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No one knows as much as everyone.

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.

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Steve McDowell

Steve McDowell

principal
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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

Rod Kruse

principal
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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

Kevin Nordmeyer

principal
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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. 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. As Principal in Charge of the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center at Drake University, the home of the Harkin Institute, he focused his design and research attention on expanding the definition of sustainable design to embrace inclusion, equity, and wellness. 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 and the AIA Iowa Medal of Honor for accomplishments in design, education and service. 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, inclusive and gracious design.

 

Dev Malik

Dev Malik

principal | chief operating officer
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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.

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.

Maria Maffry

Maria Maffry

principal | chief business development officer
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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.

Laura Lesniewski

Laura Lesniewski

principal
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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. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City, a prime example of a public/private partnership that features the first Living Machine™ in the State of Missouri, and she was project manager for the Lewis and Clark State Office Building, a LEED Platinum project. Her recent work includes one of the first Living Buildings in the world for the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, and a net-zero community redevelopment in Montreal, Quebec.

Doug Stevens

Doug Stevens

principal
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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.

Craig Scranton

Craig Scranton

principal
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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. His project experience includes working with developers, not-for-profits, and universities. He remains heavily involved with development of the Kansas City urban core through the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Kansas City chapter. Craig’s most recent projects include leading the redevelopment of the historic Lyric Theatre building in Downtown Kansas City into the Kirk Family YMCA and the design of the new Kansas City International (KCI) Airport Parking Garage.

Bob Berkebile

Bob Berkebile

principal emeritus
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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.

David Immenschuh

David Immenschuh

principal emeritus

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 Immenschuh passed away 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.

 

Casey Cassias

Casey Cassias

principal emeritus
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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. Casey’s leadership has been widely celebrated and recognized with many awards, including a Green Building Leadership Award presented at USGBC’s GreenBuild Conference. Among Casey's many transformational projects with BNIM are the Bloch Building at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the REACH Expansion at the John F. Kennedy Center, and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, MO.

Tom Nelson

Tom Nelson

principal emeritus
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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.

Greg Sheldon

Greg Sheldon

principal
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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.

James Pfeiffer

James Pfeiffer

principal
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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.

Carey Nagle

Carey Nagle

principal
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Carey Nagle is a Principal in BNIM's Des Moines office. Carey is proven leader in the realm of high-performance design excellence. 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. Carey's notable project experience includes the renovation American Enterprise Group Headquarters; the LEED Platinum-rated Iowa Utilities Board / Office of Consumer Advocate Office; the Adaptive Reuse of Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA; and most recently, the new University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art.

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

Jan Duffendack

Jan Duffendack

associate principal emeritus | interiors

Jan Duffendack, IIDA, is an Associate Principal Emeritus at BNIM. 

Hans Nettelblad

Hans Nettelblad

associate principal | architecture
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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 provided extensive leadership and direction on complex, large-scale renovation projects, which retools and repositions existing buildings to improve performance and provide healthier living, working, and learning environments for users. His experience serving as Project Architect for the phased renovation of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, along with to leading several projects in the rebuilding of Greensburg, KS, including the LEED Platinum Kiowa County School facility, led to him being named The American Institute of Architects’ Kansas City Chapter “Architect of the Year” in 2008.

Alyssa Parsons

Alyssa Parsons

associate | architecture
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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

Mark Neibling

associate | architecture
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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

Joyce Raybuck

associate principal | architecture
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Joyce Raybuck is an Associate 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. This process includes the thoughtful consideration of a building’s performance relative to the integration of systems while foregrounding architecture’s human-centered experiences. Joyce is co-leader of BNIM’s Sustainability Group and has championed firm efforts in implementing BNIM’s  Sustainability Action Plan and annual sustainability report, Subject To Change.

Joyce is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and has extensive experience on higher education projects, working for institutions such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Yale, Harvard, and the University of California at San Diego. Joyce was adjunct faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, teaching  third- and fourth-year design studios.

 

Rachel Murray

Rachel Murray

associate | director of administration

Rachel has been with BNIM since 2006 and holds the position of Director of Administrative Services. She graduated in 2001 from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. Her knowledge of the design process and practice at BNIM informs her diverse role, as she works alongside project teams and to support the day-to-day administrative needs of the firm.

Sarah Hirsch

Sarah Hirsch

associate principal | architecture
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Sarah has worked on a wide variety of project types with a diverse range of clients including governmental, corporate, institutional, retail and residential. She focuses primarily on specification writing and brings to each project a vast knowledge of materials and systems. Many of her projects focus on integrating sustainable design including multiple building designed to achieve Living Building Status. Sarah has played a key role in developing BNIM's sustainability master specification and is working with teams to incorporate compliance with LEED v4 into their projects.

