansas City offices in the renowned Crown Center district — has garnered a Good Design is Good Business award from leading design publication Architectural Record and a prominent feature in the June print issue for its instrumental role in enhancing our day-to-day operations.
End Magazine seeks to connect national trends and global issues to the coastal community of the East Hamptons. In its June 2018 issue, End features the Omega Center and other projects that address the growing problem of wastewater treatment. Read about it here
Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith on America’s Troubled Racial History is photographed in the Lewis Center for the Arts and published in the April issue of Vogue. Fun to see the Lewis Center in Vogue Magazine
During BNIM’s annual Symposium, we sought to answer questions that ultimately guides our data collection and helps us identify trends, see correlations, and draw conclusions. In many cases, this led to new questions and new paths to be explored. We have been tasked with collecting and analyzing data to push our work to new levels of performance and look beyond current needs. We track metrics that embrace our human purposed, integrated design process. These metrics consider the experiential and the quantitative; from design to performance, process to results, community to detail.
On April 4, BNIM Principal and Chief Business Development Officer Maria Maffry co-chaired the 2018 Women's Employment Network (WEN) annual luncheon. More than 1,100 people gathered to hear how WEN empowers women to become more than they thought they could be. Maria, along with co-chair Cathy Baier with US Federal Properties Co., helped WEN exceed its annual fundraising goal.
Continuing the dialogue about regenerative design, BNIM and the Iowa State University (ISU) College of Design announced the BNIM Regenerative Design Challenge. Open to faculty and/or staff of the College of Design, the Regenerative Design Challenge supports multidisciplinary research in sustainability and regenerative design, which is a systems-based design methodology that provides measurable, net positive impacts to humanity and the planet.
The Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology (CAET) at the Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Fort Omaha campus is the subject of a four-page feature in the latest issue of Iowa Architect magazine. "Making Space for the Makers" explores CAET's variety of spaces and flexible design, which will allow the building to accommodate the evolving nature of technology in skilled trades. As part of a larger, three-building development, CAET brings the historic Fort Omaha campus into the future. You can read the full article here.
Alyssa Parsons, AIA, was named as a member of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program. Centurions has been preparing Kansas City’s future leaders for more than 40 years. Due to its immense popularity, this is the first year the Chamber has introduced a Spring Cohort.
After more than 40 years as an architect, Casey Cassias, FAIA, officially retired at the end of February. On April 3, we celebrated his legacy and his remarkable character with a retirement party that was, in his words, "a night to remember." Casey is a leader whose hallmarks of kindness, compassion, consistency, and integrity have touched everyone who crossed paths with him. To commemorate his incredible career, BNIM created a comprehensive monograph. We also asked BNIM staff and some of Casey's dear friends to share their thoughts about Casey.
Plexpod Westport Commons, the largest co-working space in the world, receives a Kansas City Business Journal 2018 Capstone Award in Adaptive Re-use. This innovative development is a leading example of urban acupuncture - a design and financial intervention in an abandoned community asset that sparks the revitalization of the community surrounding it. 10th and Wyandotte Garage wins a Kansas City Business Journal 2018 Capstone award for Infrastructure.
The Springfield Art Museum in Springfield, Missouri, has hired BNIM to develop a master plan focused on three areas: renovation, replacement, and/or expansion of the existing Education Wing; renovation of the existing building to improve visitor and staff experience; and improvements to the campus to better connect the Museum to surrounding amenities. This transformation will allow the museum to continue and improve its leadership, education, and service to the southwest Missouri region. Read the feature in Architect Magazine. Read the full press release.
BNIM's award-winning Westport Presbyterian Church has been featured on Dezeen: “BNIM resurrects Missouri church with lightwells and exposed masonry.” Constructed in 1905, the historic church was destroyed in a catastrophic 2011 fire, leaving only the exterior limestone shell. Rising from the ruins is a new church that creates a stronger community presence while acknowledging the congregation’s rich history. Read the full feature.
BNIM's Ravine Residence has been featured in Residential Design Magazine. The feature, “Private Oasis: Three land-loving houses strike the sweet spot between prospect and refuge,” covers the project’s human-purposed design approach, intentional opportunities for delight, and sensitive siting. “We try to touch the land as lightly as possible . . . and we were excited about it as a unique gesture,” said Project Architect Jonathan Ramsey, AIA. Read the full feature.
Jeff Shaffer, Assoc. AIA, has been appointed to the Iowa Architect Magazine Editorial Board, advocating for design excellence in architecture and arts in Iowa. Iowa Architect Magazine is the official publication of the American Institute of Architects, Iowa Chapter (AIA Iowa).
Rod Kruse, FAIA, was featured in the cover story of the Business Record’s “Trends to Watch in 2018” issue, published on January 5, 2018. As one of 13 recognized leaders in the Greater Des Moines business community, Rod was asked about upcoming trends in the design industry and elaborated specifically on changes in the workplace toward more human performance-based design. "More and more employers are expanding their focus on the health and productivity of their employees and staff and are seeking work environments that produce measurable metrics of human performance," he said.
The Princeton University Lewis Center for the Arts wins a 2017 Architect's Newspaper (A|N) Best of Design Award for Building of the Year – Mid-Atlantic. BNIM collaborated with Steven Holl Architects on the new 139,000 SF campus gateway, which includes performance, rehearsal, and teaching spaces designed around a central courtyard. The porous facility encourages interaction and collaboration between the public and the theater, dance, music, and creative and performing arts programs housed within. The project was featured on the cover of the first stand-alone A|N Design Award issue.
BNIM's Ravine Residence has been featured on the homepage of Dwell. The feature, “An Incredible Forest Home Leaps Over a Ravine,” covers the project’s blurring of "the boundary between interior and exterior with layers of light, glass, and wood.” Read the full feature. The naturally-ventilated residence is also highlighted on Inhabitat
Architect Magazine has distinguished BNIM in the 2017 Architect 50 with rankings of #22 overall, #17 in design, and #11 in sustainability. This national, annual list ranks firms based on judged design portfolios, project metrics, and other data. It emphasizes our commitment to human-purposed integrated design (HP.id), recognizing the opportunity for elevating human experiences within the intersections of interdisciplinary environments and high-performance building design. Read more about the rankings, the methodology and the categories here.
BNIM — along with notable Kansas City companies and frequent collaborators Mark One Electric, JE Dunn Construction, and U.S. Engineering — is being honored with the Marion and John Kreamer Award for Social Entrepreneurship from the Henry W. Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The four firms are being recognized for their significant contributions in realizing the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which has become an iconic part of the Kansas City skyline.
For an architect, attaining licensure often entails an exhaustive cycle of study sessions and ARE exams. As many can attest, it is no small achievement. We are thrilled to celebrate three newly licensed architects in our Des Moines, Iowa and Madison, Wisconsin studios, who all received their licenses in 2017.
Each year, BNIM is proud to submit our projects for design excellence awards from the local and regional chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). We are excited to share the results of this year’s AIA awards season thus far. AIA Central States Region Merit Award, Excellence in Architecture – Ravine Residence “…The simple modern details, the clarity of the plan and the relationship of the home to its landscape is made richer through the compositions captured by the photographer.” – Jury AIA CALIFORNIA COUNCIL
Just in time for the beginning of the new school year, BNIM celebrated the opening of four projects on higher education campuses across the country. Reflecting a variety of uses and programs, each of these projects shares in BNIM’s belief in Building Positive.
Two talented BNIM designers were recently recognized for their contributions to the community and to the design profession. At the Women’s Foundation We Work for Change 25th Anniversary Celebration on October 3, Allison Pericich was appointed to the Kansas City Historic Preservation Commission by Mayor Sly James. Allison is the 50th appointee through Mayor James’s partnership with the Women’s Foundation Appointments Project. Since the Appointments Project was launched three years ago, women’s representation on Kansas City boards has increased from approximately 33 percent to 42 percent.
The Iowa Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) honored BNIM Principal Kevin Nordmeyer, AIA with the 2017 AIA Iowa Medal of Honor. Kevin was formally recognized during the awards ceremony at the annual AIA Iowa convention on Thursday, September 28.
Fresh off the beginning of the new school year, the Omaha World-Herald featured three new buildings on the Metropolitan Community College’s Fort Omaha campus, part of a significant investment in the college’s future and a testament to the evolving nature of today’s community colleges.
Phil Bona was featured in The San Diego Daily Transcript’s “50 Most Influential Leaders” published on September 6, 2017. He was recognized for his passion for adequate affordable housing which can be seen in the "Housing the Next 1 Million" Initiative. He currently serves as President of the San Diego Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. More here for registered users | More about Housing the Next 1 Million
We are excited to share that Laura Lesniewski, AIA was selected to serve on the AIA National Strategic Council as a representative of the Central States Region. This is a three-year position that begins in December of this year. Laura was nominated by the AIA Kansas City Board of Directors.
Common Edge Collaborative featured a dialogue between Christina Hoxie, BNIM Director of Planning, and Nick Tilsen, Excutive Director of Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation.
San Diego, Calif. — Pacific Center Campus Development – Amenities Building has won a 2017 AIACC Design Award from the AIA California Council. The project was chosen with a total of 26 projects to receive awards based on their design excellence. Five jurors selected Pacific Center Campus Development – Amenities Building out of more than 250 entries for a Merit Award. The jury, including Greg Verabian, AIA; Stephen Kieran, FAIA; Mark Jensen, AIA, Kim Yao, AIA, and Tom Oslund, sought out projects that rose above to become exceptional.
Maria Maffry has been appointed to several important Kansas City boards starting this year: The University of Kansas Advancement Board; the UMKC Bloch Advisory Council; the ArtsKC Board of Directors; the Executive Women's Leadership Council; and the Kansas City Area Development Council Board of Directors. To each of these board appointments, Maria brings a keen interest in building synergy and helping Kansas City grow in renown as a cultural and academic leader.
