What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm

AIA Kansas City, 1801 McGee Street, Ste 100, Kansas City, MO (2026)

In continuous operation since 1890, AIA Kansas City supports its members, advances the value of the architecture profession, and improves the quality of the built environment.

05/18/2026

A bittersweet moment for our Pillars as they wrapped up their final session of the year, but what better way to close things out than by exploring Kansas City through one of its most meaningful lenses: food & beverage.

They began their session with an insightful presentation from Andrea Broomfield , who highlighted how food has shaped Kansas City’s identity and why our culinary culture is such a defining part of who we are. From there, they visited Fern Bar, where Bryan Arri shared how intentional design influences the guest experience, bartender longevity, and the craft behind creating a truly memorable space. The conversation continued with Jill Silva , diving into the James Beard legacy, KC’s vibrant restaurant community, and the stories that fuel our local food scene.

To end the day, the Pillars toured Boulevard Brewing Company, learning about their sustainability efforts and the broader impact of craft beer on our region’s economy and culture.

We are grateful to all speakers, hosts, and every Pillars participant for making this year so memorable. Can’t wait to see what the next class of Pillars accomplishes ✨

04/09/2026

The April Pillars session focused on sustainability and the multi-scale strategies shaping healthier, more resilient communities across the Kansas City region. The day began at KCDC with a discussion on Roy Blunt Luminary Park, where Kevin Wallace of HNTB shared how thoughtfully designed civic open spaces can strengthen urban connectivity, enhance environmental performance, and support community well-being.

The conversation then expanded to the regional scale with a presentation on Greenline KC led by Steve McDowell (BNIM) and Lauren Harness (Kansas City Design Center). The group explored how trail systems, green infrastructure, and mobility initiatives can connect neighborhoods across the metro. The pillars also had the opportunity to see some KCDC student presentations on how they envision the green line evolving over time.

Following this exploration of regional initiatives, the Pillars traveled to Overland Park for a tour and conversation at the Farmers Market. There, Bryan Toben and Mike Burton discussed the impact of public programming, urban agriculture, and walkable downtown planning on sustainability through the use of heavy timber construction. To round out the day, the session concluded at BRR Architecture. Emily Randel of Climate Action KC led a discussion about the importance of collaboration among architects, community partners, and regional organizations to advance sustainable design in Kansas City.

Overall, the session gave Pillars a comprehensive understanding of how design decisions at every scale can shape stronger, safer, and more connected communities.

02/09/2026

The February Pillars session focused on Kansas City’s sports culture and the role it plays in shaping the city’s identity, economy, and communities. The day kicked off with a presentation from Lori Kirchhoff, Director of Project Management for KC2026, who walked the group through how Kansas City is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 this June. With more than 650,000 visitors expected during the tournament, the conversation highlighted planning efforts, transportation strategies, and the widespread impact a global event of this scale will bring to the region.

Next, the Pillars explored the transformation of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium beginning with a presentation by Brooke Craig (Populous) and Randy Braun (Walter P. Moore), who were instrumental in the redesign of Arrowhead to meet FIFA standards. The group was then led on a tour through the stadium, getting an up-close look at what it takes to host an event on a world stage.

The session wrapped up at the Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy, where the group learned from Dash Johnson, Preston Ellsworth, and Kalen Haynes about how sports can create access, opportunity, and education for youth across the metro.

01/12/2026

The Pillars January session focused on Development in Kansas City, exploring how the city can grow while still respecting its rich history and communities.

The session began with a presentation by Kekeli Dawes (Multistudio), Bryce Cummings (DRAW), and Jay Currie Campbell (Multistudio) who discussed the masterplanning process at 18th & Vine for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and emphasized the importance of setting clear priorities while preserving the soul of the historic Jazz District.

The group then visited the Berkley Riverfront Development, where Ryan Campbell (Director of Commerical Administration at CommunityAmerica Credit Union) provided an in-depth look at fundamental business finance concepts and how financial and design industries intersect to bring new developments to life. The discussion continued with Aaron Plump (Development Manager at Port KC) who highlighted the organization’s pivotal role in transforming Kansas City’s riverfront and shared early insights into preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Overall, the session gave Pillars a comprehensive understanding of how projects are shaping Kansas City, the financial systems behind them, and how designers can better serve communities by honoring their history, preserving their character, and sustaining their roots.

12/05/2025

The Pillars December session focused on transportation in Kansas City and what it will take to keep our city moving as we continue to grow.

The session started with a panel / Presentation featuring Michael Shaw (Assistant Director of Kansas City Public Works), Greg Bolon (District Engineer at MoDOT), and Olivia English (Founder of LiveGreenUSA). They discussed road construction and maintenance, long-term infrastructure planning, and how Kansas City is preparing for a major influx of visitors, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.

From there, the Pillars hopped on the KC Streetcar and headed to the KC Streetcar Authority for a presentation and behind-the-scenes tour with Lauren Krutty, Director of Operations & Planning. The group learned what it takes to run the streetcar system day to day, how service schedules are determined, and the long-term vision for Kansas City’s transit network. Of course… they also got to meet Brushy, a crowd favorite!

This session gave our Pillars a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping KC’s transportation future and the critical role they play in designing a more efficient, sustainable, and connected city.

Address

1801 McGee Street, Ste 100
Kansas City, MO
64108

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

(816) 221-3485

Website

http://www.aiakc.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when AIA Kansas City posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

AIA Kansas City