Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Yakima, WA
Founded in 1973 by Rod Knipper, KDA Architecture has grown into an award-winning firm recognized for its commitment to quality design, positive community impact, and unwavering honesty. Our client-centered approach prioritizes the unique needs of each project, creating inspiring and functional spaces that reflect our clients' identities and cultures. With expertise in architecture, interior design, and master planning, we serve clients across the Pacific Northwest and globally through humanitarian projects. Our team of architects, interior designers, and consultants collaborates to deliver innovative solutions that address social, economic, and physical project requirements. Recognized with numerous awards, including AIA honors and design accolades, we remain dedicated to our founding principles while adapting to evolving industry standards.Our work spans commercial, educational, healthcare, and community-focused projects, emphasizing sustainability and timeless design. Clients return for our proven track record in transforming visions into reality, supported by a team that values creativity, open communication, and technical excellence. Our humanitarian efforts extend to designing healthcare facilities in underserved regions, reflecting our belief in architecture's power to improve lives. This enduring commitment to integrity, innovation, and impact defines KDA Architecture's legacy and future.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Master Planning
Sustainable Design
Humanitarian Projects
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1973 with a legacy of award-winning architectural excellence
- Client-centered approach prioritizing unique project needs and community impact
- Recognized with AIA awards and industry accolades for design innovation
- Expertise in commercial, educational, healthcare, and humanitarian projects
- Commitment to sustainable, timeless design and global humanitarian efforts
What people say
Award-winning designs
Client-centered approach
Positive community impact
Creative problem-solving
Proven expertise
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services combine creativity and technical expertise to deliver functional, aesthetically compelling structures. We specialize in commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities, using an explorative design process that integrates site characteristics, client needs, and community context. Our team prioritizes sustainability and timeless design, creating spaces that reflect clients' identities while meeting evolving industry standards.
Interior Design
Our interior design team collaborates throughout the design process to enhance functionality and quality of interior spaces. We analyze client needs to develop concepts, coordinate finishes, and create environments that reflect cultural identities. By focusing on natural light, material selection, and spatial flow, we craft interiors that improve user experience in healthcare, educational, and commercial settings.
Master Planning
We develop comprehensive master plans that address social, economic, and physical project aspects. Our team creates strategic frameworks for future growth, balancing current needs with long-term development goals. This service integrates architectural, engineering, and consulting expertise to optimize land use, infrastructure, and facility expansion for communities and institutions.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design approach prioritizes environmental responsibility and operational efficiency. We incorporate energy-saving systems, natural materials, and LEED-certified practices to minimize ecological footprints. Projects like the LEED Gold-certified Haas Innovations Center demonstrate our commitment to creating high-performance buildings that reduce costs and environmental impact over their lifecycle.
Humanitarian Projects
We use architectural expertise to support underserved communities through pro-bono initiatives. Our humanitarian work includes designing hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities in regions lacking healthcare infrastructure. Projects in Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, and Uganda reflect our belief in architecture's power to improve lives through accessible, culturally responsive design solutions.
People
Rod Knipper
Principal Architect
Founder of KDA Architecture in 1973, Rod Knipper established the firm's core principles of quality design, community impact, and honesty. With a background in Seattle and Rome, he brings decades of experience in creating award-winning educational and healthcare facilities that reflect regional character and client needs.
Carlos Olivares
CEO
As CEO of Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Carlos Olivares collaborated with KDA Architecture to design facilities that reflect patient cultural needs. He praises the firm's creativity and commitment to understanding client requirements, resulting in healthcare spaces that enhance patient experiences and community engagement.
Ken Camarata
Principal Architect
Ken Camarata contributes extensive architectural expertise to KDA's projects, focusing on integrating client vision with functional design solutions. His leadership ensures projects maintain alignment with the firm's founding principles while addressing complex technical and aesthetic challenges across diverse building types.
Molly Breymeyer
Interior Designer
Molly Breymeyer specializes in creating interior environments that enhance user experience through thoughtful space planning and material selection. Her work ensures interiors reflect client culture while maintaining functionality and aesthetic appeal across healthcare, educational, and commercial projects.
Erik Dodge
Principal Architect
Erik Dodge brings specialized knowledge in educational and healthcare architecture to KDA's projects. His expertise ensures designs meet evolving industry standards while prioritizing community needs and sustainable practices, contributing to the firm's award-winning reputation.
Questions
What architectural services does KDA Architecture offer?
We provide architecture, interior design, and master planning services for commercial, educational, healthcare, and humanitarian projects.
How long has KDA Architecture been in business?
Founded in 1973 by Rod Knipper, we have over 50 years of experience in architectural design and planning.
What regions does KDA Architecture serve?
We primarily serve the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho) and undertake international humanitarian projects in underserved regions.
Does KDA Architecture handle sustainable design projects?
Yes, we incorporate LEED-certified practices and energy-efficient systems to create environmentally responsible, high-performance buildings.
How does KDA approach client collaboration?
Our client-centered process emphasizes open communication, understanding unique needs, and creating spaces that reflect cultural identities.
What awards has KDA Architecture received?
We've earned AIA honors, masonry design awards, and recognition for excellence in architecture and community impact projects.