Kansas City, Mo. (July 28, 2017) — BNIM announced the opening of The Patient-Centered Care Learning Center (PCCLC), a $42.5 million, six-story, 98,888 square-foot education building at the University of Missouri (MU) School of Medicine in Columbia, Mo. The facility serves the school’s mission to educate students to provide patient-centered care and includes an anatomy lab, an active learning classroom, clinical simulation rooms, problem-based learning classrooms, and student seminar rooms, as well as support spaces, including offices and student lounge areas.
Anastasia Huggins, AIA is among the class of 46 Kansas City leaders who were accepted into the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program. Centurions is an intensive, two-year leadership development program focused on preparing greater Kansas City’s future leaders. The Centurions leadership class is composed of dynamic professionals from businesses large and small, as well as area nonprofit organizations.
This year's Symposium pulled back the curtain to reveal the full spectrum of BNIM to share the success stories, hidden talents, and diverse perspectives that serve as the basis of our design practice. Through revealing ourselves, we find an inner spirit that tells others what we are really about in order to elevate our work to higher levels. Through our daylong session of reveals as well as moments of laughing, emotion, mindfulness, introspection, inspiration, we were reminded of our shared human experience. We were reminded that life is beautful.
The workplace that BNIM designed for Rivo Holdings is in the July 10 issue of the San Diego Business Journal featuring the coolest office spaces in San Diego. The article establishes that employee-focused work spaces is not simply a differentiator, but is a core requirement in the best work environments.
Check out this energetic tour through what will be the Thunder Valley Regenerative Community. "Building a Resilient Community" visualizes the future of the Thunder Valley Regenerative Community using 2D drawings to create a 3D experience. Showcasing key buildings – some currently under construction and some that will soon break ground –– this video provides viewers with a sneak peak of finished structures. Video by Pyatt Studio | original music created by Lakota Hip Hop Artist Frank Waln The Single Family Homes design: Pyatt Studio
American Enterprise Group National Headquarters was recognized with a preservation award by State Historical Society of Iowa. AEG received the William J. Wagner Award, which recognizes the historic preservation project that best exemplifies use of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The award was given at the Preserve Iowa Summit this month in Fort Dodge.
Exhibition Title: 18 Details Venue: Kansas City Design Center Location: 1018 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64105 Opening Reception: Tuesday, July 18th, 2017 - 5:30pm Dates: July 18th – August 18th 2017 All exhibitions at the KCDC are free to the public. The KCDC is open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. BNIM is participating in 18 Details, an exhibition of 18 projects in the region from firms located in the greater Kansas City area. The exhibition is curated by Kansas State University Assistant Professor Genevieve Baudoin and is hosted by The Kansas City Design Center [KCDC].
TEAM OF KANSAS CITY POWERHOUSES WILL BE HARD TO BEAT IN RACE TO DESIGN NEW KCI TERMINAL Some of the most recognized Kansas City firms in architectural design for airport terminals and aviation facilities have joined Burns & McDonnell in its proposal for a new single-terminal KCI. The new firms teaming with the Burns & McDonnell architecture practice are: HOK Populous BNIM Wellner-Architects Garcia Architecture
Des Moines, IA — June 20, 2017 — BNIM announced today that American Enterprise Group National Headquarters was recognized by Docomomo US as one of nine winners of the 2017 Modernism in America Awards program. These exemplary projects represent the highest level of preservation efforts and the growing trend to not only preserve but to document and share those findings with the public.
BNIM is disappointed with the news today regarding the decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, though we are encouraged by the overwhelming support for the Accord from American corporations and organizations. We are concerned that today’s action sends the wrong message about the USA and her people to our children, neighbors, and to the global community. However, what we do moving forward is more important than policies in addressing climate change.
(North Kansas City, Mo.) May 30, 2017 – On Wednesday, May 31, at 3 PM BNIM will participate in the “groundbreaking” for the new North Kansas City High School. The event, called Demo Day, will be less about the “ground” and more about the “breaking” as demolition of the existing structure commences. The event will signify the beginning of $60 million in renovations and new construction for North Kansas City High School, the oldest school in the North Kansas City School District.
Dear Friend, Thank you for joining the BNIM family for the celebration of our new Crown Center studio and workplace. We hope that you enjoyed yourself and found our transformed studio interesting and fun to be in. It was an honor to have you take time to be with us and our friends from across the Kansas City community. We were humbled by the amazing and enormous gathering of people, including yourself, who each contributed to a very memorable and special evening.
BNIM designs an “extroverted” office building for a downtown San Diego district San Diego, May 23, 2017 – Ground breaking is about to begin on Block D of Makers Quarter, a six-block work/live/play district in San Diego’s downtown East Village. The BNIM-designed Block D is a six-story collaborative office hub with retail and restaurant on the ground floor, inspired by the neighborhood’s maker spirit.
The Sunday edition of the San Diego Union Tribune featured Makers Quarter and the ground breaking of Block D at the corner of 15th and F Street. As the first new multi-tenant office building downtown in over a decade, Block D marks the beginning of the next employment hub for our region. A Press Conference + Reception will take place on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 as Mayor Kevin Faulconer and the development team, L2HP, celebrate the ground breaking of downtown's first multi-tenant office building in over a decade.
We're honored to receive today's Champions of Business recognition from the Kansas City Business Journal. It's in our DNA to transform the things that are important to us — be it having an impact on our great home city, on our projects, or on our own workplace. “We’re looking at the long run. We’re always looking at the future of the firm and next generation.” —Maria Maffry, Principal "We’re not afraid to think about things differently.” —Joe Keal, Principal
BNIM is lead planner for a new sustainable community at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
5:30 pm on Friday, May 19 BNIM 2460 Pershing, Suite 100 KCMO 64108 Parking Map and Information
Friday night, BNIM was honored with several award as the IIDA Mid American Chapter hosted the Mid America Design Awards (MADA). Congratulations to our clients and project teams. IIDA, the International Interior Design Association, works to enhance the quality of life through excellence in design. The IIDA Mid America Chapter consists of Kansas City, St. Louis and Wichita. This event, which draws together industry professionals from Kansas and Missouri. See the projects below.
FR209 - Rebooting a Classic: American Enterprise Group National Headquarters April 28, 2017 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Room W307B Saving great architecture is just as important as making it. American Enterprise Group's corporate headquarters in downtown Des Moines shows how you can rehabilitate mid-century design to remain relevant. The building, designed by SOM's Gordon Bunshaft and featured in Life magazine as "the talk of the Midwest," has won two AIA Honor Awards over its history.
BNIM was recently featured in the latest report by AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE). The Habits of High-Performing Firms: Lessons from frequent winners of the AIA COTE Top Ten Award, 1997–2016 deeply studies the practices of the firms that have received the most COTE Top Ten Project Awards since the program's inception. For over 20 years the AIA COTE Top Ten Awards have recognized architecture firms who have completed projects that employ the latest innovations in sustainable design to create the highest performance buildings.
Opening Reception Saturday | April 22, 2017 | 12-5 pm The artist will speak at 2 pm From April 22 through September 3, 2017, the work of Levi Robb will be featured at the Volland Store, a Place for Art and Community, located in Alma, KS.
On May 18, 2017, come celebrate our new home in Crown Center with us. Visit a model for transformative workplace design, supported by Crown Center’s environmental commitment. Hear from speakers leading the creative front in KC. Celebrate with friends, drinks and great food. This event will espouse BNIM’s goal to continue Building Positive by showcasing the transformation of a small part of Crown Center into our own creative hub in the heart of KC — a model that we know will be interesting and exciting to other companies interesting in furthering KC’s role as a creative capital.
Jury names 79 American-designed new works in annual program of the Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre of Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies
BNIM designs new development in Southcrest neighborhood SAN DIEGO, March 22, 2017 — Keeler Court, a new BNIM-designed development slated for the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego, has received approval from the Southcrest Planning Board and a Site Development Permit for Keeler Court has been approved by the Hearing Officer of the San Diego City Council. BNIM will partner on the development with general contractor Highland. The developer/owner is Community Housing Works.
Pacific Center Campus received a Special Mention in the Architizer A+Awards for the Office - Mid Rise (5-15 Floors) category. The jury acknowledged outstanding entries as Special Mentions, alongside A+Award Finalists and Winners. Architizer A+Award Special Mention honorees are considered industry leaders for architecture and design worldwide. The Pacific Center Campus Development (PCCD), located in San Diego, Calif., was a transformative project for a major Fortune 500 technology company in setting a new standard and benchmark for its future of workplace.
KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 14, 2017 — Today, multidisciplinary design firm BNIM announced that it has introduced a new brand identity that affirms the firm's identity and commitment to design as a lever for positive change. The firm launched its contemporary logo and color scheme that offers a fresh look and appeal with a common but customizable visual language. The logo is now the firm name in lower-case Mark OT. The brand reveal also highlights Building Positive, the BNIM ethos and way of working that results in transformation, authenticity, and delight.
Design promotes public engagement and user experience
Read the article about the BNIM-designed Bloch Impressionist Galleries in KC Studio Magazine: Makeover Masterpiece.
The Kansas City Star has featured a number of articles on the Bloch Galleries, designed by BNIM to house Marion and Henry Bloch's invaluable collection of 29 impressionist works of art. Read all about the Galleries and the artwork in the following: Inside the Bloch Galleries: An Interactive Experience Review: Impressionist masterpieces at Nelson's new Bloch Galleries are simply radiant A collection of stories: How Henry Bloch aquired the paintings in the new Nelson Galleries Henry Bloch on his paintings' new home at the Nelson-Atkins: "they look fabulous"
International Awards Pacific Center Campus Development, Research + Development Building – Good Green Award, The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies Pacific Center Campus Development – Special Mention, Office - Mid Rise, Architizer A+Awards Pacific Center Campus Development – The American Architecture Award for, The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies
Nelson-Atkins Museum offers press early viewing of new galleries designed by BNIM February 22, 2017 - In a design that honors the Bloch Collection, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the museum’s focus on public engagement and user experience, the BNIM design team created a contemporary, high-performance gallery space within the historic structure.
