The Late Tom Nelson
FAIAEmeritus
Tom Nelson was a founding principal of BNIM. In this role and in his personal time, Tom was involved in civic affairs, particularly those affecting the physical shape of Kansas City. Tom’s commitment to his city is revealed by the wide variety of professional and civic activities he 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 AIA. Throughout his career, Tom was widely recognized and honored for his design skill and is regarded for his judgment in urban issues and urban design.
Tom passed away on June 30, 2026. Everyone at BNIM past and present will miss him dearly. Read about Tom’s Work and Legacy.
