NSPJ ARCHITECTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer II
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Landscape Architect I / Project Lead
Amy Larrance joined NSPJ Architects in 2016 after graduating Iowa State University with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Originally going to school for Architecture, her love for plants and natural environments drove her to change majors to Landscape Architecture. She strives to find a balance in design, using native vegetation to create beautiful and sustainable landscapes. She also specializes in both 2D and 3D graphics, helping clients understand designs better.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer III / Project Manager
Audrey Knight graduated from Kansas State University with a Masters of Architecture in 2012. She joined NSPJ Architects in Spring of 2014 and her work currently focuses on multifamily design. Having worked on large, complex projects she puts great emphasis on strong communication skills, ability to be flexible in a team environment and attention to detail.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer I
Aurora joined NSPJ Architects in December 2020 as a Student Intern while enrolled at Kansas State University in the Architectural Master's program. Her colleagues would describe Aurora as witty, dependable, and persistent. She enjoys renovating homes with her Dad, training her dog in frisbee, and activities outside such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and exploring. Aurora looks forward to family dinners and bon fires when it gets closer to winter. She loves her coffee and enjoys cooking something new every night.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Administrative Assistant II
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Senior Architect / Principal Emeritus
Bill Prelogar decided on a career in architecture in childhood, when he realized how much he enjoyed looking at home plan books in his mother's library, examining the elevations and renderings and imagining how they related to the completed home. After receiving his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kansas, he joined NSPJ Architects in 1972. His first project for NSPJ was the Tuileries Apartments in Overland Park, Kansas, and that early experience with higher density housing sparked a career-long interest. Bill understands the importance of designing projects for developers with a clear understanding of their target market and the economic impacts of architectural decisions relative to market demands.
Bill has served on the Architectural Review Boards for Thornhill, The National, and Siena, and the Design Review Committee for Briarcliff West and Lloch Lloyd. When not engaged in architecture, he enjoys taking part in Kansas City's vibrant live music scene.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Landscape Architect III / Project Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer I
Bryan joined NSPJ Architects in September 2022 in the role of Designer I. He enjoys seeing designs come to life from an idea to a drawing and to physical form. Bryan studied abroad in Orvieto, Italy where he was able to start learning the differences about modern Italy from essentially a blank canvas. In his free time, Bryan's hobbies include learning and working on vehicles.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Architect II / Project Manager
Cade Brummer joined NSPJ Architects in 2011 after receiving his Master of Architecture from the University of Kansas. As an architectural designer and project manager, Cade Brummer has experience on a broad range of project types with focus on the human experience in multifamily and mixed-use communities. His work reflects the office belief that architecture which maintains an idea endures and quality design informs every stage of the project's development. These ideals ensure his projects are more likely to feel authentic, and stay within the expectations of the project timeline and budget.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer I
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Senior Architect
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer II
Catherine Esworthy joined NSPJ Architects in 2022 in the role of Designer II after graduating from Kansas State University with a master's in architecture. While attending school, Cat volunteered with the Girls Scouts of America and JFSKC. She was able to study abroad in Orvieto, Italy where it altered her outlook on architecture and design. Since Cat loves ice skating, one of her favorite places in Kansas City is the Crown Plaza. In her free time, she loves running, hiking, gardening, and spending time with her dogs.
Job Titles:
- Business Office Manager
- Member of the Professional Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer II
Chance Carrender joined NSPJ Architects in 2022 in the role of Designer II. His education and initial experience started in drafting and then transitioned into a project lead/junior project manager role. He was previously employed at a local architecture firm for 6 years where achieved his architectural experience. Chance prefers lattes made by the professionals and one of his favorites in Kansas City is Cupinis because of their delicious deserts. For fun, he enjoys playing disc golf, walking his dogs when it is nice outside and spending time with his wife and friends.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Vice President / Principal Architect
Cheri Beaver joined NSPJ Architects in 1977. She was the first woman hired to work in the NSPJ drafting room and went on to become the first woman to become a partner in the firm. Cheri's practice has been focused on all types of residential architecture, including large custom homes, lake houses, patio homes and townhouses along with remodels, renovations and additions. One of her custom residences in Miami County, Kansas was recognized with the 2011 Kansas City Homes & Gardens Gold Award for Best Custom Home in the range of $1.5 Million to $2 Million. Her renovation and addition to the Xi of Sigma Kappa Sorority Chapter House at the University of Kansas was recognized in 2016 with a Building Excellence Award from the Kansas City Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer II
Chris Schupp joined NSPJ Architects in 2017. He graduated from Drury University in 2013 with a Master of Architecture degree. Chris has been focusing primarily on multifamily developments in his first few years with NSPJ, but has an interest in single-family residences. He draws inspiration from taking an idea and turning it into a tangible design/physical product.