BNIM's Kansas City office is saying farewell to its Crossroads home and moving to Crown Center. Our offices will become a model for transformative workplace design, supported by Crown Center’s environmental commitment. We will be moving Wednesday, January 25 and Thursday, January 26. During this time, the phones will be down in all BNIM offices, including Des Moines, San Diego, and Los Angeles. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your project contact directly via cell phone or email. Phone service will resume on Monday, January 30th.
Kansas City, Mo. (January 10, 2017) – BNIM is pleased to announce the promotion of new Principals and Associates in its Kansas City and Des Moines offices. These individuals join BNIM’s existing leadership in realizing BNIM’s collective capacity as design thinkers solving the local and global design challenges of our clients. As a design practice, we are focused on Building Positive, a notion that reflects our focus on strengthening our business, our communities through design and—our greatest asset—our people.
The Visual Arts Building at the University of Iowa was featured at number three in the article "25 Masterpieces that Prove that 2016 was an Incredible Year for Architecture" in WIRED. Project completed in collaboration with Steven Holl.
Read about the Architect's Newspaper 2016 Building of the Year for the Midwest: University of Iowa Visual Arts Building Read about Interior Design's Best of Year Awards, where the University of Iowa Visual Arts Building won in Education
October 6, 2016 (Iowa City, Iowa) — The University of Iowa Visual Arts Building opens on October 7; a signature facility for the campus and a collaboration of Steven Holl Architects (Architect) and BNIM Architects (Associate Architect / Architect of Record). The 126,000 square-foot facility is the new home for the School of Art & Art History functions that were previously housed in the 1936 Art Building.
"The reuse of old buildings is almost always more complex than building anew. Such projects demand integrated thinking and creativity, and sometimes a leap of faith. Given pressures on materials and resources, this type of project will be increasingly appreciated by owners and neighbors alike."
Architect Magazine has named BNIM #25 on “The 2016 Architect 50,” a list of the Top 50 Architecture Firms nationally. This annual ranking of the Top Architecture Firms ranks firms for Design, Sustainability and Business, with the firm's position on each list contributing to the overall ranking. BNIM was ranked #4 nationally for Sustainability, a testament to BNIM’s belief that design excellence must consider sustainability and building performance.
Facades+ AM Greg Sheldon, FAIA September 15, 2016 Crowne Plaza Downtown, Kansas City 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM (RE)Designing Downtown
An increasingly important component of urban environments are vibrant places for people to come together to make, to inspire—and to be inspired. This describes Makers Quarter, an emerging tech-hub and lifestyle center in San Diego's East Village. Read A Beer Garden Lays Down Roots for a Technology Hub To quote the article by Lauren Herstik:
BNIM has won ENR California’s Best Projects 2016 in the Office/Retail/Mixed Use Category for Southern California for Pacific Center Campus Development, located in San Diego. The winners will be profiled in depth in the October issue of ENR California, and at two awards presentations in December – one in Los Angeles on October 4, and the other in San Francisco on October 6.
Westport Commons was featured in The Many Faces of Innovation in U.S. Cities in the New York Times.
BNIM Offices to Become Model for Transformative Workplace Design Kansas City, Mo. – July 19, 2016 – Kansas City-based architecture firm BNIM announces today that the firm will lease approximately 20,000 square feet of office space in Crown Center at 2460 Pershing Road to house its Headquarters. The move furthers BNIM’s commitment to reimagining and creating transformative space to showcase the latest workplace strategies, featuring sustainable and human-centered wellness design.
Des Moines, Iowa – June 8, 2016 – BNIM Architects’ Des Moines Studio directed the design of the Renovation of the American Enterprise Group Headquarters in Des Moines, which is the recipient of a 2016 Architectural Record Good Design is Good Business Award. This annual award recognizes the importance of design and architectural solutions that are instrumental in the growth and success of the businesses they serve.
The $60M Renovation and Expansion Will Update Northtown Kansas City, Mo. (June 6, 2016) — BNIM has been selected to design the $60-million renovation and expansion of North Kansas City High School, often referred to as Northtown, for the North Kansas City School District. The 90-year-old school is highly revered by the district and community, and will be updated in order to better harmonize with the district’s innovative educational practices.
(Kansas City, MO – June 1, 2016) As the Westport Presbyterian Church reopens this month after a devastating 2011 fire, the church is inviting the community into its new space. A weekend of activities from June 24-26, billed as Westport Rising: Open House Dedication Service, will celebrate the church’s long connection to the Westport neighborhood and signal its renewed commitment to serving both its own congregation and the surrounding community.
Alyssa Parsons was appointed to the Kansas City Brownfields Commission. Parsons was appointed by Mayor Sly James, who has partnered with Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project through his Women’s Empowerment Initiative (WE), in order to address the gender gap in city leadership positions.
Our Living Building for the Omega Institute makes a cameo at the top of the Co.Design article by Diana Budds titled "It's Time To Put Buildings On A Diet" about how design can change the way buildings perform using Living Building Challenge as a standard. Did you know there are just 44 certified Living Buildings in the world? The Omega Center for Sustainable Living was the first building to be certified as a Living Building by Living Building Challenge and as LEED Platinum. View the article on Fast Co.Design.
BNIM's Chief Financial Officer, Kristin Atkinson, has been named a Kansas City Business Journal 2016 CFO of the Year Honoree in the for-profit company category. The program honors outstanding financial executives for their contributions to the success of area companies and nonprofit organizations.
PINE RIDGE INDIAN RESERVATION, May 5th, 2016 –– The groundbreaking collaborative community design project, the Thunder Valley Regenerative Plan, has been selected as one of the 60 design projects to be featured in the By the People: Designing a Better America Exhibition this fall at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. The exhibition will run September 30th, 2016 through February 26th, 2017. THE EXHIBITION
Designers of Makers Quarter Create Laboratory for Innovative Workplace San Diego, Calif. (April 25, 2016) — BNIM, a national architecture and planning firm located in San Diego, has announced its relocation to San Diego’s East Village. The move to the Legend Building, adjacent to Petco Park, quadruples the firm’s office space to address growth and expansion in the San Diego region.
Who Are the ‘Greenest’ Architects in America? BNIM is on the list, ranked number 3. Look at who else looks at design as a balance of both aesthetics and performance.
Mind & Body: Lutheran Church of Hope is on the Cover of Iowa Architects's Spring Issue. Click here to view the Issue; full story on page 16.
The Advocacy issue of AIA Young Architects Forum's magazine, Connection, features Young Architect Award Spotlight: A Converstaion with Carey Nagle, AIA. Read about Carey and the reasons he is one of the profession's leading Young Architects in the issue at this link.
The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation has selected BNIM to create a Town Center Master Plan to inform the future redevelopment of the 60 acres the organization owns in Southeastern San Diego’s Diamond Neighborhoods. The Town Center Master Plan will serve as a guide for the organization’s community development work over the next eight to 10 years. New development projects will be centered around a restored portion of Chollas Creek near Market Street and Euclid Avenue.
Des Moines, Iowa (February 25, 2016) – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced Carey Nagle, AIA LEED AP BD+C, an architect with BNIM in Des Moines, Iowa, is a recipient of the 2016 AIA Young Architects Award. This national award recognizes individuals who have impacted the profession through significant contributions and leadership early in their architectural careers. Nagle will be presented with the Young Architects Award at the 2016 AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, along with other recipients from around the country.
FEBRUARY 4, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information contact: Jon D Stephens, Media Consultant at jstephens@rockhillstrategic.com | 816.547.7904 Previously Announced Project Would Have Been Transformative For City Founded in Kansas City 45 years ago, BNIM has always sought to invest in, and improve the community that has provided us with the environment to thrive. Delivering beautiful integrated environments that inspire change and enhance the human condition is our Core Purpose.
The move will provide SDGBC and BNIM with exciting opportunities to collaborate on new ideas and develop research initiatives in order to advance each organizations’ respective mission in sustainable architecture. BNIM was looking for opportunities to develop the innovation space in our new office adjacent to Petco Park, and a pairing with SDGBC was the perfect fit. We are proud to be a longstanding supporter of the SDGBC and look forward to the collaborative opportunities that come with promoting a community-based environment. Please stop by and say hello at our new downtown location.
Kansas City, Mo. – January 15, 2016 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has recognized BNIM’s project for the American Enterprise Group (AEG) as a 2016 recipient of an AIA Institute Honor Award for Architecture, the profession’s highest recognition of works that represent excellence in architecture. The American Enterprise Group National Headquarters Renovation was among 11 projects selected to receive awards for Architecture out of roughly 350 entries.
With a long history of involvement in the arts, BNIM has partnered with our clients to help enhance arts access and experiences for their communities through cohesive, compelling, community-centered, and immersive facilities - from local galleries to nationally recognized museums and centers for the visual arts. Through this work, we have studied, researched, and developed a strong knowledge base in the science of museums.
At BNIM, we rise to our commitment to sustainable and regenerative design, reducing lifecycle carbon, and driving equity throughout our practice. This commitment resulted in a breakthrough in measured impacts in our global portfolio of on-the-boards projects in 2023. The integrated and holistic design approach we strive to implement on every project yields high-performance buildings that minimize environmental impact while providing exceptional solutions for our clients, communities, and people who enjoy our places and spaces every day.
