Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Yakima, WA
Founded in 1973 by Rod Knipper, KDA Architecture has grown from a one-person practice into a multi-partner firm recognized as a regional design leader. Our three foundational principlesproviding quality design, positively impacting lives, and maintaining honestyguide every project. With expertise in commercial, educational, and healthcare architecture, we prioritize client-centered design that reflects community identity. Our team of architects, interior designers, and consultants has completed award-winning projects across the Pacific Northwest and internationally, including sustainable designs like the LEED Gold-certified Haas Innovations Center.We integrate master planning, interior design, and architectural services to create functional, inspiring spaces. Our commitment extends beyond buildings through pro-bono projects in underserved regions, demonstrating our dedication to humanitarian efforts. Clients return for our proven track record, transparent communication, and ability to translate visions into impactful environments.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Master Planning
Sustainable Design
Healthcare Facilities
Educational Buildings
Commercial Projects
Historic Preservation
Community Spaces
International Development
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of architectural experience in Pacific Northwest projects
- Our client-centered approach prioritizes community impact and sustainability
- Award-winning designs recognized by AIA and regional preservation groups
- We integrate master planning, architecture, and interior design under one roof
- Pro-bono initiatives demonstrate commitment to global humanitarian projects
Associations and certifications
- AIA Washington Council
- LEED Gold Certified
What people say
Creative firm
Positive impact
Award-winning designs
Sustainable solutions
Community-focused
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services combine innovative design with functional requirements to create spaces that reflect client identity and community needs. We specialize in educational facilities, healthcare centers, and commercial buildings, using a collaborative process that integrates site-specific elements. Our designs prioritize sustainability, as demonstrated by the LEED Gold-certified Haas Innovations Center, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.
Interior Design
Our interior design team creates environments that enhance user experience through thoughtful space planning and material selection. We focus on healthcare and educational settings, ensuring interiors promote well-being and support operational needs. By analyzing client requirements, we develop cohesive design concepts that extend from architectural elements to finish selections, creating spaces that are both beautiful and highly functional for their intended users.
Master Planning
We develop comprehensive master plans that guide long-term growth for educational and healthcare institutions. Our approach considers social, economic, and physical factors to create strategic frameworks for future development. By integrating input from stakeholders, we design adaptable solutions that address current needs while allowing flexibility for evolving requirements, ensuring cohesive campus environments that support organizational missions.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design practice focuses on creating high-performance buildings that minimize environmental impact while maximizing operational efficiency. We incorporate natural lighting, energy-efficient systems, and locally-sourced materials to achieve certifications like LEED Gold. Projects such as the Haas Innovations Center demonstrate how sustainable strategies can reduce long-term costs while creating healthier environments for occupants.
Healthcare Facilities
We specialize in healthcare architecture that prioritizes patient comfort and staff efficiency. Our designs incorporate healing environments with natural light, calming materials, and intuitive layouts. From rural clinics to hospital additions, we create spaces that support medical operations while addressing the emotional needs of patients and families, as seen in projects like the Kittitas Valley Healthcare Hospital Addition.
People
Rod Knipper
Principal Architect
Founded KDA Architecture in 1973 after receiving Seattle design awards and studying in Rome. His vision combines quality design, community impact, and honesty. Led firm growth from a solo practice to multi-partner firm.
Carlos Olivares
CEO
Led Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic's facility development. Praised KDA's cultural sensitivity in designing healthcare spaces for underserved communities. Collaborated on multiple medical facility projects.
Kalkidan Agmassie
Architectural Associate
Active participant in KDA's design process, contributing to diverse projects across commercial and healthcare sectors. Part of team recognized for exemplary designs by regional architectural associations.
Questions
What architectural services does KDA offer?
We provide full-service architecture, interior design, master planning, and sustainable design solutions for educational, healthcare, and commercial projects.
Where does KDA Architecture operate?
Primarily in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, with international projects in Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, and Uganda.
What sustainability certifications does KDA have?
We've achieved LEED Gold certification for the Haas Innovations Center and incorporate sustainable practices in all our designs.
How does KDA approach healthcare design?
We focus on healing environments with natural light, calming materials, and layouts that support both patient care and staff efficiency.
Can KDA handle large-scale educational projects?
Yes, we've completed multiple school districts' replacement facilities, including Eisenhower High School and five Yakima elementary schools.
Does KDA work on historic preservation?
Yes, we've preserved historical elements in projects like the Yakima County Juvenile Justice Center and Yakima Courthouse renovations.
