Business Details
17 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design Services in Baltimore
Founded in 2009, KPN Architects is a full-service architectural design firm dedicated to transforming client visions into functional, impactful spaces. Our team combines over a century of collective experience with a client-centric philosophy, delivering tailored solutions for education, residential, commercial, and civic projects. We specialize in Master Planning, Space Planning, Interior Architecture, and Construction Administration, ensuring technical precision aligns with creative vision. Our leadership team brings decades of expertise in complex projects, including K-12 and Higher Education facilities, Senior Living Communities, and Historic Restoration.Certified as an MDOT MBE/DBE/SBE/WMATA firm, we prioritize integrity, innovation, and long-term client relationships. Our work reflects a commitment to bridging design excellence with practical execution, serving clients across the East Coast from our Baltimore headquarters. With a focus on sustainability and community impact, we approach every project as an opportunity to create meaningful, enduring environments.
Services
Architectural Design
Space Planning
Interior Architecture
Construction Administration
Historic Restoration
Energy Audits
Adaptive Reuse
Master Planning
Furniture Planning
Wayfinding Design
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer over a century of combined architectural experience.
- Our team includes certified professionals with expertise in complex projects.
- We prioritize client vision through personalized design solutions.
- We serve diverse sectors including education, senior living, and historic restoration.
- Our commitment to quality spans from concept to construction completion.
Associations and certifications
- MDOT MBE
- DBE
- SBE
- WMATA
Services
Architectural Design
KPN Architects delivers comprehensive architectural design services for educational, residential, and commercial projects. Our approach integrates creative vision with technical expertise to create functional, sustainable spaces. We specialize in translating client goals into innovative designs that meet regulatory requirements while exceeding expectations.
Historic Restoration
Our team specializes in preserving historical integrity while modernizing structures for contemporary use. We combine deep knowledge of period-specific materials and techniques with modern building codes to restore architectural heritage. This service ensures historical buildings maintain their character while achieving functional longevity.
Space Planning
We optimize spatial efficiency through strategic layout design for commercial and institutional spaces. Our solutions maximize functionality while maintaining aesthetic appeal, addressing workflow, accessibility, and future adaptability. This service ensures optimal utilization of interior environments for diverse client needs.
Construction Administration
KPN provides comprehensive construction administration services to ensure design intent is maintained throughout project execution. Our team monitors progress, reviews contractor submittals, and addresses field issues to guarantee quality control and adherence to specifications and timelines.
Master Planning
We create strategic master plans for large-scale developments, balancing functionality with long-term growth potential. This service integrates land use, circulation, and environmental considerations to establish cohesive, sustainable frameworks for complex sites and institutional campuses.
People
Jacob Panikar
President | Principal
With 32 years of experience, Jacob Panikar leads KPN's design and project management. He specializes in educational facilities and mixed-use developments, holding degrees from the University of Bombay and Morgan State University. His career spans multiple award-winning projects across residential and institutional sectors.
Sotero Nieves
Vice President | Principal
Sotero Nieves brings 30+ years of expertise in civic and commercial projects. As KPN's Design Principal, he focuses on blending architecture with place-making. His career includes leadership roles at prominent Baltimore firms and international mixed-use developments.
Gordon Ingerson
Principal
Gordon Ingerson manages KPN's design and construction processes. With 30+ years in architectural practice, he has led projects exceeding $130 million. His expertise includes higher education facilities and historic preservation, with leadership roles in professional organizations like AIA Baltimore.
Questions
What architectural services does KPN Architects offer?
We provide full-service architectural design including Master Planning, Space Planning, Interior Architecture, Historic Restoration, and Construction Administration for education, residential, and commercial projects.
Does KPN Architects have experience with educational facilities?
Yes, our portfolio includes K-12 schools, universities, and higher education facilities like Morgan State University's Calvin and Tina Tyler Hall and Prince George's Community College projects.
Are KPN Architects certified as a minority-owned business?
Yes, we are certified as MDOT MBE, DBE, SBE, and WMATA, demonstrating our commitment to diversity and inclusion in architectural practice.
What geographic areas does KPN Architects serve?
While based in Baltimore, Maryland, we serve clients across the East Coast with projects ranging from local institutions to national developments.
Can KPN Architects handle historic building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in Historic Restoration and Adaptive Reuse projects, preserving architectural heritage while modernizing structures for contemporary functionality and code compliance.
How does KPN Architects approach client collaboration?
We prioritize client vision through personalized design solutions, maintaining relationships beyond project completion to ensure long-term satisfaction and successful outcomes.