Over the past four weeks, BNIM has had the privilege of hosting architect Maria Pineda as part of the Young Leaders of Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program, which aims to empower entrepreneurs in advancing their business initiatives and contributing to social and economic development within their communities. Maria is the principal architect and founder of Cota Estudio de Arquitectura.
Written by Joyce Raybuck, AIA, LEED AP, a Design Principal at BNIM in Kansas City with a background in higher education, embassy design, workplace, and urban development projects. Alongside her project leadership, she currently serves on the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Leadership Group. Our favorite day of the year is here: Earth Day. AIA COTE Top Ten winners have historically been announced on this day; however this year, they will be announced with the design awards at the AIA Conference in June to celebrate the pinnacle of design excellence.
In BNIM’s 54 years as a practice, our work has led us to collaborate and connect with communities locally and across the world through human-purposed and high-performance design for a range of built environments, elevating the missions of our clients and creating places where people want to be. As we start off a new year at BNIM, we are excited to share a handful of projects on the design boards and in construction for 2024. The following projects each hold important roles in supporting and positively impacting their communities through education, infrastructure, and community services.
Reconciliation Services (RS) has served the urban core of Kansas City since 1987, driven by dignity, community, and advocacy to address needs for affordable food access, safe gathering spaces, and building positive connections. In 2016, BNIM began visioning workshops and programming conversations that informed a conceptual master plan for the organization’s existing property at the corner of 31st and Troost. The assessment and renovation represents a reinvestment by RS in its programs, neighborhood, and history.
In recognition of a new chapter for BNIM as an employee-owned design company, we are excited to introduce a new iteration of our core purpose and our enduring values as a practice. Our core purpose speaks to the idea of designing for a better world.
Marquette University welcomed students for the first Fall semester at Dr. E.J. and Margaret O’Brien Hall after celebrating the building's grand opening in early 2023. During the course of this year, the new state-of the art home for the College of Business Administration programs, the Graduate School of Management, and Leadership programs has engaged students and faculty within the College of Business and across campus, becoming a popular destination for the Marquette community.
BNIM’s mindful blog is the place where we break down the walls of practice to share our experiences, insights, and reflections. Today, I want to take you on a journey through my roles as a student mentor, president of the Kansas State University (KSU) National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS), and my internship at BNIM. This journey has been shaped by my experiences as both a mentee and a mentor, and it all began with a desire to pay forward the guidance I received.
It was a great summer at BNIM with our excellent student interns who joined us in our Kansas City, Des Moines, and San Diego offices. This talented group of emerging professionals were immersed in the daily activity and various projects of our studio teams, learning, collaborating, sharing their knowledge, skills, and ideas to positively shape design and our daily practice. Thank you to Anne, Emily, Isaac, Kenath, Miguel, Raeleigh, Sophi, and Stuart (left to right, top to bottom) for all of your contributions and for being a part of BNIM! Anne Carlson
The BNIM Interiors studio travelled to Chicago earlier this summer to attend NeoCon, one of the largest commercial interior design expos and conferences in North America. Our Interiors team – Amy, David, Janell, Katie, Sarah, and Tina - joined designers from across the country at the three-day event to explore the latest products, materials, and innovations in design.
BNIM staff from across multiple studios attended an annual Symposium event in our Kansas City office this May. As the first time gathering back together in-person after three years of virtual events, it was an exciting reunion to reconnect with our colleagues and to take the time to learn, discuss, refocus, and explore our work and the future of design. The 2023 Symposium was inspired the concept of “Holding Space.” To hold space for someone is to make room, to give our time and focus, and to create place of safety and forum for expression.
BNIM’s Emerging Interest in Designing for a Better World For over three decades following the start of sustainable design movement, BNIM has been a leader in the design of built environments that realize the intrinsic connection between human nature and climate. BNIM explores this interdependence and collective well-being within each of our project types, designing to support human health through our rigorous and systematic approach to environmental health.
With a new year of design underway at BNIM, we are sharing highlights from some of the exciting work happening across our studios in 2023 as we collaborate with our clients to create environments that elevate their work, communities, missions, and long-term goals. Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building: Construction Underway
Several years ago, BNIM and The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement began the design of The Harkin Institute's new home on Drake University campus — a space that would serve as a dedicated place of work, research, and community engagement while also becoming an exemplar of how the built environment can better embrace all people and abilities through inclusive and universal design.
In our daily work, we often look to our colleagues and collaborators as we seek out and share inspiration. Our team members at BNIM approach our work with collective care, each bringing expertise, talents, and passions to create the best outcomes and a better practice. As we honor Women’s History Month this March, we are excited to share the stories from several individuals at BNIM who inspire and energize our firm each day.
In our daily work, we often look to our colleagues and collaborators as we seek out and share inspiration. Our team members at BNIM approach our work with collective care, each bringing expertise, talents, and passions to create the best outcomes and a better practice. As we honor Women’s History Month this March, we are excited to share the stories from several individuals at BNIM who inspire and energize our firm each day.
In our daily work, we often look to our colleagues and collaborators as we seek out and share inspiration. Our team members at BNIM approach our work with collective care, each bringing expertise, talents, and passions to create the best outcomes and a better practice. As we honor Women’s History Month this March, we are excited to share the stories from several individuals at BNIM who inspire and energize our firm each day.
In our daily work, we often look to our colleagues and collaborators as we seek out and share inspiration. Our team members at BNIM approach our work with collective care, each bringing expertise, talents, and passions to create the best outcomes and a better practice. As we honor Women’s History Month this March, we are excited to share the stories from several individuals at BNIM who inspire and energize our firm each day.
Embrace embodies a multitude of meanings—to embrace is to welcome, to include, to champion, to accept, to take to one’s heart. As we reflect on this year of reconnecting as colleagues and collaborators and being present within our communities, we are thinking about how we continue to embrace our work with renewed focus and energy as we enter 2023. Looking toward the new year, we asked BNIMers to share what they are in embracing in this holiday season and new year. Below are a few examples: I embrace {peace}. I embrace {activities and events that nurture the soul}. I embrace {family}.
Over the course of its opening weekend in August, an estimated 4,000 visitors explored the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art’s inaugural exhibition, Homecoming, and many more enjoyed opening celebration activities and art in Gibson Square Park. The Stanley Museum of Art restores a dedicated art museum presence to the University of Iowa campus community for the first time in 14 years following flooding of the Iowa River.
Behind every BNIM project is a deep focus on process and commitment to a human-purposed, integrated approach. We begin with developing a comprehensive understanding of ecology, site, building, and spaces as we work with clients through the discovery process to identify core goals and needs. This enables our design teams to set a framework for success and to design for outcomes rooted in human purpose and high performance while uniquely addressing the project vision.
BNIM has partnered with community college campuses across the country to design and transform academic facilities that support and reflect the significant work of these institutions at the forefront of experiential learning. Community colleges have forged new paths for students on their academic and professional journeys, providing flexibility, affordability, and access to education at a time when these core tenets of learning are needed more than ever.
With the opportunity to bring new energy, perspectives, and curiosity together with professional expertise and a depth of design experience, internships are a catalyst for innovation in the workplace. Not only are BNIM’s student interns bringing leading-edge skills and ideas to our studios and projects this summer, but these impressive young professionals are also helping make way for critical change in the industry in emphasizing equity, diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability in design.
“Success has been defined as the ability to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm” – anonymous
BNIM celebrates Bob Berkebile, FAIA, as he is recognized with the Edward C. Kemper Award by the Board of Directors and the Strategic Council of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at the 2022 AIA National Convention in Chicago this week. This is the highest service award the AIA can confer upon a member who has had a significant impact on the profession through exceptional service to the AIA. Bob was recently featured by the American Institute of Architects, Common Edge, and ARCHITECT Magazine.
This Earth Day 2022, BNIM is sharing our latest Sustainability Action Plan, *Subject To Change. This report provides our firm with a deeper understanding of the environmental impact of each of our projects and help us re-examine the ways we are addressing climate justice in our practice, centering on people, human dignity, and equity.
Advocacy, community involvement, and thought leadership have shaped our practice for the better. We are a firm of design practitioners as well as community members, committed to inspiring change and enhancing the human condition. When our team members share their experiences from policy meetings, serving as board members, or volunteering, it opens up new perspectives and discussions of the challenges facing our communities and how we can create the most effective design solutions.
Housing should be accessible to everyone. As should good design. Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation set out to develop a housing project that embodied this concept, going above and beyond just creating new apartments. Guided by these project goals, BNIM designed welcoming, peaceful, and supportive apartments ready to serve San Diego seniors with chronic medical needs who have experienced homelessness.
In 2013, BNIM founder Bob Berkebile and BNIM alumnus Jason McLennan launched the JUST Label, an extension of the Declare Label, which aimed to increase transparency about products used in buildings and construction. The JUST Label is more than a certification program, instead it works as a platform for businesses to increase transparency about how they measure up when it comes to improving social equity, how employees are treated, supplier diversity, and their community impact.
'Building Positive' is a familiar phrase at BNIM that describes the ways our practice leverages a collective capacity for design thinking to help solve issues at every scale, focused on building the positive attributes of community and the built environment to create transformative outcomes. As we start the new year, we are keeping our goals and commitments for 2022 top of mind, ready to continue building positive momentum at every opportunity through our practice, projects, and collaborations.
At our firm’s Fall Symposium in November, BNIMers joined together to focus on generating momentum for the future and the initiatives we can take as a firm, and within our industry, to positively shape design. BNIM Principal Kevin Nordmeyer led our firm through a powerful presentation on inclusive and gracious design in the built environment, embracing and enhancing the human experience for all people.