Tom Feldmann

Tom Feldmann

associate principal | architecture
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Tom’s role as a leader at BNIM is demonstrated by the success of the projects to which he has led or contributed. Frequently involved in six or more projects at various stages of development at any given time, Tom has emerged as a key resource regarding documentation and constructability. Tom has an unwavering insistence on quality and protection of the design intent. Combined with his seemingly tireless work ethic, Tom has become an integral part of the Des Moines team where his nearly 20 years of experience provides an invaluable wealth of experience and knowledge. An exceptional client advocate, Tom is trusted by his clients as a confident leader and a champion for their values. Prior to joining BNIM, Tom managed the nearly $60 million, multi-phase University of Iowa Dental Science Building renovation. While at BNIM, he has led the University Of Iowa Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences South Annex Addition and College of Nursing Building Renovation, and has contributed to many more. He is a respected and sought-after project leader for the University of Iowa and other clients throughout the Midwest.

Beena Ramaswami

Beena Ramaswami

associate principal | director of brand identity
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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. Her experience at BNIM includes the design of the firm's website and its innovative features; environmental graphics for Bloch Executive Hall, Pacific Center Campus, Princeton LCA, GIT, MU PCCLC; numerous publications including Flow and Power; fundraising packages for clients including BSA and Odum.

Beena holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Anna University in Madras, India, and a Master of Architecture from Kansas State University.

Janell Rock

Janell Rock

associate principal | director of design for interiors
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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. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC; Seaton Hall Renovation & Expansion at Kansas State University; and the recently completed School of Music at University of Missouri in Columbia. Janell’s desire to pursue the beautiful and seamless integration of architecture and interior design, along with her client-centered approach, fuels her enthusiasm for design excellence and human-purposed environments. She continues to play a key role in charting the next iteration of BNIM’s interior design practice though business development, community involvement, and her careful attention to current clients and projects.

 

Jeremy Knoll

Jeremy Knoll

associate principal | architecture
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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. Jeremy has a deep passion for green building, historic preservation, and social equity, and his dedication to climate action extends to his volunteer work as a regional climate policy advocate and Executive Board member for the USGBC Central Plains, Climate Action KC, and Design Corps.

Jonathan Ramsey

Jonathan Ramsey

associate principal | architecture
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Jonathan Ramsey is a licensed Architect and Associate Principal in BNIM's Des Moines Office. Fully embedded in the State of Iowa's sustainable initiative, Jonathan leads projects with a goal of high-performing, integrated design. He has led a growing number of notable BNIM projects, including Troxel Hall Auditorium at Iowa State University; the new College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center; a new single-family residence in Clive, Iowa; and an award-winning retreat in a bucolic setting in rural Iowa. 

Jonathan received a Master of Architecture from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Miami University.

Jeff Shaffer

Jeff Shaffer

associate principal | architecture
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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.

Jeff earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University.

Jonathan Sloan

Jonathan Sloan

associate principal | architecture
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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. In everything he does, Jon is also a mentor, working closely with his BNIM peers to share his depth of knowledge and elevate the firm’s work and culture.

 

 

Jon has a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University.

William Trakas

William Trakas

associate | architecture
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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

Adam Wiechman

associate | landscape architecture
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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.

John Collier

John Collier

associate principal | architecture
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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.

John was a core team member for the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, MO, the Henry W. Bloch Executive Hall for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and the Seaton and Regnier Hall Renovation and Expansion at Kansas State University. He most recently applied his expertise to two new facilities at Johnson County Community College; an expansion to the School of Medicine at the University of Missouri in Columbia; and a new business school facility at Marquette University.

John earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University.

Samuel De Jong

Samuel De Jong

associate principal | architecture
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Sam De Jong, AIA LEED AP, is a project architect who pursues design with a deep level of care and rigor. His passion of design for social impact is coupled with the belief that interdisciplinary teams create architecture of high quality and innovation. While at BNIM, he has played a significant role in the design, documentation, and implementation of numerous projects, including the award-winning Rockhurst University Parking Garage; the revitalization of Bancroft School; a new Patient-Centered Care Learning Center at the University of Missouri School of Medicine; numerous high-performance projects with the Boy Scouts at the Summit Bechtel Reserve; and the reconstruction of Westport Presbyterian Church.

Shelley Edie

Shelley Edie

manager of facilities

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.

Rohn Grotenhuis

Rohn Grotenhuis

associate principal | architecture
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Rohn Grotenhuis has more than 23 years of experience as an architect, during which he has touched all aspects of the profession — from design and project management, to contracts and staffing. Throughout his career, Rohn has won numerous awards as a designer. His work spans a variety of project types and scales, on all of which he maintains a focus on nurturing client relationships.

