Category Archives: KC Global Design

Showcasing KC’s Design and Construction Excellence on a Global Stage

KC Global Design Educators Tour 2026

As Kansas City welcomed the world for FIFA World Cup 26™, KC Global Design took full advantage of the moment by hosting two influential educators as part of its second annual Educators Tour.

While the 2025 tour brought 13 educators to Kansas City, this year’s experience, created in partnership with BNIM and DRAW Architecture, was intentionally curated around FIFA World Cup 2026™, allowing for a deeper, more immersive experience with two distinguished guests: Louise Harpman, New York University; and Paola Sanguinetti, Arizona State University.

Louise Harpman headshot
Louise Harpman
Professor of Architecture, Urban Design and Sustainability
New York University
Paola Sanguinetti headshot
Paola Sanguinetti
Professor & Director, The Design School
Arizona State University

Over the course of three days, our guests experienced Kansas City through the lens of the architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C) industry, gaining an insider look at adaptive reuse projects, innovative developments and the creative collaboration that defines Kansas City’s design and construction community.

Academia Meets Industry

Throughout the tour, our educator guests engaged in robust conversations with industry leaders from prominent organizations across the region, diving into the industry landscape and its evolving talent pipeline.

Large room with decorative metal ceiling designs
Woman looking at metallic plate with decorative squiggles.
The educators visited a variety of prominent firms across the region, including architectural metal engineering & fabrication specialists, Zahner.

Our guests explored the KC region’s deep A/E/C expertise with leaders from firms including HNTB, CRB, AIA KC, BRR Architecture, Greenwood Consulting, Burns & McDonnell, Zahner and many more, discussing ways to better prepare students for careers in the built environment and ensuring employers have access to the talent they need to grow and thrive.

Global Expertise, Local Impact

The KC region’s design expertise extends far beyond its borders, but its influence is equally visible at home. Our guests explored a range of developments that reflect the region’s ongoing evolution, including the Campbell Dome House, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the revitalization of the West Bottoms district.

Three guests walking and talking in a large room with plants, brick walls and a large domed ceiling
Our guest educators visited a range of KC architectural developments, including the Campbell Dome House.

During the tour, our guests explored some of Kansas City’s most innovative design experiences, from the Rock Island Bridge, the world’s first entertainment district on a bridge, to Atlas9, a massive immersive art experience set in a “living” cinematic experience.

Leaders from HOK and BNIM also provided an exclusive tour of The Rabbit hOle — a one-of-a-kind interactive museum that celebrates and brings to life a century of American children’s literature. 

Three people looking at a large vintage schematic of the Kansas River area.
Several people standing in front of the Rock Island Bridge sign, with a blue sky in the background.
Several people sitting on a carpeted tiered seating area, surrounded by children's books.
Dark tunnel with a purple spiral on the walls, leading down to a display with a rabbit silhouette.

Creating a Dialogue with Industry Pros

As part of the tour, KC Global Design hosted a special Meet the Educators event at JE Dunn, bringing local industry professionals together with the visiting educators and leaders from DRAW Architecture, Black & Veatch and JE Dunn for an engaging panel conversation.

JE Dunn hosted the Meet the Educators event, featuring a panel of the tour’s visiting educators alongside leaders from DRAW Architecture, Black & Veatch and JE Dunn.

The discussion focused on strengthening the talent pipeline across A/E/C, exploring how academic programs and student expectations are evolving while identifying opportunities to build stronger connections between education and industry.

KC’s World Cup Moment

The Educators Tour was specially designed to coincide with an exceptionally vibrant time for KC, as the city hosts six FIFA World Cup™ matches.

Our guests had the opportunity to experience the excitement firsthand, visiting KC•House — the region’s premier VIP World Cup destination, convening community and industry leaders with international delegations — and attending the Argentina vs. Algeria match at Kansas City Stadium.

Ashley McDonald and two educators standing in front of a lighted sign reading KC•House
Two women and one man standing in front of a sign reading KC•House
KC•House is the region’s premier VIP World Cup destination, convening community and industry leaders with international delegations.

The Future of A/E/C in KC

Most importantly, the tour showcased something that makes the KC region unique: a spirit of collaboration that transcends individual firms, disciplines and organizations. Time and again, our guests witnessed competitors working side-by-side to advance the industry, strengthen the region and create opportunities for future talent.

The conversations didn’t end when the session concluded. In fact, they will only continue.

Ideas generated throughout the week included:

  • Opportunities for alternative spring break programs
  • Expanded internship experiences
  • Collaborative research initiatives
  • Potential for future design “hackathons”

The enthusiasm from both educators and industry leaders underscored a shared commitment to developing the next generation of talent and creating meaningful pathways between the classroom and professional practice.

The feedback from both educators was overwhelmingly positive, and KC Global Design is grateful to the many investors, partners and industry leaders who generously shared their time, expertise and passion throughout the week.

If the conversations and connections made during this year’s Educators Tour are any indication, the future of Kansas City’s design and construction industry is exceptionally bright.

Learn more about KC Global Design programming.

