As BNIM’s Director of Design, 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. Bloch Executive Hall for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Under his leadership, BNIM received the American Institute of Architects Firm Award in 2011.

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.

Based on Rigor, Resolve and Restraint, Rod’s work has been recognized with over 70 design awards including three National AIA Honor Awards for Architecture, one National AIA Honor Award for Interior Architecture, one AIA Committee on the Environment COTE Top 10 Award, and one AIA Committee on the Environment COTE Top 10 Plus Award.  In 2014 he received AIA Iowa’s Medal of Honor, the highest honor bestowed by the chapter.  Rod has also received a number of Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture awards, both with BNIM and his previous firm of Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck. Rod’s work has been included in traveling exhibitions and he has lectured widely. Rod’s work and writings have also been featured in numerous national and regional periodicals including Architecture, Architectural Record, I.D. Magazine and Iowa Architect. As a trusted national adviser for design excellence, Rod served as a Member of the AIA Fellows Jury from 2002-2004, a Chair for the AIA National Honor Awards Jury in 2012, and a member of the AIA COTE Jury in 2013.

Rod is passionate, caring, and is committed to maximizing the potential for his clients.

Kevin Nordmeyer brings more than 25 years of highly relevant leadership and design experience to the profession. He has served as a pioneer in sustainable 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. He has served as the design leader of multidisciplinary teams on several notable projects in Iowa, including the award-winning renovation of the American Enterprise Group National Headquarters, the Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny, and the Seamans Center for Engineering Arts and Sciences – South Annex Addition at the University of Iowa. Kevin’s body of work has received more than 40 state, regional, and national AIA design awards. In 2008, Kevin was awarded the ISU College of Design’s Design Achievement Award in recognition for substantial contribution to the discipline of architecture. In 2017, Kevin received the AIA Iowa Medal of Honor, the highest recognition bestowed upon an individual from the AIA Iowa chapter, for his continued contributions to the profession and leadership in sustainable design.

Matthew leads BNIM’s California presence from the firm's office in San Diego, CA. Matthew served as project architect for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Addition and Renovation. The building was named Time Magazine’s “Building of the Year” in 2007 along with receiving the national AIA Honor Award. Matthew recently performed a similar role on the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, MO. His involvement with large, complex projects has allowed him to hone his ability to understand and solve challenging project issues related to functional design, technical integration, long-range scheduling and project needs management. Additionally, his experience with smaller projects has shaped the way he responds effectively to budgetary and scheduling conditions.

Dev Malik serves as BNIM's Chief Operating Officer. As a member of BNIM’s Executive Committee, Dev 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.

Dev studied architecture as an undergraduate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he holds a Bachelor of Applied Science. He also holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University Missouri – Kansas City Bloch School of Management.

Kristin Atkinson serves as BNIM's Chief Financial Officer. To this role, she brings a deep financial knowledge and broad set of experiences along with amazing business acumen. Kristin's prior work experience includes serving as CFO for Cramer, a company that designs and distributes commercial furniture, CFO and Vice President of Development for Samson Dental Practice Management, CFO of Union Bank, and Vice President of Finance for Ferrell Capital. She has also served on the Finance Committee for The Women's Foundation.

Kristin has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Missouri Southern State University. In 2016, Kristin was recognized as a CFO of the Year honoree by the Kansas City Business Journal.

Maria Maffry is responsible for business development, strategic planning, and business oversight at BNIM, and she serves on the firm’s Executive Committee governing body. 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. Maria is a 2000 Graduate of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program and was named to the 2015 class of the Kansas City Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business.

Her civic affiliations include: Executive Women’s Leadership Council, Greater Kansas City Chamber; University of Kansas Advancement Board; UMKC Bloch Advisory Council; ArtsKC Board of Directors; Kansas City Area Development Council Board of Directors; Camp Fire Heartland Advisory Council; Kansas City Ballet Business Leadership Council; Urban Land Institute – Women’s Leadership Initiative Committee Member; Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey; Women’s Foundation; 2017 Co-Chair ArtsKC Annual Awards Luncheon; Kauffman Center Business Member; National World War I Business Member; Kansas City Business Journal Mentor.

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. Department of State, Bureau of Overseas Building’s Operations providing design services for the United States Government’s worldwide properties. Doug has played a key role on a number of award-winning projects at BNIM such as the EPA’s Region 7 Headquarters, IRS Kansas City Campus, Applebee’s Restaurant Support Center, Plaza Colonnade and H&R Block’s World Headquarters. He brings many advanced skills to the firm in the field of architecture, including pre-design planning, design development, project delivery and construction technology.

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 thriving communities. Laura’s noteworthy projects include the Omega Center for Sustainable Living, the first Living Building and LEED Platinum certified building in the world. In 2019, she co-authored a book with BNIM founders, Bob Berkebile and Steve McDowell, around the Omega Center titled FLOW: In Pursuit of a Living Building. She also played a major role in the award-winning 2019 COTE Top Ten project for Asilong Christian High School in West Pokot, Kenya.

