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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Keri Maginn is BNIM's Director of Marketing. In this role she manages the day-to-day activities of the marketing studio, touching on business development, brand management, brochures and collateral, photography, and firm-wide marketing support. Keri also serves as one of BNIM's resident writers and editors, contributing to BNIM's growing library of high-quality books.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 recently competed 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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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 Univerity.
Brian’s career spans over 25 years of professional experience in the field of architecture, during which he has served in a variety of project responsibilities. As a Project Architect, Brian has completed many award-winning projects at BNIM including, the 2011 AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Buildings Award recipient Kiowa County Schools in Greensburg, Kansas; the Applebee’s Restaurant Support Center; and the Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Brian’s experience in a wide range of project types gives him a deep understanding of the design considerations and complexities of designing high performance facilities.
Jan Duffendack, IIDA, is an Associate Principal at BNIM. She has participated in the programming, space planning and interior design of a broad range of projects, including hotels, law firms, conference centers, offices of all types, insurance companies and historic structures. She is an experienced and effective project manager as well as an integral project team member. Jan has a deep understanding of the dynamics of large and complex projects that involve multiple user groups and client participation.
Hans Nettelblad brings 25 years 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 in working with existing buildings, which retools and repositions existing buildings to improve performance and provide healthier environments for users, coupled with the understanding of how key renovation strategies can help building owners and developers increase market positioning. 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. Hans served as project architect and project manager on multiple projects for the Blue Valley School District and Senior Project Manager on the Pacific Center Campus Development. His current role is that of Project Manager for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Expansion.
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.
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 is a project architect and designer in BNIM's Kansas City office. She is interested in the relationship of quantitative performance and its qualitative manifestation in architecture, and 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. This, she believes, results in richer work that is cohesive from conception to realization.
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.
Joyce is currently working on an international U.S. embassy addition.
John brings a wealth 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's recent work includes the Patient-Centered Care Learning Center for the University of Missouri School of Medicine and the Seaton Hall and Seaton Court Renovation and Expansion at Kansas State University. He was a core team member for the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, MO and applied his considerable expertise to the Henry W. Bloch Executive Hall for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. John uses his leadership and ability to guide multiple design and construction disciplines to work together collaboratively and in unique ways.
John earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University.
Jeff Shaffer is a design team member in BNIM's Des Moines office. 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. Recent project experience includes a two-building development on the Pacific Center Campus Development in San Diego; a new Preschool and Psychology facility at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa; and a study for Dickenson Law Firm in Des Moines, Iowa.
Jeff earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University.
Sam De Jong, AIA LEED AP BD+C, 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.
Lana is an Associate at BNIM who is passionate about improving the lives of people and the condition of our planet through thoughtful design. Her approach to design focuses on sustainability as an essential component to architecture, both human and environmental, and she balances building performance with the needs of people and design excellence. She is exceptional at designing human-centered spaces, notably for higher education institutions.
While with BNIM, Lana’s project experience includes the University of Iowa Informatics Initiative (UI3), the Harkin Institute at Drake University, the renovation of the American Enterprise Group national headquarters, the Miesblock mixed-use commercial building, and several other ongoing projects.
Lana earned a Master of Architecture from Iowa State University and a Bachelor of Interior Design from Michigan State University.
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.
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.
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 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.
Over the past 22 years, Janell has played an integral role in a wide variety of highly successful projects, including the Sprint Center in Kansas City and Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Janell is a tireless representative of BNIM’s core values, both inside and outside the firm. She is responsive and detailed in her work and is known for her abilities to listen, create, and lead. 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.
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.
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.
Barb Cugno, IIDA AIA LEED AP, serves as a Project Architect and Interior Designer in BNIM's Kansas City office. Currently, Barb is a team member on the new Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University. Other projects have included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Ogletree Deacons Law Office, and the School of Nursing and Student Community Center and Fayez S Sarofim Center for Research Building at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She is a member of the AIA and IIDA and former chairman of the AIA Tours Committee.
Barb has a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from Kansas State University.
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.
Jeremy Knoll is a Project Manager at BNIM with a deep passion for green building and social equity. His recent work includes the revitalization of Bancroft School in Kansas City, Missouri, into a neighborhood center with 50 affordable and LEED-H Platinum certified apartments, a health clinic, and neighborhood association offices. In addition to this work, Jeremy is energizing the development of the Laugh-O-Gram Studio (Walt Disney’s first animation studio) in Kansas City, Missouri.
Jeremy serves as a volunteer leader nationally, regionally, and locally for both the US Green Building Council and the not-for-profit organization he co-founded, Historic Green. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis.
Marcia Krupich is the long-standing executive assistant to BNIM Principals Steve McDowell, Casey Cassias and Bob Berkebile. She also serves as the Director of the Administrative Studio and, along with her studio, is responsible for the day-to-day administrative needs of the firm. Her background in supporting architectural firms, along with her invaluable understanding of the inner workings of BNIM, keep things organized and running smoothly.