Smarter A/E/C Workflows, Powered by AI

AI is no longer a future concept for the design + construction industry – it’s a present-day differentiator, reshaping workflows, decision-making and collaboration.

There are currently more than 90,000 AI platforms globally, and the pace of development is unlike anything seen before. But despite the noise, the core principle is simple: AI is only as effective as the data behind it — making strong data management a critical foundation, guided by human insight, for any firm looking to use these tools effectively.

Across the industry, KC firms are beginning to use AI both as an efficiency tool and a thought partner. That means offloading repetitive, non-billable tasks like filing timesheets or formatting specs, while also using AI to explore ideas and identify risk earlier. The goal isn’t replacement; it’s enhancement. Teams that embrace a “human-in-the-loop” approach are finding ways to streamline processes without losing critical oversight.

One emerging concept is the rise of personal AI agents. Instead of a single tool, firms can build networks of agents that communicate with each other and function almost like a digital workforce. This means smoother information handoffs between design teams, engineers and contractors — further strengthening the collaborative approach that defines KC’s A/E/C industry while reducing delays and improving accuracy. 

There are also broader opportunities for the KC region. AI-driven infrastructure, including data centers, is opening the door to new forms of economic development. Concepts like heat-sharing, where excess heat from data centers is reused for adjacent developments such as vertical farming, highlight how sustainability and innovation can align.

For A/E/C leaders, the path forward isn’t about chasing every new tool. It’s about starting where you are, within existing platforms, and thoughtfully rethinking workflows. The firms that do this well won’t just work faster; they’ll work smarter, collaborate better and position themselves to win more projects.

Thank you to our partners, David Johnson, Jeff Danley, Josh Greenfield, Aaron Mendonca and Drew Peterson for sharing their insights on AI in the design + construction industry at our April 2026 Innovation Shop Talk.

To keep up with KC’s design + construction industry, follow KC Global Design on LinkedIn.

A/E/C Firms Are Betting on KC’s Future

Kansas City’s A/E/C sector continues to scale — with in-market expansions proving this is no coincidence. These recent investments reflect a deeper commitment to the region and reinforce KC’s position as a global hub for design, engineering and construction innovation.

Here are some of the firms that have put that belief into action: 

  • Black & Veatch is advancing a $1.12B headquarters expansion in Overland Park, anchoring a 1-million-sq.-ft. mixed-use campus that will include a 750,000-sq.-ft. HQ, 788 housing units and 137,000 sq. ft. of retail space.
  • DRAW has relocated to the historic 1892 Henney Buggy building at 1400 W 13th St in the West Bottoms, creating a larger, more sustainable workspace.
  • Forge Construction invested more than $2.9M to relocate and expand its Kansas City headquarters, transforming a 10,000-sq.-ft. Crossroads building and creating nearly 20 new jobs in one of the city’s fastest-growing districts.
  • HDR opened a new health-focused architecture studio near the plaza that focuses on healthcare design, including pediatric and research facilities.
  • Helix Architecture + Design deepened its commitment to downtown Kansas City with a new 6,700-sq.-ft. headquarters in the Crossroads’ historic Film Row, blending adaptive reuse with modern workplace design.
  • HNTB reaffirmed its commitment to downtown Kansas City with its relocation to the 591-foot Town Pavilion — the city’s second-tallest building — signaling continued reinvestment in the urban core.
  • JE Dunn Construction invested $20M to renovate its 190,000-sq.-ft., six-story Kansas City headquarters, reimagining the workspace to support evolving work styles, enhance collaboration and deliver a modern, flexible environment.
  • TREKK Design Group more than doubled the size of its Kansas City headquarters by moving to a new South Kansas City office, supporting continued growth for the 120-person, woman-owned civil engineering firm.
  • POPULOUS relocated its global headquarters to a new 100,000+-sq.-ft. collaborative workspace at 1400 Baltimore, consolidating teams downtown and reinforcing Kansas City’s role as a global hub for sports design.

Have a recent expansion or relocation to add? Let us know. 

How KC is Attracting Global Firms — Without Being Asked

By Ashley McDonald, KC Global Design Managing Director

KC Global Design exists to amplify something truly special: an ecosystem of creativity, expertise and impact that stretches far beyond our region. Yes, world-class design + construction work is happening right here in Kansas City. But just as importantly, KC firms are shaping skylines, power systems, stadiums and communities across the globe.

As managing director of KC Global Design, I have the unique privilege of working alongside these firms every day, telling a story that continues to surprise even those of us closest to it. While many know KC for its deep roots in sports architecture — and rightfully so — there’s so much more beneath the surface. This is a multibillion-dollar design + construction industry, powered by more than 80,000 professionals, spanning disciplines and influencing projects at every scale imaginable.

But the real differentiator? It’s not just what happens here. It’s how it happens.

In Kansas City, competition and collaboration coexist in a way that’s rare. You’ll often hear it called “coopetition,” but it’s more than a buzzword. It’s a mindset. Firms compete at the highest levels, yet there’s an unmistakable willingness to share ideas, support one another and elevate the industry as a whole. It’s the belief that when one firm succeeds, our whole ecosystem moves forward — and it’s something people don’t just talk about. They live it.

