Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Kansas City
Established in 1935, SWD Architects is the oldest architectural firm in the greater Kansas City area and the third oldest in Missouri. Our firm has evolved from designing custom single-family homes to specializing in senior living communities, multi-family residential developments, historic restoration, affordable housing, healthcare facilities, and commercial design. With over 90 years of experience, we have completed 120+ historic restoration projects across nine states, demonstrating our commitment to preserving architectural heritage while innovating for modern needs. Our team of AIA-certified architects and LEED-accredited professionals has led over 100 historic projects since 1999, focusing on urban revitalization and creating sustainable, community-centric spaces. We have played a pivotal role in transforming neglected urban areas into vibrant neighborhoods through adaptive reuse and master planning initiatives.Our work on the River Market redevelopment in Kansas City exemplifies our expertise in historic preservation, new construction, and public space design. Recognized with awards like the Kansas Preservation Alliance Medallion Award, we maintain a client-focused approach that prioritizes functionality, accessibility, and aesthetic excellence. Our continuum of care senior living communities integrates independent living, assisted living, and memory care support services within thoughtfully designed environments. Through evidence-based design principles, we create healthcare facilities that enhance patient experiences and operational efficiency. Our multidisciplinary capabilities span commercial office buildings, educational facilities, and mixed-use developments, serving clients across nine Midwestern states.
Services
Senior Living Design
Historic Restoration
Affordable Housing
Healthcare Facilities
Commercial Architecture
Multi-Family Residential
Master Planning
Adaptive Reuse
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We offer 90+ years of architectural experience with 120+ historic restoration projects
- Our team includes AIA-certified architects and LEED-accredited professionals
- We specialize in urban revitalization through adaptive reuse and master planning
- Our continuum of care senior living communities integrate multiple support services
- We maintain a client-focused approach with evidence-based healthcare facility design
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- NCARB
- LEED AP
Services
Senior Living Design
We create continuum of care communities integrating independent living, assisted living, and memory care support services. Our designs prioritize accessibility, comfort, and community engagement through adaptable spaces that evolve with residents' needs. Evidence-based design principles ensure optimal environments for both residents and caregivers.
Historic Restoration
Our 120+ historic restoration projects demonstrate expertise in preserving architectural heritage while adapting buildings for modern use. We specialize in urban revitalization through adaptive reuse of neglected structures, maintaining historical integrity while implementing contemporary functionality and sustainability standards across commercial and residential properties.
Affordable Housing
We develop cost-effective, sustainable housing solutions for diverse economic needs. Our designs balance functionality with dignity through thoughtful planning that creates comfortable living spaces while addressing urban development challenges and promoting community-centric environments in both new construction and redevelopment projects.
Healthcare Facilities
Our healthcare architecture focuses on healing environments that enhance patient well-being and staff efficiency. We integrate cutting-edge medical technology with evidence-based design principles, collaborating closely with healthcare professionals to create spaces that optimize patient care experiences and operational effectiveness in hospitals and specialized treatment centers.
Commercial Architecture
We design dynamic commercial environments that balance functionality with aesthetic appeal. Our expertise spans office buildings, retail spaces, and mixed-use developments, creating productive environments that support business operations while maintaining architectural integrity and adapting to evolving commercial needs across various industries.
People
Paul Stark
Principal Architect, President
AIA-certified architect with leadership experience since 1999, specializing in historic preservation and urban revitalization projects across the Midwest region.
Tim Wilson
Principal Architect, Vice President
AIA-certified professional with over two decades of experience in architectural design and project management for complex redevelopment initiatives.
Brian Czerw
Architect, Project Manager
AIA-certified project manager bringing technical expertise to diverse architectural projects from concept through completion.
Scott Auman
Architect, Project Manager
Experienced AIA-certified architect managing multifamily residential and commercial development projects with attention to detail and client needs.
David Brown
Architect, Project Manager
AIA-certified professional with extensive experience in architectural design and management of complex building projects across multiple sectors.
Questions
What architectural services does SWD Architects offer?
We specialize in senior living communities, historic restoration, affordable housing, healthcare facilities, commercial design, and master planning across nine Midwestern states.
How long has SWD Architects been in business?
We've provided architectural services since 1935, making us the oldest firm in the Kansas City area with 90+ years of experience.
What makes SWD Architects unique?
Our combination of historic preservation expertise with modern design solutions, including 120+ restoration projects and innovative senior living communities.
Which states does SWD Architects serve?
We operate across nine Midwestern states: Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Texas.
What awards has SWD Architects received?
Our projects have earned recognition including the Kansas Preservation Alliance 2024 Medallion Award for the Lofts at 832 project.