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- Member of the Executives Team
- Principal
- Co - President / Principal Architect
- Co - President and Principal Architect
Clint Evans joined NSPJ Architects in 2006 and became co-president in 2015 with Timothy Homburg. Clint has served as the principal architect on many of the firm's projects. He leads an incredibly bright and talented staff whose dedication and excellent problem-solving skills elevate his ability to broaden the firm's portfolio of project types. His practice currently focuses on historic renovations and adaptive reuse, nationwide retail roll-out, multi-unit residential buildings, and single-family residential homes. With the numerous projects delivered to date, he continues to build on a wealth of past project experience to anticipate potential problems and address them early in the production process. This includes not only construction issues, but also code-related issues based on his experience working in jurisdictions nationwide.
Job Titles:
- Designer
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer II / Project Lead
Cody Anderson is a skilled designer in the NSPJ Studio and joined the firm in 2016. Her work focuses on multi-family and single family residential with a key involvement in 3-D modeling and graphic rendering. She received a Master of Architecture degree from Kansas State University. In addition to architectural design, Cody is passionate about furniture design and woodworking.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer II
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer III
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Member of the Professional Team
- Architect III / Project Manager
Garret Wilson is a licensed Architect with experience in single-family, multi-family, independent living and various commercial project types. Prior to joining NSPJ in 2013, Garret worked as a carpenter and designer at a design/build firm as well as participated in The University of Kansas' Design/Build studio known as ‘Studio 804'. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional, an Eagle Scout and studied abroad at the Edinburgh College of Art.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- NSPJ 's Senior Specifications Writer and Quality Assurance Architect
- Senior Specifications Writer
George Higgins is NSPJ's Senior Specifications Writer and quality assurance architect, ensuring that all plans and designs are successfully translated to specifications and materials for contractors. George joined NSPJ in 1972, working directly under original firm founder Stan Staats. In 2000, George became a Principal Architect/Vice President where he played a key role in developing office standards for the firm. In 2018, George decided to transition into a Senior Architect role to mentor up and coming young Architects within the firm and take more time off to spend with his children and grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Senior Architect
Greg McCall joined NSPJ Architects in 2002. He graduated from the University of Kansas and spent the summer after his senior year studying in Spanocchia, Italy. Greg's work focuses primarily on custom single-family residential design. Working closely with Principal Architect, Rick Jones, Greg has designed numerous custom residences that have been published. He draws inspiration for design from ideas he has picked up in travel and study and how they can be applied to enhance the desires of the client.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Intern
Hannah joined NSPJ Architects in January 2023 as in Intern while pursuing a Master of Architecture from The University of Kansas. When she was younger, Hannah would often urge her dad to drive around the historic neighborhoods of St. Louis so she could look at the pretty houses. Because of covid she was not able to travel abroad however she always wanted to visit Scotland. Hannah has had the opportunity to spend several summers in Upstate New York rowing around the lakes and visiting examples of their unique vernacular architecture.
While enrolled at KU, she has obtained a g raduate certificate in historic preservation. She is Involved in a local church Hospitality Team/ Young Adult Ministry where they are able to participate in various service trips with church to help build/rehab several nonprofit headquarters. Her colleagues would say that Hannah is kind, s team player, and eager to learn. A few hobbies that Hannah enjoys include shopping, true crime and antiquing.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer II / Project Lead
Henry Loose joined NSPJ Architects in 2015. He is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Interior Architecture. Henry's strong drive to do things right the first time around has made him a valuable asset to NSPJ.
