When people think of Kansas City, they might picture fountains, world-class barbecue or our passionate sports culture. But within the professional world of architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C), Kansas City is known for something else: an unmatched depth of design talent and a legacy that shapes skylines around the globe.
Kansas City is home to more than 80,000 professionals in the A/E/C sector. It’s the fifth-most concentrated market for architecture and engineering jobs in the U.S. — 68% greater concentration than the national average. But numbers only tell part of the story.
As managing director of KC Global Design, the design and construction-focused initiative of the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC), I see firsthand the work that makes our region a global force in the built environment — and the powerful regional collaboration that continues to attract top talent.
Growing Talent at Every Level
Building a strong, sustainable workforce requires a steady pipeline of talent. KC Global Design, along with its partners and firms across the region, supports that pipeline through talent development at every career stage — from entry-level to executive.
Building the Talent Pipeline | Educators Tour
Educators are often among the earliest and most influential guides for emerging talent, making it critical to show them why Kansas City should be top of mind for their students’ careers.
In June 2025, we launched the KC Global Design Educators Tour — a three-day immersive experience for faculty from top architecture, engineering and construction management programs. Participants toured project sites, engaged with leading KC firms and met the people driving the region’s world-class work.
University educators from around the country join KC Global Design leadership to tour Zahner.
Growing the Industry While Retaining KC’s Best and Brightest | BD Boot Camp
KC Global Design’s Business Development Boot Camp equips professionals with the tools and resources to drive new opportunities and fuel the growth of Kansas City’s design + construction industry.
And a strong talent pipeline doesn’t stop at attraction; it’s also about retention. In an industry where career growth often means relocation, Kansas City offers A/E/C professionals a reason to stay and grow.
Through sessions on emotional intelligence, storytelling, strategic thinking and more, participants gain the skills and confidence to lead — and to build long-term careers right here in KC.
The 2025 BD Boot Campers closed out their final session with dynamic pitches to a mock panel, showcasing their sharpened skills.
Collaborating for Collective Impact
Kansas City is home to more than 1,200 architecture, engineering and construction firms. And while competition is natural, collaboration remains KC’s defining strength because when the region thrives, we all thrive.
Harnessing Unique KC Moments
When Kansas City hosted the 2023 NFL Draft, our firms saw an opportunity to tap into the energy together. In partnership with Burns & McDonnell, BNIM, HNTB and JE Dunn, KC Global Design created The KC Design Draft, a video that cleverly illustrated how KC’s A/E/C firms “draft” top talent.
The campaign reached thousands of students at top design schools across the Midwest, positioning Kansas City as a premier destination to launch a career. It also earned finalist recognition in City Nation Place’s Global Awards for Best Communication Strategy | Economic Development.
Partnering with the Region’s Talent Experts
KC Global Design is proud to collaborate with TeamKC, KCADC’s talent attraction and retention initiative, to connect top talent with opportunity and inspire early career professionals to build their futures in Kansas City.
Each summer, TeamKC engages more than 1,000 interns across the region, many employed at KC Global Design investor firms. Through peer networking events, “KC 101” presentations and more, interns gain a deeper connection to the region — making them more likely to return after graduation.
More than 130 interns working together on a community service project with Operation Breakthrough at the Share the KC Love event.
Timed with TeamKC’s intern season programming, KC Global Design’s annual Share the KC Love event brings together 100+ interns from leading design and construction firms. Interns have candid conversations with young professionals who’ve launched their careers in KC — offering an authentic, inspiring look at what’s possible here.
Why Kansas City?
KC isn’t just a great place to launch a career — here, A/E/C professionals find a rare combination of long-term opportunity, community and quality of life.
Career Flexibility
Kansas City’s diverse design landscape, from boutique studios to globally-recognized powerhouses, offers room to grow and tackle new challenges as career paths evolve alongside changing interests and goals.
Life Beyond Word
KC’s affordable cost of living means you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without compromise. A vibrant arts scene, numerous recreational options, strong connectivity and a welcoming community create a quality of life that makes Kansas City more than just a place to work — it’s a place to truly live.
Take it from civil engineer Godfrey Echekwu, who landed his life and career in Kansas City after a successful internship at KC Global Design firm, Turner Construction.
Why Kansas City?
If you’re looking to grow your career or invest in the next generation, there’s no better place than Kansas City. And no better time than now.
Explore your next opportunity in the region on our LinkedIn job board, featuring hundreds of openings at architecture, engineering and construction firms across the region.
Want to join the community and get engaged? Connect with us today to help shape the future of A/E/C talent in Kansas City.