Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design & Planning Services in Kansas City
Founded in 1973, Sfs Architecture has spent five decades cultivating a reputation as a trusted leader in architectural design, interior design, and planning. Our firm specializes in creating spaces that foster community connection across eight markets: academic, civic and state, culture and recreation, federal, justice, private, public safety, and worship. With over 200 communities served and 100+ design awards, we prioritize collaborative partnerships that transform client visions into functional, beautiful realities. Our team of 35+ professionals combines technical expertise with creative innovation, maintaining a commitment to timeless design principles while embracing modern technologies.As AIA KC's 2018 Firm of the Year, we demonstrate industry authority through our pioneering work in historic preservation, sustainable design, and adaptive reuse. Our trustworthiness is evidenced by 68% of our work coming from repeat clients, our transparent communication practices, and our rigorous quality control processes that ensure every project meets both regulatory standards and client expectations.
Services
Historic Preservation
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Construction Administration
Master Planning
Facility Assessment
Community Engagement
Programming
Post-Occupancy Evaluation
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We have 50+ years of experience in community-focused architectural design
- Our firm has completed projects in 200+ communities across eight market sectors
- We maintain a 68% repeat client rate through consistent quality delivery
- Recognized as AIA KC's 2018 Firm of the Year for design excellence
- We implement sustainable design workshops with measurable environmental goals
What people say
Award-winning projects
50+ years experience
Client-focused process
Sustainable solutions
Community growth
Services
Historic Preservation
Specialized restoration and adaptive reuse of historically significant buildings. Our team combines technical expertise with cultural sensitivity to preserve architectural heritage while meeting modern functionality requirements. We work closely with preservation boards and local authorities to ensure compliance with all regulatory standards while maintaining the original character-defining features of each structure.
Architectural Design
Comprehensive design solutions for new construction projects across multiple sectors. Our approach integrates aesthetic vision with technical precision to create spaces that meet functional needs while making meaningful contributions to their surrounding communities. We employ advanced BIM technologies and sustainable design principles to optimize building performance and user experience.
Sustainable Design
Environmentally responsible design strategies that prioritize energy efficiency and occupant wellness. We conduct detailed daylighting analyses, specify low-impact materials, and implement biophilic design elements to create healthier indoor environments. Our sustainable workshops bring together diverse stakeholders to establish measurable environmental goals that align with LEED certification standards and beyond.
Community Engagement
Collaborative design process that incorporates stakeholder input throughout project development. We facilitate workshops and public meetings to gather community perspectives, ensuring final designs reflect local needs and aspirations. This participatory approach helps build consensus and creates spaces that foster stronger social connections within the communities we serve.
Construction Administration
Comprehensive management of construction processes to ensure design integrity and quality control. Our team provides detailed documentation, site visits, and contractor coordination to maintain compliance with design specifications and budget parameters. We implement rigorous quality assurance protocols to guarantee final deliverables meet both functional requirements and aesthetic standards.
People
Kerry Newman
Principal
With over 30 years of architectural experience, Kerry leads design teams in creating impactful civic and recreational spaces. His expertise in aquatic facility design has produced multiple award-winning projects that enhance community wellness and engagement through innovative waterpark and pool design solutions.
Dana Gould
Principal
As Heritage Practice Leader, Dana specializes in historic preservation and culturally significant projects. She brings technical expertise in adaptive reuse while maintaining architectural integrity, recently leading the design of the Bishop Hogan Center at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City.
Kelly Edinger-Stindt
Principal
Specializing in community-focused design, Kelly leads projects that create spaces fostering human connection. Her work emphasizes creating functional environments that reflect the cultural identity of their communities while maintaining architectural excellence through thoughtful spatial planning.
Janet Getz
Associate
As Project Manager, Janet coordinates complex architectural projects from concept through completion. She ensures seamless communication between design teams and clients, maintaining project timelines and budgets while upholding the firm's commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
Marsha Hoffman
Principal
With extensive experience in public safety and justice facility design, Marsha leads teams in creating functional, secure environments that balance operational needs with community integration. Her work focuses on modernizing infrastructure while maintaining sensitivity to surrounding neighborhoods.
Questions
What architectural services does SFS Architecture offer?
We provide full-service architectural design, interior design, and planning services across eight markets including academic, civic, recreation, and public safety projects.
How does SFS approach sustainable design?
Our sustainable approach includes daylighting analysis, material selection with Health Product Declarations, and biophilic design strategies to create healthier environments with reduced environmental impact.
What is SFS's design process?
We begin with discovery workshops to understand client needs, followed by collaborative design phases incorporating stakeholder input throughout the project lifecycle.
Does SFS work on historic preservation projects?
Yes, we specialize in historic preservation and adaptive reuse, maintaining architectural integrity while modernizing structures for contemporary use and code compliance.
What awards has SFS Architecture won?
Our firm has received 100+ design awards including AIA KC Firm of the Year and multiple DBIA Design Excellence Awards for projects across various market sectors.
Where does SFS operate?
While based in Kansas City, we serve clients throughout the Midwest with completed projects in over 200 communities across eight states.