That culture has created a growing sense of curiosity (and yes, even a bit of FOMO) from outside the region. Firms want to be part of what’s happening here.

While KC Global Design isn’t focused on the recruitment of more A/E/C firms to the region, the pull toward Kansas City is undeniable. The recent expansions of Gensler and Perkins&Will into Kansas City, along with Pape-Dawson’s acquisition of BHC to establish a regional headquarters, are clear signals that this ecosystem is resonating on a national scale. That momentum is also reflected in a number of local firms doubling down on Kansas City with recent in-market expansions. 

And we’re just getting started.

With Kansas City preparing to welcome the world in the months ahead, the spotlight is only getting brighter. The foundation is already here: talent, collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence across design + construction. What comes next is an even bigger opportunity: to showcase not just what we’ve built, but how we’ve built it, together.

Because in Kansas City, design + construction isn’t just an industry, it’s a collective force. And its impact is only growing.

To keep up with KC’s design + construction industry, follow KC Global Design on LinkedIn.

14 Reasons Kansas City is a Top Design City

Updated March 2026

KC is among the leading cities in the world for architecture, engineering and construction, with a legacy of designing and building a better world — from right here in the Heartland.

  1. More than 1,400 architectural and engineering firms call KC home
  2. KC has more than 6,800 construction firms
  3. 94,000 workers in KC are employed in the A/E/C sector
  4. A/E/C is a $16 billion industry in KC
  5. KC led the Green Revolution in architecture
  6. Nearly half of sports architecture around the world originates in the KC region
  7. KC firms were key to the design of 28 of the 30 NFL Stadiums
  8. Kansas City created the gold standard for Olympic stadiums
  9. 23% of the world’s power systems are designed by KC companies
  10. 9% of global telecommunication systems are designed by KC companies
  11. 10% of the world’s transportation infrastructure and systems are KC-designed
  12. 21 of the top 25 U.S. design firms have a presence in KC — more than any other city
  13. KC has 7th-largest concentration in the U.S. for architecture and engineering jobs; 70% more concentrated than the national average
  14. Colleges and universities in the KC region award 1,400+ architecture and engineering degrees annually


Discover more: Explore why Kansas City is known as the sports architecture capital of the world.

Innovation Shop Talk: Designing Spaces for Human Connection

KC Global Design’s latest Innovation Shop Talk brought together leaders across workplace strategy, real estate and design to explore how the next era of the built environment will be defined — not by square footage or capacity, but by connection. 

As organizations navigate new expectations around culture and employee experience, one message is clear: spaces that foster belonging create lasting value.

Key Takeaways

Designing for Belonging

Traditional markers for real estate success no longer reflect what employees need most. Instead, intentional design that prioritizes comfort, inclusion and a sense of welcome is reshaping how companies think about their spaces.

A hospitality approach — conversation-friendly spaces, amenities that bond and details that encourage people to engage — helps employees feel rooted and supported.

Connection as a Cultural Strategy

Connection is not a byproduct of culture; it’s a strategic decision. People may choose a job for opportunity, but they stay when they feel they belong.

Surveys show employees feel most connected to their organization’s culture while in the office, emphasizing the role of physical space in talent retention. Elements like food, coffee, art, music and natural light aren’t luxuries; they’re catalysts for everyday changes that build culture. 

Measuring the Emotional Experience 

The emotional side of the workplace is no longer just an abstract moving target. Organizations are leaning into surveys and engagement data to identify where connection naturally occurs, then intentionally enhancing those moments through thoughtful design. 

Flexible Spaces for a Multi-Generational Workforce

With five generations now sharing the workplace, flexibility is essential. Successful environments offer a spectrum of options: places for deep focus, areas for collaboration and informal settings for conversation. Designing for this range ensures that every employee can find a space that suits their work style, fostering comfort and independence. 

Looking Ahead

The future of workplace design is rooted in one belief: life runs on the rails of relationships. When organizations invest in spaces that make connection easy and authentic, they strengthen not only productivity but community, well-being and long-term retention.

As companies continue adapting their spaces, the commitment to thoughtful, people-first design will shape workplaces that inspire, support and keep talent rooted in Kansas City.

We’re grateful to JE Dunn for hosting this event in their brand new space designed by Helix Architecture + Design. And thank you to our moderator Sarah Brengarth (Gensler) and our panelists Chris Harren (Country Club Plaza), Tom Herzog (Netsmart) and Sara Greenwood (Greenwood Consulting).

KC Global Design: Elevating A/E/C Thought Leadership

This session is part of a series that brings together thought leadership to stimulate innovative design thinking across KC’s design + construction industry and the broader business community.

View all KC Global Design programming

FWD 2025 | Momentum in Motion

What a night! FWD 2025 brought our A/E/C community together in a spectacular space — the perfect backdrop for our biggest celebration yet! We raised a glass to the work that’s shaping our region and making an impact across the globe.

Here’s to the people and ideas powering the future of KC’s design + construction industry!