Our employees’ well-being is one of BNIM’s top priorities because they are our greatest assets. Each October, we dedicate a week to acknowledging and celebrating our collective well-being. This is a time to challenge our current norms and consider ways we can focus on our total well-being. Wellness Week is more than a health fair with flu shots and biometric screening. It is a time to understand ourselves and set our sights on ways we can care for our whole being: social, physical, emotional, and intellectual. Joyful moments
When our goals are so closely aligned with a client, there is a shared enjoyment in the work we do, and the results showcase this effective collaboration. The YMCA genuinely cares for the community and serves as a hub for community services and outreach. Their goals to encourage healthy living; of body, mind, and soul resonated with our design team and are a great asset for the downtown core of Kansas City.
The University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) School of Music has already been abuzz with back-to-school activity this Fall 2021 Semester, from welcoming students to Marching Mizzou Band Camp in August to the start of new classes, auditions, and upcoming recitals and performances. Home to this flourish of campus activity is the School of Music’s new Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield Music Center.
This summer, BNIM’s James Baker and Sam De Jong collaborated with a group of high school students from the Kansas City area as they developed an innovative business approach for Entrepreneurship KC. This program created by Cherry and STARTLAND, helps connect students as future young professionals through career and entrepreneurial experiences.
The West 18th Street Fashion Show has been held on the same block in Kansas City’s Crossroads neighborhood for nearly all of its 21 seasons. Traditionally, the models walk a runway stretching down the center of West 18th Street between Baltimore and Wyandotte, with a crowd of spectators packed in on either side. By the summer of 2020, crowds had become passé, so the show was refashioned as a movie screened to a drive-in theater audience.
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” – Desmond Tutu
Climate Justice is important to us and the work we do. As designers who shape the built environment, we cannot remain complicit in the unintended consequences of our work. On this Earth Day, we believe it is important to consider how our actions impact those who are often denied power and reaffirm our commitment to making change.
In an online seminar at the end of January, I was reminded of a very important reason why detailing the gypsum board finish as an internal air control barrier, is an important part of our building enclosure strategy. I think it was the early 2000s when I became aware of this practice, while working on a corporate headquarters project. We were designing the wall assembly, which at the time was very unusual for the Kansas City market. The wall assembly was: A wood rainscreen cladding; with exterior mineral wool insulation; a vapor impermeable air barrier on the outside of glass matt sheathing;
For BNIM's 2021 Symposium, our colleagues came together to focus on the theme of Reconnecting. To start off the day's events, BNIM staff considered how our workdays, routines, and schedules have changed over the course of the past year. In January of 2020, I read an article that crystalized how much my life would change in the coming year. I was expecting a baby in May 2020, and this infographic (and article) was the clearest articulation I had seen of that change – showing division of time, interruptions, demands and disruptions.
Each year, our three studio offices gather together as OneBNIM for a day dedicated to meaningful conversations, listening to presentations from our colleagues and community partners, brainstorming new ideas, and considering the future of design. BNIM’s Annual Symposium is a long-established tradition for our practice, and this year was no different — though it was a first.
Laura Lesniewski leads with empathy to achieve systemic change and transformative outcomes. For three decades her efforts have elevated the human experience through design, advanced industry knowledge and tools, and applied resilient thinking in practice. 1. Equity - Elevating the human experience through design Housing. With two housing organizations over the past 30 years, Laura has explored the intersection of sustainability and equity in affordable housing. This includes:
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao TzU, Tao Te Ching, Chapter 64
In BNIM’s hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, the Arts have shaped and enhanced the public realm. Across buildings, streets, atriums, parks, and public spaces, Kansas City’s displays of public art each bring a unique purpose and artist’s perspective to the community. Over many decades, public art has helped share and continue Kansas City’s story in meaningful and creative ways.
Recently, the New York Times shared the history behind artist Jackson Pollock’s renowned “Mural," and its return on tour to the Guggenheim in New York City, in Jackson Pollock, Before the Drip by Jason Farago. “Mural” has been on a visiting tour of various art institutions across the country and world. Donated by Peggy Guggenheim to the Stanley Museum of Art in 1951, “Mural” has been a long-time resident at the University of Iowa [ 1 ].
“What we have been doing through our practice for many, many years is designing with this whole idea of lifting people up. It’s about really doing things that lift up human experiences, lift up human well-being in all the systems that support life on earth.” - Steve McDowell, BNIM President
Arts and cultural facilities hold a meaningful place in communities, serving as pillars for creativity, education, and connection. In BNIM’s collaborations with organizations across the country, we recognize the ability of the Arts to enliven and bring communities together. These centers for art and culture belong to the people — to enjoy, to learn, to explore, and to seek inspiration.
Housing creates a foundation for many aspects of life. It acts as a support system, providing individuals with safety, comfort, and community. During the last several months, housing has taken on new roles, serving as a virtual classroom, a home office, and a place of rest and safeguard for health. In a time when so much of everyday life is connected to the places that we call home, we consider the future of housing and the contributions that design solutions can make to both community and environmental resiliency.
Four words describe the promise of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy for me. In an interview at Georgetown University in 2015, Ruth, in her quiet, straightforward and unapologetic way, says: “People ask me sometimes, when — when do you think it will it be enough? When will there be enough women on the court? And my answer is, when there are nine.” In my opinion, these words describe her ideals, what she wanted as her legacy, as well as the path forward. When There are Nine
Many contemporary university buildings are being designed as academic hubs that house or support multiple schools and departments. These types of facilities can promote spontaneous and chance interactions between disciplines by way of strategically designed collision spaces such as shared common zones for focus and collaboration, open circulation systems, small nooks, stairway landings, study areas, and multi-use breakout rooms. The spaces encourage human connection and cross pollination of ideas, effectively cultivating the potential for innovation.
The mission of the North Kansas City High School renovation was to create an environment that ensures every student achieves their unique potential and thrives in an environment of rapid change. In support of this mission we approached the project with a focus on equity. The question asked with every decision that had to be made was, “How does this benefit the students?” Diversity & Equity
.bnim-blog-images { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; width: 100%; } .bnim-blog-image { padding: 0 0 20px; width: 50%; } @media only screen and (max-width: 991px) { .bnim-blog-image { width: 100%; } }
If you are poor in America, there has always been a housing crisis. Unaffordable, unsanitary, and often disconnected from jobs, schools, and transportation – these characteristics have plagued many people in America. This crisis has grown to engulf more and more people including the middle and, at times, upper middle class. This situation has led to dramatic increases in housing insecurity, economic burdens, and continued homelessness. For health, safety, and security, everyone needs an address.
EXCERPT FROM ULI KANSAS CITY "INDUSTRY VIEWPOINTS: CRAIG SCRANTON ON TRANSFORMATION" Observations In 2011, after BNIM won the AIA National Firm of the Year award, I became part of a team that worked on an AIA project to define the “Office of the Future.” One of the primary predictions about future workplaces that came from this study was that as technology becomes ubiquitous in society, it will allow us to work from “anywhere.”
When BNIM first moved our offices online at the end of March in response to the rapidly evolving global health crisis, it was essential to quickly and effectively adapt to protect the health and well-being of our employees, clients, and community. Over the course of two months, the realities of how we interact both in social and professional settings has changed. As BNIM plans for re-entry back into our offices, we continue to adapt, learn from our employees, peers, and community leaders, and prepare for this new transition back to the workplace.
I could hear the cries from downstairs as I tried to continue my video conference call. My partner was attending to our 16-month old who had several teeth coming in, which made for a temperamental toddler. Throughout the week, we trade spots so my partner can video conference with her fifth-grade students. And then we switch again. We try to keep things afloat and to make the most of our time with her and our family.
V=πr2h The simple formula gives the volume of a cylinder— a familiar form found throughout rural America and one that Iowans, Missourians, and Californians alike will recognize: the ubiquitous grain silo. When traveling between cities, these majestic, massive structures erupt from otherwise flat farmland and are symbols of security: they may be made of concrete or steel and they contain life-giving grain. The contents within represent the work of an entire year, packaged and stored for the future.
Even before the pandemic, climate action required of humanity a new way of living – a way that is less consumptive and destructive, and more regenerative and generous. While still acknowledging the horrible human suffering that the pandemic has wreaked and the societal inequities that it has laid bare, it has also given us a glimpse into how our global community can respond in unison and with care for each other ... with generosity and within a different kind of flow.
In 1938, the art-deco style Charity Hospital was constructed to expand the public healthcare resources available to the City of New Orleans. Charity was a teaching hospital that stood as a beacon of hope for many in the community. Following Hurricane Katrina, the one-million square foot building was shuttered and still stands vacant today, leaving an emptiness in what was once a bustling area of the City.
The year 2020 marks the convergence of a number of milestones directly related to the most pressing challenge of our time: climate change. In 2020, as we exit the hottest decade on record, a young generation unites in the face of climate crisis; Earth Day marks its 50-year anniversary; the AIA Committee on the Environment turns 30; and, BNIM, a firm that has been a pioneer in the sustainable design movement since the late 1980s, celebrates 50 years by doubling down on its commitment to address climate action and design for the health of our shared future.
Earth Day 2020 is this week – the 50th celebration of our planet and the birth of the modern environmental movement. In 1970, 20 million Americans (10% of the US population in 1970) took to streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive rallies, protests, and demonstrations. This movement united groups that had been fighting individually against oil spills, pollution, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, the extinction of wildlife, and many more under a common banner.
This March, in celebration of Women’s History Month and 50 years as a practice, we are reflecting on legacy here at BNIM. The journey of our practice – the projects, discoveries, movements, and milestones — is a journey shaped by the passionate, dedicated team of professionals and practitioners who have helped build, guide, and inspire the firm. Among these impactful BNIMers is a group of individuals who, together, represent a long history of pioneering change at BNIM and in the industry.
