Business Details
15 Years
experience
Residential Architecture & Design Experts in Kansas City
Forward Design Architecture is a collaborative architectural practice founded in 2011 by architect Christopher Fein. We specialize in residential projects, focusing on new construction and the restoration of mid-century modern homes with contemporary updates. Our team of dedicated design professionals is committed to delivering architecture of the highest quality, execution, and service. Each project is tailored to the unique needs of clients, users, and locations, emphasizing innovative design solutions that respond to the distinct characteristics of every situation. Our award-winning work spans the United States, addressing diverse environmental and regulatory contexts. Beyond architectural design, we offer services including life safety surveys, existing building assessments, planning, interior design, and furniture design. Our engagement with architectural education through teaching and collaboration with universities fosters a research-driven approach that enriches both our practice and the next generation of architects.We maintain close ties with schools of architecture nationwide, serving as visiting professors and guest critics. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our published work, which appears in regional and national publications such as KC Spaces, Dwell, and Architectural Digest. We prioritize client collaboration, beginning each project with a thorough understanding of goals, organizational context, and site-specific conditions to develop clear conceptual frameworks. Our design philosophy integrates tactile, audible, and visual elements to create immersive spaces, supported by rigorous research and verification processes using physical and digital models, hand sketches, and material samples.
Services
Residential Architecture
Kitchen Renovations
Interior Design
Furniture Design
Life Safety Surveys
Building Assessments
Planning Services
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- Founded in 2011 with expertise in mid-century modern restoration
- Award-winning work featured in Dwell and Architectural Digest
- Led by AIA-registered architect with Yale University affiliations
- Comprehensive services from life safety surveys to furniture design
- Maintain strong academic partnerships for research-driven solutions
Services
Residential Architecture
We specialize in creating custom residential spaces that blend functionality with aesthetic innovation. Our expertise spans new construction and renovation projects, focusing on mid-century modern adaptations. By prioritizing client needs and site-specific conditions, we deliver architecturally significant homes that enhance living experiences while maintaining compliance with local regulations and environmental standards.
Kitchen Renovations
Our kitchen renovation service transforms existing spaces into efficient, personalized environments. We collaborate with clients to assess spatial needs, establish budgets, and develop designs that improve functionality and home value. From incorporating modern features like kitchen islands to complete reimagination projects, we ensure seamless integration with the home's overall architectural style while addressing practical requirements.
Interior Design
We create cohesive interior environments that reflect clients' lifestyles and enhance spatial functionality. Our approach considers material selection, lighting, and furniture design to craft spaces that align with architectural vision. By integrating interior solutions with structural elements, we ensure harmonious design continuity throughout residential projects while maintaining focus on comfort and usability.
Furniture Design
Our furniture design service bridges architectural principles with functional artistry. We develop bespoke pieces that complement residential spaces, emphasizing craftsmanship and material integrity. Drawing from historical research on 20th-century modern design, we create furniture that merges aesthetic appeal with ergonomic considerations, ensuring each piece enhances both form and function within the living environment.
Life Safety Surveys
We conduct comprehensive assessments to ensure residential properties meet current safety standards. Our surveys identify potential hazards and regulatory compliance issues, providing actionable recommendations for improvement. This service supports property owners in maintaining safe living environments while addressing code requirements through practical, design-integrated solutions tailored to specific building conditions.
People
Christopher Fein
Founding Principal
Christopher Fein, AIA LEED AP, founded Forward Design Architecture in 2011. He holds architecture degrees from Yale and Kansas State Universities, with prior leadership roles at Chicago firms. His expertise spans modernist preservation, furniture design, and academic collaboration, including teaching positions at Kansas State University and Yale University.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We focus on mid-century modern home restoration with contemporary updates, while also handling diverse residential styles through tailored design solutions.
Do you work on projects outside Kansas City?
Yes, while based in Kansas City, we serve clients nationwide with experience navigating various regional building codes and environmental requirements.
What services do you offer beyond architecture?
We provide interior design, furniture design, life safety surveys, existing building assessments, and planning services to complement architectural projects.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We begin by thoroughly understanding client goals, site conditions, and budget constraints to develop clear conceptual frameworks for each project.
Are your architects professionally certified?
Our founder Christopher Fein is a licensed architect (AIA LEED AP) with academic affiliations at Yale and Kansas State Universities.
Can you help with kitchen renovation projects?
Yes, we specialize in transforming kitchens to improve functionality and aesthetics, offering customized solutions from minor updates to complete redesigns.