Jonathan Ramsey is a licensed Architect and Associate 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.
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.
Katie is an architect in BNIM's Kansas City office with more than 13 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 earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kansas. She is a registered architect in the State of Kansas, and serves on the AIA Kansas Board of Directors and Executive Committee in her current role as Secretary.
Kyle Patneau joined BNIM’s Kansas City office as an experienced architect. He is an active member of AIA Kansas City, having participated in the Pillars Program and volunteering for the Educational Outreach committee. Kyle’s past experience includes work in office design, commercial retail and restaurant design, and multi-tenant shell building design. He is also a furniture designer and fabricator, and he was an Arts Incubator member from 2006-2011. To his peers, Kyle is a mentor across all disciplines. To his clients, he is a creative, knowledgeable, “calm in the storm” project leader. To BNIM, he is a representation of the firm’s values and a tremendous asset to the work we do.
He has a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University.
Ruthie Harrison is an experienced Human Resources Manager whose prior work experience includes both non-profit and corporate organizations. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kansas and a Master of Science in Management from Baker University. She serves on the Board for the RevoCup Foundation and is an active volunteer in refugee resettlement and immigration services in her local community.
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 the University of Kansas Medical Center Parking Garage #5; the renewal of Price Gilbert-Crosland Tower at Georgia Institute of Technology; the Pacific Center Campus Development in San Diego; and the addition and renovations of two dining centers at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.
Jeremy graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master and Bachelor of Architecture from The Catholic University of America.
Gretchen Holy, IIDA, brings more than 20 years of professional experience and is an Associate Principal at BNIM. She leads the firm’s Interior Design work from BNIM’s office in Kansas City, MO. Under her direction, the firm's interiors group conducts important work focused on client and industry leadership in many areas including BNIM’s proprietary Vision-driven design process, defining the workplace of the future and creating vibrant environments that address sustainable design and human factors such as health, happiness and productivity — and the measurement the benefits related to these factors.
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.
Kelly is a graphic designer from Seattle who moved to Kansas City with her husband Cal and dog Henry in the fall of 2014. A passion for editorial design led Kelly to pursue a career in visual communications. She uses her love of layouts and experience in crafting dynamic compositions to assist in the interview and proposal process at BNIM.
A fashion enthusiast and pursuer of the minimal, she believes in the impact of intention, the power of purposefulness, and the boldness of simplicity. She is zealous about communicating/story-telling visually and evoking thoughtfulness in others. When not designing, Kelly can be found in the dance studio, cooking, traveling with her husband, or designing and making jewelry.
Sarah Murphy is a Graduate Architect in BNIM's Washington D.C. office. She is an integral team member on a growing number of notable BNIM projects, including the new Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University; the EPA Region 7 Headquarters in Lenexa, Kansas; and several highly sustainable projects at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia.
Sarah earned a Masters of Architecture with distinction from the University of Kansas.
Dana Sorensen is an Architect in BNIM's Des Moines office. In this role, he is committed to achieving design excellence through rigorous attention to detail. Dana's recent work includes the a private residence in rural Iowa, the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, and a new Visual Arts building at South Dakota State University.
Dana earned a Bachelor of Architecture with Minors in Digital Media from Iowa State University.
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.
Anastasia Huggins, AIA is a project architect in BNIM’s Kansas City Office. Anastasia’s experience covers a broad variety of project types, from large corporate headquarters to small exhibition spaces. She has a deep passion for sustainability, for design and for making the built environment a healthy and engaging place to be. Her recent projects at BNIM include work on the Washington University parking garage, a project for the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, and BNIM’s office space at Crown Center.
Anastasia earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University.
Jeff joined the San Diego office in the spring of 2018. Jeff is interested in architecture as the nexus where art, science, and society meet. A California registered architect, his background in sculpture informs a deep interest in crafting beautiful and unique spaces that heighten the human experience.
Most recently Jeff has worked on the programming and design for the first phase of SuperBlock, a three-phase plan providing 1,000,000 SF of innovative workplace in the I.D.E.A. District of East Village San Diego. The first phase of the plan includes the Idea Warehouse, a 100,000 SF renovation of an existing storage facility into open office work space.
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 actively involved in the American Institute of Architects at the local and regional level, currently serving 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.
Josh Harrold is a registered architect with a Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Drury University.
Josh has established himself as a strong design leader within BNIM. He has helped guide his studio to elevating design excellence for all of its projects through a collaborative design process that mentors and elevates his collaborators’ abilities. Josh is a well-rounded architect with an inherent ability to translate concept into built reality. He works hard on all of his projects to discover the sweet spot between human-purposed integrated design, sustainability, and staying on budget. He has contributed to the success of the firm’s business development efforts and has furthered those efforts by delivering on project promises that have led to great client satisfaction.
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.