Howard Nearing, AIA, founded our firm in June 1961. Since the start, NSPJ Architects has provided comprehensive site planning and architectural design services for more than 6,500 projects encompassing a diverse range of types and complexities.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Architect II / Project Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Architect III / Sr. Project Manager
James McNutt's career in architecture is rooted in his love for drawing and solving puzzles which developed at an early age. Since joining the firm in 2007, he has designed many single-family and multifamily projects in the Northern Colorado area. In every project, James focuses on delivering superior service and quality design. He loves to spend time outdoors and working on DIY projects.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Operations Manager
Jason Toye came to NSPJ in early 2015 bringing 15+ years of experience in a wide range of projects but with a specialty in all levels of care for Senior Living Communities. He has developed an extreme eye for detail and performs at the highest level of proficiency daily. Jason has a strong interest in the technical side of architecture, from detailing to code compliance. As Operations Manager, he oversees architectural operations and quality control.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer II
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer I
Job Titles:
- Marketing Manager
- Member of the Professional Team
Job Titles:
- Director
- Vice President / Principal Landscape Architect
Katie Martinovic leads the Landscape Architecture studio and has been with NSPJ Architects since 2007. Katie's work focuses on providing a resort-style feel to residential, mixed-use, commercial, and land planning projects in collaboration with the Architects on the team. With a love for creating functional and beautiful outdoor spaces, Katie draws inspiration by exploring new places and cultures. Katie also plays an active role in the firm's marketing efforts and believes in leadership by example.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer II
Lane joined NSPJ Architects in March 2021 in the role of Designer I after graduating with a master's degree in architecture from the University of Kansas. While in school, Lane volunteered at Freedom by Design where they funded and built several picnic tables for a boy's home in Lawrence. Colleagues describe him as tall, driven, and witty. He has almost 20 different teas at home and enjoys cooking new foods, playing the ‘cello, taking care of an abundance of houseplants, and building computers.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer II
Lauren joined NSPJ Architects in September 2021 in the role of Designer I after graduating with a bachelor's degree of HES in Architectural Design from the University of Missouri and a Master in Architecture from Texas A&M University. She helped family and friends with any design needs growing up and realized this was something that she loved doing and wanted to learn more about. Lauren studied abroad in Italy and loved getting to know more about all the history behind the architecture throughout the country. A notable building, she wished she would have built, would have been the Louis Vuitton Foundation by Frank Gehry. In her free time, Lauren enjoys playing and watching sports (especially soccer and football), spending time exploring outdoors with her dog.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer I
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer I
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Architect II / Project Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer III / Project Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Landscape Architect I / Project Lead
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer III / Project Lead
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- Member of the Executives Team
- Executive Vice President / Principal Architect
Paul S. Staats, son of one of the founding principals, began working for the firm in 1986. Growing up in the industry, he has worked on a wide variety of project types including commercial, industrial, office and residential. No matter how quick the deadline or tight the budget, he manages the project and sacrifices nothing. Paul has also served for many years as the Director of Computer Services and his willingness to lend a hand to any task makes him invaluable to our team.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Architect III / Project Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Senior Architect
- Senior Project Manager
Rich Kniss joined NSPJ Architects on April 16, 2021 as an Architect III/Senior Project Manager. His passion surrounds designing hospitality, multi-family, and complex renovation projects. During his career, The West Edge, Hotel Sorella, Pembroke Hill School, and Kansas City University, Joplin are projects that he is most proud. Rich is involved with the Kansas City Businessmen's Club, a philanthropic organization and his colleagues would describe him as fun, knowledgeable, and passionate. The Country Club Plaza is one of Rich's favorite areas of Kansas City. He also enjoys beaches, the springtime and anything chocolate.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer I
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Architect II / Project Manager
Job Titles:
- Landscape Architect
- Member of the Professional Team
- Project Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Specifications Writer
Job Titles:
- Director
- Vice President / Associate Principal Architect
Theresa Curtis joined NSPJ Architects in 2001 and plays a crucial role in business operations development, strategic planning, and project management. She provides day-to-day operational support to NSPJ's growing staff and promotes NSPJ's supportive culture of personal and professional development. Theresa has worked on wide variety of building types including hospitality, multifamily, clubhouses, offices, and single family residential. More recently, her projects include Mission Gateway Hotel, Power & Light Apartments Beacon Lounge and amenities, and TownePlace Suites at Briarcliff.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Intern
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Architect III / Sr. Project Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer I
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Leadership Team
- Member of the Executives Team
- Co - President / Principal Architect
Job Titles:
- Director
- Vice President / Associate Principal Architect
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer I
Tyson joined NSPJ Architects in August of 2021 as a Designer I after graduating from the University of Kansas. His previous experience includes an internship at Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) in Columbia, SC working on residential and educational buildings. When not working, Tyson enjoys creating both hand and digital artwork as well as photography.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Professional Team
- Designer III / Project Lead
Zachary Arand joined NSPJ Architects in 2022 in the role of Designer III/Project Manager. After graduating from the University of Kansas with a master's in architecture, he spent seven months in the Philippines restoring an historic church. His vast experience in residential environments includes single-family, multifamily, and senior living. He most recently designed sports stadiums and is looking forward to diving back into multifamily. Zachary's colleagues describe him as dedicated, reliable, and entertaining. He enjoys spending time with his Great Dane Freyja.