This March, in celebration of Women’s History Month and 50 years as a practice, we are reflecting on legacy here at BNIM. The journey of our practice – the projects, discoveries, movements, and milestones — is a journey shaped by the passionate, dedicated team of professionals and practitioners who have helped build, guide, and inspire the firm. Among these impactful BNIMers is a group of individuals who, together, represent a long history of pioneering change at BNIM and in the industry.
This March, in celebration of Women’s History Month and 50 years as a practice, we are reflecting on legacy here at BNIM. The journey of our practice – the projects, discoveries, movements, and milestones — is a journey shaped by the passionate, dedicated team of professionals and practitioners who have helped build, guide, and inspire the firm. Among these impactful BNIMers is a group of individuals who, together, represent a long history of pioneering change at BNIM and in the industry.
This March, in celebration of Women’s History Month and 50 years as a practice, we are reflecting on legacy here at BNIM. The journey of our practice – the projects, discoveries, movements, and milestones — is a journey shaped by the passionate, dedicated team of professionals and practitioners who have helped build, guide, and inspire the firm. Among these impactful BNIMers is a group of individuals who, together, represent a long history of pioneering change at BNIM and in the industry.
Bnim sustainability action plan overview by Joyce raybuck, aia leed ap, from AIA YAF Connection 18.01 - Climate action. A look into the sustainability action plan of BNIM, ARCHITECT 50’s top sustainability firm Towards a Regenerative Future
The year 2020 marks BNIM’s 50th anniversary as an innovative practice. We are excited to celebrate the past five decades by sharing our story—the milestones of BNIM’s past, the transformational projects and initiatives underway, and the opportunities we pursued to shape the future of our work and industry.
More than ever before, project documentation procedures face increased constraints by timelines, clients, delivery methods, project types, and municipalities. As part of BNIM’s Redesigning Design efforts, we are synthesizing our specification process from a one-size-fits-all approach to an approach that employs various, distinct specification tactics and related templates. This is BNIM’s plan to support an efficient construction process for everyone involved.
This holiday season, we are celebrating the past 49 years of BNIM, recognizing the defining moments, milestones, and remarkable individuals who have shaped BNIM’s story and continue to shine a light on the path ahead. Overlaying BNIM’s history is a series of integral themes that embody our core purpose and underscore BNIM’s commitment to sustainability and design. Since 1970, BNIM staff have: Embraced curiosity, forged new frontiers in design, and actively engaged in thought leadership initiatives within the sustainable design movement, emerging as agents of change
On winning 2019 Architect 50's number one ranking for sustainability, author Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson writes, "The green ethos has become so baked in at BNIM that the word “sustainability” isn’t bandied about as it once was. “It’s so much a part of who we are and how we work, it’s almost redundant to use that word. We are truly focused on outcomes,” McDowell says."
Some time ago, during the intense discussions about naming a Kansas City street after Dr. King, some thoughtful person proposed that the thoroughfare to be named should be 1-435. I thought that was a great and appropriate suggestion worthy of debate. I don’t know the name of the individual who made this suggestion – they should get credit - but I would like to expand on that idea.
Planet Earth and its larger atmospheric environment are changing rapidly and becoming increasingly unpredictable. Storms, wildfires, and changing weather are symptoms that wreak havoc on all living systems; however, they are only symptoms, and the true conditions are yet to be fully understood.
Knowledge is Our Currency
September 19, 2019 Washington D.C. Once I’d settled into the cab and headed toward City Center, I found myself pulling up the photo again. There was former President Barack Obama giving a fist bump to Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, who had visited with him just the day before to discuss the climate crisis. Along with the photo, Obama tweeted that Thunberg is “already one of our planet’s greatest advocates” and that our future will be shaped “by young leaders like her.”
Over the last two decades, digital fabrication tools such as laser cutting, 3D printing, and CNC milling machines have become broadly accessible to designers. The design and manufacturing workflow allows us to build a complex, tangible model directly from digital data. However, due to limitations of size and workable materials, it has not been widely used throughout the construction industry.
In early June, OneBNIM convened in Kansas City for our annual design Symposium. BNIM’s annual Symposium is a celebration of our firm culture — all that it is and all that it aspires to be. It is an opportunity for us to come together and engage in thoughtful discussion, make connections, and explore the unexpected. WATCH VIDEO by clicking here or the image below.
Kyra Stark joined BNIM as an architectural intern for the summer of 2019. She is a member of the 2019-2020 American Institute of Architecture Students National Executive Board. Kyra was sworn in as South Quad Director at the annual conference, Grassroots, in Washington D.C. in July 2019.
As we continue to think about what Redesigning Design means at BNIM, we consider how an interdisciplinary design practice continues to allow us to evolve in the way we execute our work. Diversity is an essential, functioning component of life. The survival of our planet and its ecosystems rely on the evolution of each species’ biodiversity. We can use biodiversity in nature as precedent in the evolution of how we practice as architects and designers.
This year, BNIM’s sustainability group developed a clear, aspirational strategic action plan that looks towards the future and redoubles the firm’s commitment to sustainable design. Driven by metrics, our efforts mark a significant step towards updating our holistic sustainable goals to advance our practices on all of our projects, not just those working towards certification.
Citizen Architects It was a big day this past March as hundreds of architects represented the voice of our profession on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. through the Grassroots Leadership Conference of AIA, each carrying a recycled felt folder with "I'm a citizen architect" emblazoned on it. It demonstrated that each of us has a unique perspective and has the capacity to reach out to our elected officials, letting them know what is important to our profession and promoting the critical role that design plays in our nation. City Architects
As a founding member of the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) and the establishment of the AIA COTE Top Ten Awards, we are continually thrilled by the quality of projects and number of designers committed to building in a similar manner, with a focus on performance metrics as a major driver of design excellence. The annual awards program, which AIA calls “the best-known recognition program for sustainable design excellence,” launched in 1997.
Before finish installation begins at The REACH at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, the form in its raw state is revealed. Complex geometry combined with innovative construction techniques result in a uniquely poetic experience. BNIM — as architect of record — is responsible for ensuring the design is achieved to its full, intended potential. As our team members walk the site, we visualize the components yet to fall into place.
As a new and relevant certification standard within the design industry, the WELL Building Standard goes beyond sustainability and resource conservation to encompass human-centric design. The standard explores how building design, operations, and behaviors can advance human health and wellbeing. With a history of focusing on the humans within a space, BNIM employs a human-purposed integrated design (HP.id) approach, which shares strong alignments with the WELL Building Standard.
At BNIM, our practice of planning and design is guided by a philosophy of Building Positive. This phrase describes how we leverage our collective knowledge to build upon the positive attributes of community. Inextricably linked to this philosophy is a focus on sustainability and the positive impacts of high-performance green projects.
As a founding member of the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) and the establishment of the AIA COTE Top Ten Awards, we are continually thrilled by the quality of projects and number of designers committed to building in a similar manner, with a focus on performance metrics as a major driver of design excellence. The annual awards program, which AIA calls “the best-known recognition program for sustainable design excellence,” launched in 1997.
BNIM has long been a thought and action leader in the green building movement, as outlined most recently in our letter of support for the Green New Deal. In anticipation of our 50th year practicing architecture, planning, and design, and as we look towards the future, we have redoubled our commitment to sustainable design by developing a clear, aspirational strategic action plan.
Des Moines is a special place with a rich history and identity. In regard to the architectural moments that shape this unique city, the Miesblock project establishes a conversation with the adjacent Catholic Pastoral Center building designed by Mies van der Rohe Architects, which was constructed 1962 as the Home Federal Savings and Loan building and renovated in 2018.
The American Institute of Architects is the voice of our profession. And as architect leaders from across the country converge on Washington, D.C., in early March for Grassroots, we will use that voice to speak with our congressional leaders about issues that are important to architects and the built environment of our nation. Capitol Hill Day is the one day of the year when AIA is most literally the voice of our profession.
While retaining the historical facades and many of the interior architectural features of the buildings, the West Bottoms Flats will include 265 residential units, tenant amenities, ground-level commercial spaces to activate street-level, and parking, which will all help revitalize this historic, formerly industrial area. James Pfeiffer and Elvis Achelpohl, two designers on the project, have been documenting the design experience. Explore the visual journal below.
The world’s populations are in peril because the ecosystems that support all living systems are in peril. Human behavior and activity have created an unprecedented spike in greenhouse emissions, pollution, and many other cumulative threats to the survival of life as we know it on our planet. Like many tragedies, this is a case of unintended circumstances.
Troost. The name looms large in Kansas City’s conscience. It is a symbol of racial and economic segregation and public and private disinvestment. For residents up and down Troost Avenue, the street also symbolizes a deep and lively culture; one that embodies life’s complexities, joys, struggles, and sense of community. One that stands in stark contrast to the prevailing stereotypes. Changes are happening along the corridor, and at the intersection of 31st Street and Troost Avenue. Multi-family housing is going up to the north.
As Innovative companies seek to transform their cultures and workplaces, the traditional office campus is in a state of accelerated evolution. BNIM led the initial Campus Master Plan and Conceptual Design process, which was completed in April 2012, for the Pacific Center Campus Development.
In an ongoing relationship that was developed in 2001, BNIM has worked with the Nelson museum on 56 separate projects over 17 years. Projects include galleries, museum signage and wayfinding, the Ford Learning Center with classrooms and a reference library, sculpture hall renovations, a new parking structure and entry plaza, property acquirement feasibility studies, and the Bloch Building addition, among others.
From small towns to sprawling metropolises, cities across America are facing environmental challenges every day. In 2008, BNIM and Atlanta-based partners EDAW, Praxis3, and Metcalf & Eddy, won the History Channel’s “City of the Future” regional competition. The challenge was aimed at inspiring teams to create models of what some of the nation’s cities could look like in 100 years.
Nature is really smart. Damn it. When we pay attention to nature, we seem to get things right. When we don’t, we pay the price. By all measures.