Rohn is an integral member of the team working on the renewal and transformation of two library facilities on Georgia Tech’s Atlanta campus. Prior to joining BNIM, his project experience includes the Sea Life Aquarium at Crown Center; Christopher Elbow Chocolates; Outfield Buildings and the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame, both at Kauffman Stadium; St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium Suites and Club Spaces; the International Student Center at Kansas State University; Congregation Beth Torah; and JA Rodgers Academy of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Rohn has a Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University, where he remains active on the professional advisory board. He also serves on the stream team with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and was recently appointed as a committee member of the Heritage Commission in Independence, Missouri.

Ruthie Harrison

Ruthie Harrison

associate principal | director of human resources

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.

Jeremy Kahm

Jeremy Kahm

associate principal | architecture
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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.

Jeremy graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master and Bachelor of Architecture from The Catholic University of America.

Katie Nichols

Katie Nichols

associate | architecture
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Katie is an Associate 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.

Katie is deeply committed to advancing environmental restoration, resilience and high performance on all projects. She helps to guide and support staff at BNIM in implementing our Sustainability Action Plan. She has co-led the People Group, guiding conversations to advance equity and inclusion through our work and worked to establish BNIM’s JUST Label in 2021. Katie is a strong and visible supporter of the American Institute of Architects, serving as Board President in 2018 and continuing her volunteerism and services as a member of the Board of Directors since 2014.

James Baker

James Baker

associate
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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.

Daniel Johnson

Daniel Johnson

associate | architecture
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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.

Frank Basile

Frank Basile

network administrator
Jason Kruse

Jason Kruse

associate | architecture
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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 Robb

Levi Robb

associate | architecture
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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

April Trotter

associate | architecture
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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

Ryan McCabe

associate | architecture
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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

Elvis Achelpohl

associate | design
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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.

Dana Sorensen

Dana Sorensen

associate | architecture
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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.

Sarah Murphy

Sarah Murphy

associate | design
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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.

Paul Waters

Paul Waters

director of information systems

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.

Joshua Harrold

Joshua Harrold

associate principal | architecture
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Josh Harrold is an Associate 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. He believes design is essential to quality of life and rooted in thorough analysis, rigorous investigation, and meticulous execution.

Most recently, Josh applied this approach to the design of the Missouri State University Ozarks Education Center; a Master Plan for the Springfield Art Museum; and the new Fine Arts + Design Studios and Career and Technical Education Center at Johnson County Community College. He has also worked on the firm’s headquarters, Building Positive, a prototype for the interplay of four of the most stringent sustainable design standards.

Prior to joining BNIM, Josh worked on a wide variety of project types that includes a LEED Platinum carbon neutral fire station in Dallas that is helping to establish future city project delivery requirements; work for Missouri State University; USGBC North Texas Green Building Resource Center; and the AIA National award-winning Exeter Schools.

MJ Johnson

MJ Johnson

design
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Andrew Mixdorf

Andrew Mixdorf

associate | architecture
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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 Kella

Matthew Kella

associate | design
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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,

Tina Wehrman

Tina Wehrman

associate | interiors
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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.

Kylie Schwaller

Kylie Schwaller

design
Kayla Berkson

Kayla Berkson

associate | architecture
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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 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 currently serves on the City of Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission.

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

Jamie Kluesner

Jamie Kluesner

executive assistant | studio coordinator
Liz Sears

Liz Sears

human resources specialist

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.

Natalie Gaydar

Natalie Gaydar

administrative assistant
Andrea Hobbs

Andrea Hobbs

Project Accountant
Kate Kovarik

Kate Kovarik

client development coordinator
Carleigh Pope

Carleigh Pope

Design
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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.

Emily Herndon

Emily Herndon

Client Development Coordinator
Aaron Hauptmann

Aaron Hauptmann

design
Mallory Fergason

Mallory Fergason

Graphic Designer
Rita Richey

Rita Richey

Accountant
David Amstutz

David Amstutz

interior 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.

Brad Gollwitzer

Brad Gollwitzer

Design
Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

Interiors
Jamie Intervalo

Jamie Intervalo

Studio Director
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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. Jamie believes effective project leadership stems from thoughtful collaboration based on mutual respect and trust, a philosophy with which she successfully leads project teams. Jamie is a mentor, advocate, and champion for future emerging professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. She utilizes her work with the AIA to elevate and support a culture of equity within the profession.

Hannah Gray

Hannah Gray

Design
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We deliver beautiful, integrated, living environments that inspire change and enhance the human condition.
The 2011 National Architecture Firm Award Winner, BNIM is an innovative leader in designing high performance environments. Through an integrated process of collaborative discovery, we create transformative, living design that leads to vital and healthy organizations and communities.

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