Celebrating the life and legacy of our friend and colleague
David Immenschuh, FIIDA
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.
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. He integrated innovation seamlessly into interior spaces, creating design solutions that evoked a sense of joy and delight while also serving as a tool to help his clients grow and succeed.
David possessed an enormous appetite for art and supporting the art ecosystem. A serious collector of art, David filled his homes with works that he loved. He was a respected and loved member of the vibrant community of artists, dealers, museum professionals and collectors. He contributed his sophisticated eye and extensive knowledge of fine art to the design efforts of the firm. His work in this capacity helped several clients including H&R Block; CBIZ; Stinson, Mag & Fizzell; and Blue Cross Blue Shield establish and grow their art collections, often identifying great artists and painters before they were recognized, creating great value for our clients.
David was a trailblazer in the world of design. As a BNIM principal, he became one of the first interior design principals of an architectural firm nationally. His role at BNIM opened the door for many other firms to integrate interior design with architecture as well as other design disciplines.
The spirit of David's legacy lives on in many iconic buildings in Kansas City and across the U.S. Among his vast portfolio of work, David played a key role in the Folly Theater restoration, Jannes Library at the Kansas City Art Institute and the H&R Block Artspace at the Kansas City Art Institute, MAST Advertising & Publishing, KCP&L Headquarters, Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch, JE Dunn Headquarters, Bartle Hall Conference Center, School of Nursing and Student Community Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Robert D. O'Byrne & Associates, Gateway 2000, the award-winning H&R Block World Headquarters (44th Street), Westin Crown Center Hotel interior design, Harry S. Truman State Office Building, Universal Press Syndicate, Investors Fiduciary Trust Corporation (IFTC)/State Street, Citicorp Credit Services Buildings I & II, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Shook Hardy & Bacon law offices, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Expansion Project.
David's fingerprints are all over the history of BNIM and the city he called home. A creative, disciplined, and passionate designer, David was a master of crafting beautiful and memorable experiences. His life's work shapes the Kansas City experience every day, for people who live and work here and for those visiting the city. For those of us who had the great honor of working alongside him, David leaves his lasting vow of excellence that we will carry forward into the next 50 years.
"David touched each of our lives in a special and memorable way. All of the many colleagues who worked with David over the years felt privileged and rewarded for that experience. His clients and other collaborators have expressed similar sentiments and memories. All of his partners feel fortunate to have had such a steady talented, creative, productive, and wonderful colleague."
BNIM
To celebrate David’s life and legacy, we are designing a book. Please send us your tribute to include in the book to [email protected]