Laura is heavily involved in various AIA committees and was appointed to serve a three-year term on the AIA National Strategic Council as a representative of the Central States Region and elected Council Liaison to the Young Architects Forum (YAF) in 2019. She leads the imaginative, hard-working, and thoughtful design leaders whose collective goal is to Transform Architecture Education, Professional Development, and The Next Big Thing, which includes sub-groups covering XR technology, innovative business models, and more.

Laura was recognized as the 2019 Architect of the Year in acknowledgment of her contributions to the industry, her environmental stewardship, and her humanitarian efforts.

Craig Scranton directs BNIM’s Government practice area. As a project manager, he is particularly adept at working with complex design and management teams, which require special organizational attention and coordination. Having served as project manager for some of BNIM's most complex projects, he has developed an expertise in the design of office buildings and parking facilities. Craig led the GSA’s Internal Revenue Service Kansas City Campus, a 1,000,000 sq. ft. facility on a 27-acres site in Kansas City’s urban core. He was part of the design team for the David & Lucile Packard Foundation in Los Altos, California, where he was instrumental in developing a sustainability matrix. The Packard Matrix, as it became known, continues to help the architectural and construction industries understand how varied levels of sustainable design can impact the environment and business costs throughout the life of a building, beginning with initial construction.

Craig remains heavily involved with development of the Kansas City urban core through the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Kansas City chapter, as a TAP (Technical Assistant Program) Leader.

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. Among his contributions to his industry, Bob is the founding chairman of the American Institute of Architects’ National Committee on the Environment (AIA / COTE) and was also instrumental in the formation of the US Green Building Council and its LEED rating system.

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. He was the founder of the AIA KC Chapter Urban Design Committee, the former Chairman of the Kansas City Plan Commission, and past Chairman of the Downtown Council Land Use Committee, the MARC Urban Core Growth Strategies Committee and the Chamber of Commerce Light Rail Committee. At a national level, in 2009 Tom completed a three-year term as regional director for the national chapter of the AIA. Throughout his career, Tom has been widely recognized and honored for his design skill and is regarded for his judgment in urban issues and urban design.

David Immenschuh’s understanding of interiors, as well as buildings, led the firm in truly integrated solutions that serve user needs and comfort. His leadership in interior design changed the way architects select materials. The interiors group works with vendors and product representatives to educate them on sustainable design as it relates to interiors and FF&E. Under his direction, the interiors department collected information on materials in regards to off-gassing, recycled content, flexibility, longevity, economic benefit, all leading to healthier workplaces.

As the firm sets new standards in highly integrated design, David has done in-depth exploration on moveable wall partition systems as they relate to the built environment. These studies included detailed questions of the manufacturers and plant visits to assist the team in selecting the best products possible for our client's goals.

David is an avid supporter of the fine arts community. He has helped several clients including H&R Block, CBIZ and Blue Cross Blue Shield to develop their art collections from well-known and emerging artists, locally and nationally.

Some of his most representative projects in space planning, programming and design include the 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, 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.

As Director of Practice for BNIM, Casey has furthered thought leadership within BNIM and the industry. A leader in his firm—and local and professional communities—his efforts have influenced the creation of new methodologies and industry tools that deliver solutions to address the challenges of the modern practice. Casey’s leadership has been widely celebrated and has led to many awards, including a Green Building Leadership Award presented at USGBC’s GreenBuild Conference.

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.

While at BNIM, Greg has served as the Senior Project Architect for the Bloch Building addition and other campus enhancement projects at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Henry W. Bloch Executive Hall at UMKC, the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University, an expansion to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the new School of Music Building at the University of Missouri.

The general technical expertise Greg has accumulated through these and other projects is highly respected and sought after. His particular expertise in complex, high performance, façade and glazing system has made him a practice leader for BNIM’s integrated design process.

In 2006, Greg was recognized as Architect of the Year by the American Institute of Architects Kansas City chapter, and in 2013, he was elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows.

Carey Nagle is a Principal in BNIM's Des Moines office. He has emerged as a strong leader in the design and management of high performance and sustainable projects. Carey's broad range of project experience consists of several office buildings, higher education projects, theaters, and museums. Carey served as Project Architect for American Enterprise Group Headquarters and the LEED Platinum-rated Iowa Utilities Board / Office of Consumer Advocate Office. Other recent projects include the Psychology and Learning Center at the University of Iowa, and a new addition for Pioneer Hi-Bred's Innovation Center.

Carey received his Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University. In 2016, Carey received the AIA National Young Architect award.

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. He is also a natural mentor, having served as an adjunct professor and co-teacher for a comprehensive design studio at Kansas State University and frequent guest design critic for the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, the Kansas City Art Institute, and the Kansas City Design Center.

James earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kansas.

Joe Keal is a Principal in BNIM’s Kansas City office. He is a leader and innovator in the firm’s digital design practice. His approach is rooted in the creation of high-performance spaces that enliven human experiences.

He is versed at leading complex projects, like the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University, the renovation and expansion of North Kansas City High School, and the renovation and expansion of Seaton Hall and Seaton Court at Kansas State University.

Joe has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Kansas, where his instruction was largely focused upon the use of digital design tools and sustainable design practices.

He earned his Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kansas.