Frederik joined the San Diego office after graduating from Kansas State University with a Master of Architecture. While he was in school, an internship in Zurich gave him the opportunity to study sustainable housing models. His most recent academic interest focused on the intersection between biological sciences and the philosophy of architecture. This led to an involvement with ANFA and an interest in the corporeal dimensions of the built environment, specifically through tectonics, atmosphere, and memory of place.
Ashley Lawrence is an Architectural Graduate in BNIM’s Kansas City office. With a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Interior Design, Ashley thrives through client engagement to create a strategic project vision. She believes in a human-centered design approach, which fosters innovation and enhances work force growth and wellbeing, while also being critical to a successful design solution. Ashley’s professional experience includes an array of projects with focus on workplace design and adaptive reuse buildings. Her most recent work includes Westport Commons, recently featured in the New York Times as the largest co-working space in the world and Building Positive, an urban acupuncture and adaptive reuse office project to be LBCv4, LEED Platinum, Sustainable Sites, and WELL Building Certified.
April Trotter is an Architectural Graduate at the BNIM Kansas City office. April has joined BNIM full time after an internship during school. Since returning she has been working on Westport Commons and multiple projects for the Thunder Valley Master Plan. April graduated with a Master in Architecture from Kansas State University. During school she studied abroad in Italy where she focused on the human body and how it perceives the built environment. Her thesis project was run by Jay Siebenmorgen focusing on rehabilitation and resiliency of the Gowanus Canal. All of April’s experience in school has given her a passion for architecture’s ability to positively impact the physical and mental environment.
Andrew Mixdorf is an Architectural Graduate in BNIM’s Kansas City office. He has a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in digital media from Iowa State University. Since coming to BNIM, Andrew has worked on several projects at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
James Trower joined BNIM’s Des Moines office in 2008. James has experience on a wide range of notable projects, including interior office renovations, mixed-use residential, historic restoration, residential, and higher education. He is currently working on the new University of Iowa Museum of Art.
James earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University.
Described as methodical, precise, tenacious, and infectiously positive, Jeremy is recognized at BNIM as an invaluable team member with boundless potential. In contributing to two extremely complex and challenging projects—The Princeton Lewis Center for the Arts and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Expansion—Jeremy emerged as one of the most knowledgeable, prepared, and trusted team members. Truly embodying BNIM’s core values, Jeremy’s patience, kind nature and selflessness, and his design-thinking mentality continue to elevate BNIM’s people, culture, and work.
Elvis Achelpohl is a design team member in BNIM's Kansas City office. Recent experience includes the Energy Technology Center at Tarrant County College in Ft. Worth, Texas, a project that is designed to exceed LEED Platinum and achieve net zero energy use; the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University; and Troxel Hall Auditorium at Iowa State University.
Elvis earned a Master of Architecture from Kansas State University.
Jason Kruse is a design team member in BNIM's Des Moines office. Jason's experience includes a collaborative background centered on sustainable design and technologies. Recent work includes a Campus Master plan for AIB College of Business; a new South Annex for Seamans Center for the Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa; and a new Psychology and Learning Center at the University of Iowa.
Jason earned a Bachelor of Architecture with Minors in Digital Media and Entrepreneurial Studies 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.
Ryan McCabe, AIA, is an Associate in BNIM’s Kansas City office. 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 renovation of the Lyric Opera Building into the Downtown Kansas City 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.
Daniel Johnson is an Architectural Graduate in BNIM’s Kansas City office. He started his career with BNIM as an intern in the San Diego office, where he worked on several projects at Makers Quarter.
He graduated with a Master of Architecture and Minor in Business from Kansas State University. Dan spent his 5th year at K-State working in the Design + Make Studio where he gained hands on construction experience and a greater understanding of building tectonics.
Danielle Buttacavoli is an urban planner and design team member in BNIM's San Diego office. Danielle has extensive experience working collaboratively to bring high-performance communities and facilities to life. Most recently, Danielle has been an integral team member on the Block D Makers Quarter project, and the LEED Gold Pacific Center Campus Development. As a certified AICP, Danielle is also involved with the Pacific Beach EcoDistrict and assisted Civic San Diego with community outreach efforts.
Danielle received a Master of Architecture from University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Urban Studies from Yale 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.
Dan Brown is a Graduate Architect at BNIM. He has a passion for urban architecture and its role within sustainable urban ecology. He uses an iterative design process to enhance the complex relationships between the human and urban scales. Dan is also focused on building performance analysis — a process that uses conceptual studies to test and analyze a building’s design, performance and future environmental impacts.
Dan is a distinguished graduate from the University of Kansas, where he received his Master’s degree in Architecture, while acting as a student mentor and graduate teaching assistant. Dan has a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Kansas, as well as Under Graduate degrees in Communication and Sociology from the University of San Diego.
His most recent work includes Price Gilbert – Crosland Tower Renewal for the Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as the Patient – Centered Care Learning Center at the University of Missouri.
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.
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