Last year we celebrated the spirit of giving for the 2017 holiday season and encouraged people to give generously. This year, as we reflect upon what it is to be OneBNIM and as we redesign design, we realize that inherent to our mission is the notion of living generously. The difference, of course, is that the single acts are outweighed by a practice of continuously contributing to a whole that outweighs the sum of its parts.
In late September, a team of five that included two BNIMers (Laura Lesniewski and myself) travelled to West Pokot County, Kenya to check in on the progress at Asilong Christian High School. As part of a long-range community vision that the group has been working on since 2011, the design and construction of the high school includes six new buildings — three classroom buildings, a maintenance building, teacher housing, and latrines — filling a major gap in providing access to secondary education for both boys and girls in this rural region of Kenya.
"…a university is primarily not a place for the parceling out of ready-made knowledge, but for that fresh thinking which results in new knowledge; that it exists not merely for passing on facts, but for showing students how facts are discovered; that it is not a museum in which may be found merely the accumulated wisdom of the past, but that it is a factory humming with industry and turning out the newest wisdom of the day.” —Robert Gordon Sproul, 11th President of the University of California, Inaugural Address, October 22, 1930
In anticipation of the 2018 AIA Kansas City Design Excellence Awards Gala, we are looking back at our projects that we were honored to have recognized in the 2017 awards.
We live in an incredibly interesting, dynamic time full of disruption, upheaval, and innovation.
Before finish installation begins at The REACH at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, the form in its raw state is revealed. Complex geometry, combined with innovative construction techniques, result in a uniquely poetic experience. BNIM, as Architect of Record, is responsible for ensuring the design is achieved to its full, intended potential. As our team members walk the site, we visualize the components yet to fall into place. On this truly innovative project, we are continuously developing solutions that respond to functional needs and uphold the poetry of the holistic design.
The renovation of 2460 Pershing builds upon the foundation created by BNIM’s history. Since the firm was founded in Kansas City more than 45 years ago, BNIM has impacted catalytic change through the intentional location of its offices — reviving historic buildings, creating dynamic connections in the urban core, and contributing to the vibrancy of a revitalized city. BNIM’s offices at 2460 Pershing is another addition to this legacy and evidence of our commitment to building positive in our communities.
On an unseasonably warm February afternoon, about 40 members of AIA Kansas City gathered at the Center for Architecture and Design to hear from members of design, education, community, and construction, and their thoughts on the results of a year-long survey of the state of Equity in Architecture in Kansas City.
We often say, “BNIM is Building Positive.” This phrase describes how we leverage our collective knowledge and design-thinking to solve global issues and build the positive attributes of community. Typically, we use this phrase to describe challenges within the built environment. However, Building Positive also requires that we examine our own office culture — and the culture in which we all work — to see how we can better support each other to ensure collective success. As part of this exploration, we asked Rania Anderson to share her insight on how to empower women in the industry.
Arts education and engagement are key to the development of a culturally rich and diverse society. Many have explored and proven the significant role that the arts play in human development.
Student loan debt continues to explode. The technological advances now available have rapidly changed the manner in which education is delivered, and many of our nation’s universities simply can’t keep up. As Quartz recently pointed out, “the sluggishness owes to the fact that a university is made up of hundreds of stubborn, rooted parts. It is beholden to countless traditions and generations of students served in the past. And so disruption comes slowly…”
Two seemingly opposing trends about the use of college libraries have recently emerged. First, gate counts have never been higher; more students are using the library than ever before. Second, the use of books and printed material — what many have assumed is the original purpose of the library — has never been lower.
The emergence of precision medicine is dramatically changing the way healthcare professionals approach patient care. The concept of individual healthcare, customized to the unique needs of each patient, has garnered support and momentum from notable physicians and public figures, as well as the National Institute of Health.¹
By the year 2050, 75 percent of the world’s population will live in cities. BNIM’s Landscape Studio is responding to this profound change by using the power of design to meet the urban challenges of tomorrow and transform the places we live. Our practice builds inspiring, integrated experiences between people and place, designing our collective future in these key ways: Pacific Center Campus Development — Amenities Building — Landscape 1. Weaving Together Landscape and Place
The Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology (CAET) at Metropolitan Community College (MCC) encourages the making of things, where prototyping, design, and production spur innovation and entrepreneurship — filling a niche for makerspace that did not exist in Omaha. Students, faculty, and industry partners are provided ample space for training, fabrication, and collaboration, in addition to necessary support spaces such as multi-modal work areas, private offices, and an outdoor terrace with a green roof.
Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present. —Albert Camus We honor the spirit of giving this season, enhancing the present and providing hope for the future. Design is process and creation. It is empathy, flexibility, and growth. At its essence, it is caring — in the possibility of our daily lives, the potential of our communities, and the health of our planet. We must use our passions, skills, and time to improve lives through our work. Here we highlight BNIMers who have acted on this generosity in their lives and communities throughout the year.
The University of Iowa Museum of Art (UIMA) is conceived as a rectilinear solid interrupted by interconnected voids that form the protective and respectful home for the display, conservation, and storage of the collection while providing light-filled, interconnected volumes that emotionally, visually, and physically guide patrons as they experience the Museum.
BNIM’s work to design the U.S. Embassy expansion in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, was an opportunity to showcase the tenets of eco-diplomacy in an ever-changing built environment with a design that represents the United States while honoring local culture. Within the bustling, vibrant city, the team drew inspiration from four dominant characteristics capturing the spirit of the place: the hills, the people, the movement, and the textures.
Kansas City residents, vote YES on Question 1 on November 7. Imagine a better KCI that embodies:
In anticipation of this year’s AIA Kansas City 2017 Design Excellence Awards on November 10, we are featuring the Westport Presbyterian Church, a recipient of last year’s award. Constructed in 1905, the 27,000-square-foot, multi-story church stood as a symbol of fellowship and community. In 2011, a catastrophic fire destroyed a majority of its roof, interior structure, and finishes, leaving only the exterior limestone shell. Repurposed stained glass Rising from the ruins is a new church that creates a stronger community presence while acknowledging the congregation’s rich history.
We celebrated the October 13 dedication of the Seaton Hall and Seaton Court Renovation and Expansion, designed in collaboration with Ennead Architects, with a countdown of personal revelations from the BNIM design team.
We celebrated the October 6 dedication of the Princeton University Lewis Center for the Arts, designed in collaboration with Steven Holl, with a countdown of personal revelations from the BNIM design team.
In anticipation of this year’s AIA Kansas City 2017 Design Excellence Awards on November 10, we are featuring the Pacific Center Campus Development: Research + Development Building, a recipient of last year’s award. Follow @aiakc #dekc2017 to learn more. This innovative workplace and development lab is designed around one notion: human nature. It upends the traditional notion of the workplace by optimizing passive design strategies to achieve high-performance results and provide a high-quality environment that boosts employee productivity and well-being.
Imagine a green cities/green infrastructure movement across the US. Imagine vibrant and resilient renewed American cities and communities that compel people to inhabit and are in harmony and balance with nature. Our hearts are full of sorrow for the people who have been impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The loss of life and property, and disruption of daily activities will be a long process of healing and recovery. It will not be easy.
The New York Times, in its piece entitled “Dear Amazon, We Picked Your New Headquarters For You,” dismissed Kansas City as a real contender in the race to attract Amazon and 50,000 jobs to Kansas City. In direct contrast, PC Magazine picked Kansas City as its number one choice for all of the right reasons. PC Magazine describes Kansas City’s ecosystem that supports the innovation and entrepreneurship, backed by Google fiber and other infrastructure, needed to launching a new innovative headquarters.
The fiber art installation is the first thing you notice upon entering BNIM’s new Kansas City office. “Outside In” was designed and created by Sally Linville, the creative director and founder of The City Girl Farm; her mother and fellow fiber artist, Susan Ebright; and BNIM interior designer, Carly Pumphrey. The biophilic design brings the natural world into the BNIM workplace through nature-inspired warm colors and sheep’s wool.
The University of Missouri (MU) School of Medicine is a unique institution in the field of medical education. Its focus on Patient-Centered Care recognizes the need for much more than the typical clinical diagnosis and treatment of a patient.
BNIM collaborated with artist Ben Wolf on Confluence, a sculptural installation in the West Bottoms of Kansas City. Ben is a sculptor and metal fabricator based in Detroit. He uses abandoned materials to create spaces for people to congregate, sharing experiences evoked by the implied history of the reclaimed materials within their specific site context. Artist Ben Wolf at his studio We met him in late summer of 2016, when he came to Kansas City to scout the project with Courtney Hammond and Beth Malone, the co-founders of Dashboard. In their words:
Have you ever been in the middle of a shower and forgotten if you’ve shampooed? Or, gone through an intersection and thought, “I hope that light was green!” Have you ever triumphantly argued with someone, but realized you weren’t actually talking with anyone — the entire exchange was in your head? These are examples of ‘unmindfulness’ — moments of disconnection with our existence because we are distracted by our thoughts and fears. We know that the architecture industry is inherently demanding, so how can we work proactively to combat the stress and enhance the human condition?
BNIM’s practice is rooted in the discovery of innovative solutions at varying scales of the built environment, including the rural landscape. Through critical analysis and continual evaluation, we apply data-driven solutions to complex challenges. Recently, we have employed this approach to conceptualize an implementable solution to solve one of today’s toughest challenges — the depletion of water quality.
This year marks 10 years since a unique moment of international attention was bestowed upon Kansas City. On a sunny day in June 2007, Henry Bloch and others were hoisted into the air in the bucket of a construction lift to celebrate the opening of the Bloch Building expansion at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. In retrospect, this new building and the decisions leading to the selection of its architect, Steven Holl, for a commission far different from his past portfolio were a result of true civic leadership and vision.
