Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design Services in Kansas City
Established in 1935, SWD Architects has built a legacy of architectural excellence spanning nearly a century. Our firm was founded by Herbert E. Duncan Sr., whose pioneering work in residential design laid the foundation for our enduring commitment to innovation. Over the decades, we expanded our expertise to include commercial, healthcare, and historic restoration projects, with principals Paul Stark and Tim Wilson leading our design efforts since 1999. With 90+ years of experience, we specialize in creating senior living communities, multi-family residential developments, and adaptive reuse of historic structures. Our team has completed 120+ historic restoration projects across nine states, demonstrating our dedication to preserving architectural heritage while meeting modern needs.We prioritize client collaboration, ensuring each project reflects the unique vision and requirements of our clients. Our work in affordable housing emphasizes sustainability and community-centric design, providing dignified living spaces for diverse populations. Recognized for award-winning designs, we combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of urban revitalization. Our holistic approach extends to healthcare facilities, where evidence-based design enhances patient care and operational efficiency. As the oldest architectural firm in the Kansas City area, we remain committed to excellence, innovation, and service.
Services
Senior Living
Multi-Family Residential
Historic Restoration
Affordable Housing
Healthcare Design
Commercial Architecture
Master Planning
Adaptive Reuse
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We have 90+ years of architectural experience in diverse sectors.
- Our team has completed 120+ historic restoration projects.
- We specialize in client-centric senior living and affordable housing solutions.
- Our designs prioritize sustainability and community revitalization.
- We serve clients across nine Midwestern states.
Services
Senior Living
We design continuum-of-care senior living communities integrating independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Our spaces prioritize accessibility, comfort, and community engagement, adapting to residents' evolving needs. Projects include The Princeton Senior Living and The Boulevard Senior Living.
Historic Restoration
Specializing in historic preservation and adaptive reuse, we transform neglected buildings into functional modern spaces. Notable projects include Lofts at 832 and River Market redevelopment. Our work balances historical integrity with contemporary requirements for residential and commercial use.
Affordable Housing
We create sustainable, community-focused affordable housing solutions. Projects like Forest Park North Apartments provide dignified living spaces for families and veterans with special needs, combining cost-effective strategies with modern amenities across nine Midwestern states.
Healthcare Design
Our healthcare architecture focuses on patient-centered environments. We design hospitals and clinics with evidence-based layouts to enhance healing and staff efficiency. Projects include Mary Lanning Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center renovations, integrating advanced medical technology.
Multi-Family Residential
We develop luxury multi-family housing with integrated indoor-outdoor amenities. Projects like Cedar Ridge Apartments feature pools, firepits, and communal spaces. Our designs emphasize modern living standards while addressing urban density challenges.
People
Paul Stark
Principal Architect, President
AIA, NCARB, and LEED AP-certified architect with leadership in over 100 historic projects since 1999. Specializes in urban revitalization and continuum-of-care senior living communities.
Tim Wilson
Principal Architect, Vice President
AIA and NCARB-certified architect co-leading design efforts since 1999. Focuses on adaptive reuse and multi-family residential developments across nine Midwestern states.
Brian Czerw
Architect, Project Manager
AIA and NCARB-certified project manager with expertise in senior living and commercial architecture. Coordinates complex projects from concept to completion.
Scott Auman
Architect, Project Manager
AIA and NCARB-certified architect managing multi-family residential and historic restoration projects. Emphasizes sustainable design solutions for urban environments.
David Brown
Architect, Project Manager
AIA and NCARB-certified professional specializing in healthcare facility design and master planning. Ensures compliance with modern medical operational requirements.
Questions
What architectural services does SWD Architects offer?
We specialize in senior living communities, multi-family residential developments, historic restoration, affordable housing, healthcare facilities, and commercial architecture.
How long has SWD Architects been in business?
Established in 1935, we are the oldest architectural firm in the Kansas City area with 90+ years of continuous operation.
Which states do you serve?
We operate across nine Midwestern states: Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, Arkansas, Nebraska, and Texas.
What notable projects have you completed?
Our portfolio includes The Princeton Senior Living, Lofts at 832 (2024 Medallion Award winner), and River Market redevelopment in Kansas City.
Do you handle historic building renovations?
Yes, we have completed 120+ historic restoration projects, specializing in adaptive reuse while preserving architectural heritage.
How do you approach affordable housing design?
We create sustainable, community-centric affordable housing with functional layouts and modern amenities for diverse economic needs.
