Alyssa Parsons is an Associate 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, 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.

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.

Will is an incredible example of an engaged architect. He has contributed to a number of the firm’s U.S. Department of State projects, including those in Uganda, Eritrea, Austria, Switzerland, and most recently Mauritania, learning the rigorous design constraints for these projects with an eye towards thoughtful problem-solving for design issues large and small. He has also contributed to several local efforts, including Winnetonka and North Kansas City high schools. Will has an unhindered willingness to lead in any capacity, and he is always up for a design conversation after testing some ideas. His spirit is contagious in the office, and he is a great BNIM ambassador outside the office.

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. Recent projects include a two-building development for the Pacific Center Campus Development in San Diego; a high-performance parking and stormwater improvements project for Kansas City's Water Services Department headquarters; and the Westport Presbyterian Church, part of which was previously destroyed in a fire.

Adam received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University.

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.

Katie is an Associate Principal in BNIM's Kansas City office with more than 18 years of experience. She works collaboratively with owner representatives, design consultants, and colleagues to lead design processes that transform diverse learning and social environments. Katie enjoys developing a deep contextual understanding of each project’s existing conditions and performance issues, defining relevant project goals, and establishing the group’s collective vision for project outcomes. She believes it is important to establish a deep collective understanding of project priorities — design strategies, performance objectives, budget, and schedule goals — during the early phases of conceptual design.

Katie is part of BNIM’s Sustainability Group, focusing on sustainability efforts across the practice, and has co-led the People Group, guiding conversations, exploring opportunities, and soliciting input from BNIM staff. Katie has also been a strong and visible supporter of AIA, staying involved with AIA Kansas over the years- including serving as Board President in 2018- and continues to help in the development of leadership programs within the organization. 

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 in BNIM’s Kansas City office. Since joining BNIM in 2016, Dan has become a key contributor to the culture and work of BNIM and is increasingly recognized for his leadership as a Project Architect. Dan has contributed significantly to a number of successful projects, including the Fine Arts and Design Studios and Career and Technical Education Center at Johnson County Community College, as a key member of the design team.

Hyeonji  “Claire” has experience in a wide range of scales, locations, and functions such as high-rise residential buildings in Chicago and Korea, and mixed use high rise buildings in China. Claire is especially interested in the interdisciplinary design approaches using computational design methods and robotic fabrications. Her thoughtful approach to technology allows her to see the bigger picture for the future of architecture’s human centered experiences. She is known for her leadership as a critical thinker, and has been instrumental across projects in and around San Diego, including JCNI P7 Apartments, the CSU San Marcos Wellness & Recreation Feasibility Study, and Ivy Senior Apartments.

Claire received a Master of Design Studies with a concentration in technology from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Illinois Institute of Technology.

Jason Kruse is an Associate in BNIM's Des Moines office. Jason's experience includes a collaborative background centered on sustainable design and technologies. Jason has played a significant role in the design, documentation, and implementation of numerous projects, including an addition to the Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Science at the University of Iowa, a new Psychological and Brain Sciences building at the University of Iowa, a complete interior renovation of the Des Moines Community Playhouse, and most recently, the design of the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center on Drake University campus.
Jason earned a Bachelor of Architecture with Minors in Digital Media and Entrepreneurial Studies from Iowa State University.

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. A successful artist in his own right, the work Levi pursues in his art studio lends him a unique perspective to the firm’s overarching design dialogue. Levi is currently working on the Visual Arts Building at the University of Iowa. He has been involved in volunteer outreach projects, such as Iowa Flood Relief and Canstruction.

April Trotter 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.

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.

Ryan earned a Masters of Architecture degree with a minor in business from the University of Kansas.

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. Kennedy Center, the 10th & Wyandotte Garage, and Tarrant County Community College. Recently, Elvis has been contributing to BNIM’s historic preservation and adaptive reuse portfolio through his work on the West Bottoms Flats and the Zhou B Art Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Elvis earned a Master of Architecture from Kansas State University.

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. Sarah has contributed to a number of notable BNIM projects, including the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University; the EPA Region 7 Headquarters in Lenexa, Kansas; several highly sustainable projects at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia, and most recently, a new business school facility for Marquette University. Sarah also served as a full-time on-site architectural representative for BNIM while working on the REACH Expansion at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Expansion in Washington D.C., working closely with the owner and contractor to see the project through completion.

Sarah earned a Masters of Architecture with distinction from the University of Kansas.

Dana Sorensen is an Associate 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, and most recently, the Iowa State University Gerdin Business Building expansion for the Ivy College of Business.

Dana earned a Bachelor of Architecture with Minors in Digital Media from Iowa State University.

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. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts REACH Expansion, and the Kansas City International Airport Garage, in addition to a number of projects at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

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.

In his time at BNIM, Matthew has positively impacted a number of projects, including multiple Overseas Business Operations projects, two new facilities at Johnson County Community College, the Springfield Art Museum Master Plan, the new Kansas City International (KCI) Airport Parking Garage, and most recently, a new business school facility at Marquette University,

Kayla Berkson, AIA is an architect in the Des Moines studio.  During her six 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, University of Iowa Informatics Initiative, and the Lutheran Church of Hope Johnston Grimes.  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 thoughtful and elegant solutions.

She is has 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.

Kayla earned her Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in digital media from Iowa State University.

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. Her leadership has been invaluable for numerous clients including the American Enterprise Group, the University of Iowa, Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, and MidAmerican Energy.

Liz Sears joined BNIM as the Administrative Assistant 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.

Carleigh Pope recently joined BNIM's Kansas City office as a design team member, following her studies at Kansas State University where she completed her Master of Architecture. Carleigh has contributed to several key projects with BNIM, including the Adaptive Reuse and Redevelopment of Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA, the University of Iowa College of Nursing Building Renovation, and 418 East Grand Mixed-Use Nelson Development in downtown Des Moines, IA. Outside of work, Carleigh is involved in NOMA KC and their project pipeline efforts to engage Kansas City youth in the field of architecture.

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.