Ten years ago, an F5 tornado destroyed more than 90% of Greensburg, Kansas. Following the disaster, Governor Sebelius and the AIA contacted BNIM to assist in rebuilding and recovery due to our history of helping communities in the wake of natural disasters. The Devastation in GreEnsburg following the May 4, 2007, Tornado
BNIM has revealed the artful possibilities of the parking structure through its work on the 10th and Wyandotte Garage, a collaboration with artist Andy Brayman. Andy is the founder of The Matter Factory, an Independence, Missouri-based studio for ceramics artists who integrate digital modeling and fabrication processes into their practices.
Visionary ideas ground our work and our process. We use the term “Building Positive” to describe this approach. By Building Positive, we bring our deepest values to bear by focusing on three core beliefs: transformation, authenticity, and delight. This approach reflects a steadfast belief in integrated and human-purposed design that builds positive impact in communities across the world. We recommit this Earth Day to a focus on Human Purposed Integrated Design and resiliency, and an interdisciplinary and inclusive design culture that fosters both.
This post is a follow-up to BIM is dead — long live BIM. If BIM is necessary for profitability, how do we encourage this rigor on top of the existing pressure of the architectural field? That’s part of my mission at BNIM.
.front #ideas h5 { color: #ffffff; } Reflection & Momentum
Walking through BNIM, there is an unmistakable presence — chipboard models with columns of Corinthian order, original blueprints (yes, the blue kind), and LED monitors lit with laser scans of buildings detailed enough to show the exact split-face depth of 1870s limestone blocks. These unique interactions between old and new fuel BNIM’s passion for renovations and adaptive reuse projects. Working on aging buildings reveals one common truth: each has its own incredible story.
Catching up with Aaron Ross after his presentation at the ASLA Annual Meeting and Expo, the following Q&A explores the session "Serious Fun: How Tech Companies Are Using Landscape Architects to Attract Talent." Ross represented BNIM and was joined by Renee Bihan, FASLA, SWA Group and Steven Spears, FASLA, Design Workshop, Inc. The session covered BNIM's Pacific Center Campus project, examining how design can appeal to human nature to attract and retain the best tech talent through integrated work environments. —
Sixteen is a provocation that uses fictional narrative to guide the design process. As it applies to architecture, narrative prioritizes the human experience. It can be utilized and applied to the built environment in many different forms — but always in an experiential and emotional dimension that justifies an idea, spatial sequence, and form. It transcends daylight studies, space planning, and other data-driven findings — and transforms quantified space into place. The built environment is an expression of narrative itself that encourages its occupants to continue the story.
When it comes to the evolution of Modernism, few names have more recognition than Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe. This seminal architect — often associated with such phrases "less is more" and "God is in the details" — designed the Federal Home Savings and Loan building in 1962. The 3-story jewel in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa is currently occupied by the Catholic Diocese of Iowa and still serves as a beacon for modern enthusiasts. BNIM was recently hired by a local developer to design a mixed-use residential building to inhabit the same city block adjacent to the west of Mies’ project.
.front .bnim-holiday-gif { display: none; } .front .bnim-holiday-quote { font-size:16px; color: #ffffff; } .front .bnim-holiday-large-title big { color: #ffffff; } .front .bnim-holiday-quote-author { color: #ffffff; } Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. HELEN KELLER This holiday season, we invite you to join us as we celebrate the spirit of oneness. May we all look within ourselves to find the unity in our diversity.
BNIM recently attended Autodesk University in Las Vegas to explore the latest technologies and ideas driving design thinking today. The following are five major takeaways from the event: 1. Designing with Human Data:
Visualization tools have long been used to communicate spatial properties and bring them to life for stakeholders. Now, with the onset of virtual reality (VR), anyone donning goggles or Google Cardboard can become deeply immersed in an architectural experience. This participation removes boundaries by creating a direct connection to the design and intent — and can even create a dialogue between communities. It’s a radical disruption of the feedback loop and iterative design process.
Building Positive Impact is a visual examination of how architecture, design, and planning projects and leadership leave an indelible impact on place, people, and an industry of peers over almost five decades — each building the positive attributes of community and the built environment. When the firm’s founders, Bob Berkebile and Tom Nelson, established BNIM 45 years ago on the empty floor of Tom Nelson’s new house amidst a local construction strike, it would have been impossible to predict the myriad of ways in which this firm would impact local and global communities through design.
The Thunder Valley Regenerative Community Master Plan is a visionary community design collaboration between local Pine Ridge Indian Reservation community members, the Oglala Lakota 501©(3) nonprofit organization Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation (CDC), and architecture firms BNIM and Pyatt Studio, with essential support from KLJ Engineering and Studio NYL. This project is Lakota culture materialized in a built environment — an entire eco-friendly, climate-adaptable community built from the ground up with local culture and values in mind. Posted to Medium.
The following editorial is the first in a series of writings that explore BNIM’s human-purposed approach to design grounded in a project called designing practice; the subsequent posts delve into BNIM’s process and culture through individual reflections. —
If you are like me, you have gone down the grocery aisle with a list of trigger words in your head. Benzoate, corn syrup, partially hydrogenated, starch, monosodium glutamate, artificial flavor, sorbate, and just about anything else you can’t pronounce is likely to make you think twice about that bag of chips, box of cereal, or jar of pickles. The world of construction is likewise a minefield riddled with hazardous materials and processes — asbestos, formaldehyde, halogenated compounds, mercury, polyvinyl chloride, and so on.
Take a look at the city around you. Now imagine a different city, or even the lack of city. Replace the galleries and retail spaces and parking lots with a woodland/prairie ecotone — grasses creating the neighborhood floor instead of concrete, trees punctuating the skyline and providing shelter instead of buildings. This is many a city pre-development — a mosaic of grass and trees; the landscape of the 1880s. What if we could return, even if in spirit, to recreate some of what was lost as urban systems replaced natural systems?
More beautiful than the dress designed and fabricated for the 2015 Color+Couture fashion show, was the multidisciplinary and collaborative process that transpired during early morning meetings at BNIM. The team realized early in the process that, much like an architectural project, the design improved by the various skills and backgrounds present at the table. The thoughtful details and dramatic presence that ultimately won the judges over can be credited to the concerted effort of the entire team.
.page-node.node-type-blog .scroller-other { background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05) !important; margin-top: 24px; } .scroller-other h2 { background: none; } BNIM and a multi-disciplinary team of high performance, integrated design consultants, including LP3, have been designing the adaptive reuse of Price Gilbert Memorial Library and Crosland Tower on the Georgia Institute of Technology Campus. The two buildings will be transformed into Georgia Tech’s vision for the Research Library of the Twenty First Century.
On the first Saturday in December in the year 2000, I was unpacking boxes in our then-new offices in the Power and Light Building when the phone rang. It was John O’Brien, artist and gallery owner, demanding that I stop what I was doing and walk down to his gallery at 19th and Baltimore. I knew John as a neighborhood leader when our firm was asked to develop a plan to guide the transformation of the Union Station Warehouse District into the emerging unique artist and art gallery culture that Jim Leedy led and cultivated.
Sometimes the universe conspires to present a course of action that is so obviously synergistic that it cannot be ignored. BNIM’s engagement with Human-Centered Design is one such occurrence. Synergistic because it ultimately led to the opening of a Youth Enrichment Center in one of Des Moines most underserved communities.
On March 24, BNIM announced that Gunnar Hand, AICP had been named to the 2015 Vanguard. This group, named by the international nonprofit media organization Next City, recognizes the top urban innovators under the age of 40 who are working to make change in cities. At the Next City Vanguard conference I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with not just my fellow 40 Under 40 finalists, but also “the biggest little city in the world.” I knew that becoming a Vanguard would open me up to a great network (more on that later), but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by Reno, Nevada.
Gone are the days of taking trips to local photo centers and developing the enigmatic negatives from the family camera, only later to return and open that familiar yellow envelope unveiling each 4x6 glossy moment. Today the ‘need it now’ paradigm, as in most processes of to the digital revolution, has transformed photography into a medium as accessible as pen and paper (maybe even more so). Following the introduction of smartphones, capturing and sharing our life became as easy as the touch of a screen.
BNIM has been working with Make It Right since it was started in 2007 with the goal to build 150 sustainable and affordable homes in the Lower Ninth Ward after Hurricane Katrina. In 2012, BNIM once again teamed up with Make It Right on the Bancroft School Project, which converted an abandoned, historic school into LEED platinum affordable housing.
In their introduction to the book, Nurture, about BNIM’s work, authors Rodolphe el-Khoury and Andrew Payne spoke about the emergence of a new pragmatism in contemporary architecture, a concern with “how well buildings perform in response to the full range of social and ecological issues they are called on to organize.” They described the practice as “Generous Pragmatism,” or the notion that “what a building can do matters just as much as what it looks like.”1 Since then, we at BNIM have adopted this notion as one way to both speak of and, more importantly, critically think about ou
Recently, BNIM and a team of collaborators* began work on the renovation of Kansas State University’s Seaton Hall, home of the school’s architecture department. When an architecture firm begins work on an architecture school, it’s a daunting task to be sure. Unlike other projects, these schools represent the future of our own profession and bring back memories of our education. The building an architect learns within inevitably has an effect on them as they progress towards, and later join, the world of architects.
On October 12, the International Interior Design Association – Mid America Chapter hosted its ninth annual Color + Couture event at Starlight Theatre. Architecture and interior design firms from all over Kansas City designed and created outfits inspired by the Pantone Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid.
Dalhousie University’s School of Architecture and Planning celebrated its annual “Professional Practice Week” from January 21, 2013 – to January 25, 2013 and I was fortunate to represent BNIM for one of the week’s plenary sessions. The session’s theme was “Collaborating with the Public; Advocating for the Social,” and it began with public lectures from Simon Allford, Director at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) and myself.