Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Kansas City
Established in 1935, our firm has built a legacy of architectural excellence rooted in innovation and community impact. We specialize in senior living communities, multi-family residential developments, historic restoration, and commercial design, serving diverse sectors across nine Midwestern states. Our team of award-winning architects brings decades of collective experience to every project, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of client needs. We pioneered the adaptive reuse of historic structures in Kansas City's River Market, transforming neglected buildings into vibrant urban spaces. Our commitment to sustainable design is reflected in over 100 historic preservation projects led by principals Paul Stark and Tim Wilson since 1999.We maintain leadership in the architectural field through continuous education, holding certifications like LEED AP and NCARB. Our approach emphasizes collaborative partnerships with clients, ensuring each design solution aligns with both functional requirements and aesthetic vision. With a proven track record in complex projects spanning healthcare facilities to affordable housing, we deliver spaces that enhance quality of life while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Our work has earned recognition from prestigious organizations like the Kansas Preservation Alliance, affirming our position as a trusted architectural authority in the Midwest.
Services
Senior Living Communities
Multi-Family Residential
Historic Restoration
Affordable Housing
Healthcare Facilities
Commercial Design
Master Planning
Adaptive Reuse
Urban Redevelopment
Continuum of Care
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We offer 90+ years of architectural experience in diverse project types
- Our team has completed 100+ historic preservation projects since 1999
- We employ LEED-certified architects for sustainable design solutions
- We serve clients across nine Midwestern states with regional expertise
- Our principals have led award-winning projects recognized by preservation organizations
Services
Senior Living Communities
We design continuum-of-care senior living communities that integrate independent living, assisted living, and memory care support. Our spaces prioritize accessibility, wellness, and community engagement while adapting to residents' evolving needs. With specialized features like therapeutic environments and social spaces, we create living solutions that enhance quality of life for seniors.
Historic Restoration
Our historic restoration expertise transforms neglected buildings into functional modern spaces while maintaining architectural integrity. Since 1999, we've completed over 100 projects revitalizing urban areas through adaptive reuse strategies that balance preservation with contemporary requirements for commercial and residential applications.
Multi-Family Residential
We create luxury multi-family residential complexes featuring indoor-outdoor living integration, community amenities, and sustainable design elements. Our projects include pet-friendly spaces, fitness centers, and communal areas that foster resident engagement while optimizing land use and operational efficiency.
Affordable Housing
Our affordable housing solutions combine cost-effective design with dignified living environments. We implement innovative space planning and material selection to deliver high-quality, sustainable housing that meets diverse economic needs while maintaining aesthetic appeal and long-term operational viability.
Healthcare Facilities
We specialize in healthcare environments that prioritize patient well-being and operational efficiency. Our evidence-based designs incorporate advanced medical technology, infection control measures, and healing-focused spaces that enhance patient outcomes while supporting staff workflow and safety requirements.
People
Paul Stark
Principal Architect, President
AIA-certified architect with LEED AP credentials leading design efforts since 1999. Specializes in historic preservation and urban redevelopment projects across the Midwest. Holds NCARB certification for multi-state architectural practice.
Tim Wilson
Principal Architect, Vice President
NCARB-certified architect with 25+ years of experience in commercial and residential design. Collaborates with Paul Stark on historic projects and urban planning initiatives. Focuses on sustainable design solutions for multi-family developments.
Brian Czerw
Architect, Project Manager
AIA member with NCARB certification managing complex architectural projects. Specializes in translating client needs into functional design solutions while maintaining regulatory compliance and budget constraints across diverse project types.
Scott Auman
Architect, Project Manager
Licensed architect with expertise in multi-family residential and commercial design. Focuses on creating spaces that balance aesthetic appeal with practical functionality while ensuring adherence to building codes and sustainability standards.
David Brown
Architect, Project Manager
NCARB-certified architect specializing in healthcare facility design and adaptive reuse projects. Brings technical expertise to complex building systems integration while maintaining patient-centered design principles.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in senior living communities, multi-family residential developments, historic restoration, affordable housing, healthcare facilities, and commercial design projects across the Midwest.
How long has your firm been in business?
SWD Architects has provided architectural services since 1935, making us the oldest firm in the Kansas City area with 90 years of continuous operation.
Can you handle historic building renovations?
Yes, our principals have led over 100 historic preservation projects since 1999, specializing in adaptive reuse of heritage buildings while meeting modern functionality requirements.
Which states do you serve?
We operate across nine Midwestern states: Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Texas.
What makes your firm different from others?
Our unique combination of 90+ years of experience, LEED-certified professionals, and proven expertise in both historic preservation and modern multi-family developments sets us apart in the architectural field.
