Business Details
41 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design Services in Missouri
Sapp Design Associates Architects is a full-service architectural firm with over 39 years of experience delivering award-winning designs tailored to client needs. Our expertise spans architecture, interior design, strategic master planning, and sustainable design, including LEED-certified projects. We prioritize relationship-driven solutions, ensuring each project aligns with clients' goals, budgets, and community impact. Our team specializes in education, library, and safe room design, with a proven track record of transforming visions into functional, innovative spaces.Headquartered in Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri, we combine deep local knowledge with national leadership in dual-purpose FEMA-compliant structures. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in over 60 design awards and long-term client partnerships across education, civic, and commercial sectors. We leverage advanced visualization technology to ensure client alignment throughout the design process, maintaining transparency and collaboration from concept to completion.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Master Planning
Sustainable Design
Safe Room Design
Feasibility Studies
Adaptive Reuse
Visualizations
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have completed over 60 FEMA-compliant safe room projects.
- Our team holds 30+ years of experience in education facility design.
- We are ISO 9001 certified for quality management systems.
- Our firm has received 20+ regional and national design awards.
- We offer advanced virtual reality visualization for project alignment.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
What people say
Exceptional design expertise
Professional and responsive team
Commitment to quality service
Visionary library transformations
Proven project management skills
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services focus on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client needs. We specialize in education, library, and civic projects, combining innovative design with practical budgeting. Our team ensures compliance with all regulatory standards while prioritizing community impact and long-term sustainability.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that reflect organizational culture and enhance user experience. Our approach integrates spatial efficiency, material selection, and lighting design to create inspiring workplaces, educational facilities, and public spaces. We collaborate with top vendors to ensure furniture solutions meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design practice incorporates energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials across all projects. We have completed multiple LEED-certified buildings and designed schools ranking in the top 5% nationally for energy efficiency. Our strategies reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational cost-effectiveness for clients.
Safe Room Design
We are national leaders in FEMA 361 and ICC 500-compliant safe room design. Our dual-purpose structures provide life-safety protection during severe weather while serving everyday community needs. With over 60 completed projects, we ensure code compliance, accessibility, and seamless integration with existing facilities.
Strategic Master Planning
Our master planning services create adaptable roadmaps for organizational growth. We analyze site conditions, program requirements, and resource availability to develop phased plans that align with long-term goals. Our living documents provide flexibility for evolving needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
People
John McNabb
Partner | Director of Business Operations
John McNabb leads business operations at Sapp Design, ensuring efficient project delivery and client satisfaction. With AIA and NCARB certifications, he brings technical expertise and strategic oversight to every project.
Kristi Beattie
Partner | Dir. of Talent & Organization
Kristi Beattie oversees organizational development and talent management at Sapp Design. Her leadership focuses on fostering a collaborative culture while maintaining the firm's commitment to architectural excellence and client service.
Brad McKenzie
Partner | KC Office Director
Brad McKenzie directs Sapp Design's Kansas City office, combining regional expertise with national design standards. His leadership ensures localized solutions that meet the firm's award-winning quality benchmarks for commercial and civic projects.
Ben Sapp
Partner | Business Development
Ben Sapp drives business growth initiatives at Sapp Design, leveraging his architectural expertise to identify opportunities in education and civic markets. He maintains strong client relationships while expanding the firm's regional impact.
Steve Telscher
Partner | Dir. of Projects
Steve Telscher oversees project execution at Sapp Design, ensuring technical precision and adherence to timelines. As a LEED AP-certified architect, he integrates sustainable practices across all project phases from concept to completion.
Questions
What architectural services does Sapp Design offer?
We provide full-service architecture, interior design, master planning, sustainable design, and specialized safe room construction for education, civic, and commercial clients.
How experienced is Sapp Design in education projects?
With over 39 years' experience, we've completed 15+ school district projects including K-12 facilities, middle schools, and higher education buildings across Missouri.
Do you handle LEED-certified projects?
Yes, our team includes LEED AP-certified professionals who have completed multiple LEED-certified buildings, focusing on energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials.
Can you design FEMA-compliant safe rooms?
We are national leaders in FEMA 361/ICC 500-compliant safe rooms, having completed over 60 dual-purpose structures integrated into schools and community facilities.
What technology do you use for design visualization?
We employ virtual reality tools to create immersive 3D experiences, allowing clients to explore and refine designs before construction begins.
Where are your offices located?
We operate from two Missouri locations: 3750 S Fremont, Springfield (65804) and 1100 Main St, Suite 400, Kansas City (64105).
