KPS Group

KPS Group

KPS Group Welcomes Its Third Generation of Leadership

New firm leaders (l to r) Kristine Harding FAIA, Donald Simpson AIA, Donna Dowling IIDA, and Hugh Thornton AIA

Birmingham-based KPS Group, Inc., one of Alabama’s largest architecture and design firms, has announced leadership changes.  Donald Simpson, AIA has been elected President of the firm and Hugh Thornton, AIA has been named Chairman of the Board.  Graduates of the Auburn University School of Architecture, both have spent their careers at KPS and have long been principals of the firm.  This transition to the firm’s third generation of leadership since its founding in 1965 represents continuity and stability across all practice areas of the firm and is a continuing commitment to its clients, its employees, and the values that have contributed to its success.  Other key leaders of the firm are Board members Donna Dowling, IIDA, Director of Interiors and Kristine Harding, FAIA, Managing Principal of the Huntsville office.  Gray Plosser, FAIA, has stepped down from the role of President and CEO that he has held since 1984, and continues his professional practice at KPS in a new role as Senior Principal.

The culmination of a years-long plan, this leadership change was implemented gradually to provide a seamless transition experience for the firm’s clients as well as our employees.

Donald Simpson, AIA, LEED® AP  |  President

Donald Simpson, AIA, LEED® AP Principal | Director of Operations

Donald Simpson always relishes a challenge – that’s probably why he is the go-to person at KPS Group for especially complex and technically demanding projects. His portfolio encompasses a wide range of project types with a common theme – they have complicated programs with many moving parts. He has consistently championed initiatives that offer clients best-in-class services, like the firm’s adoption of BIM technology and its Client Service Quality Initiative.

A graduate of Auburn University’s School of Design and a USGBC LEED Accredited Professional as well as a licensed architect in multiple states, Donald Simpson has been with KPS for more than 30 years and leads the firm’s Civic & Culture practice group. Nationally recognized for his expertise in courthouse design, he has a multi-faceted portfolio of institutional and private sector building programs nationwide. Donald also has significant experience in higher education and banking operations. He has led some of the most technically complex projects undertaken by Alabama universities and is known for his ability to deliver outstanding results on one-of-a-kind endeavors.

Contact Donald | mailto:dsimpson@kpsgroup.com

Hugh Thornton, AIA, LEED® AP | Chairman

Hugh Thornton, AIA, LEED® AP | Chairman

Hugh Thornton’s goal on every project is to make the client feel that they have been well advised, gotten more than their money’s worth, and enjoyed the process – and his long-standing client relationships are evidence that he’s achieving it. Believing that the best project results evolve out of a partnership between architect and client, the years he has spent forging and nurturing those partnerships have crystallized into a coherent philosophy rooted in developing a true understanding of the client’s problems and earning trust by delivering on our promises. Leading by example, Hugh propagates the value of this philosophy firm-wide.

With degrees in both architecture and environmental design from Auburn University’s School of Architecture, Hugh Thornton leads the firm’s Workplace & Technology and Learning practice groups. An expert in adaptive re-use, Hugh’s widely varied portfolio ranges from corporate and commercial office buildings to educational buildings to master planning and capital programs for mature churches. Hugh is known for his achievements in the design of competitive sports facilities for wheelchair-bound athletes, and led the team designing the first new collegiate adapted athletics arena in the nation. He has been with KPS Group for over 30 years.

Contact Hugh | mailto:hthornton@kpsgroup.com

Donna Dowling, IIDA, LEED® AP | Senior Principal & Director of Interiors

Donna Dowling, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED® AP Principal | Director of Interiors

Donna Dowling enjoys working closely with her clients to translate their purpose, culture, and vision into branded spaces that embody who they are – whether that is a business, a university, a church, a hotel, or any of the wide range of project types in her extensive portfolio. She is highly regarded for her expertise in helping clients pinpoint where they are now, forecast where they want to be, and understand how their mission and vision can be expressed and supported through design image. Donna’s enthusiasm and genuine desire to engage designers at all levels into the process have attracted the best and brightest designers to the KPS interiors studio.

A graduate of the University of Alabama and licensed interior designer, Donna Dowling brings more than 30 years of experience in interior design, space planning, and programming. With a portfolio encompassing more than 10 million square feet of corporate and commercial office space, she is an expert in the design of spaces for business with a keen ability to integrate company-specific program and vision into pre-existing or leased space.   Donna provides leadership on interior design efforts for all project types firm-wide and collaborates with the architectural teams to create cohesive environments.

Contact Donna | mailto:ddowling@kpsgroup.com

Kristine Harding, FAIA, NCARB, LEED® GA  |  Senior Principal & Huntsville Office Director

Kristine Harding, AIA, NCARB, LEED® GA

Telling clients what they need to hear – not what they want to hear – is at the core of Kristine Harding’s approach to every project. This candor has led to enduring relationships with loyal clients who count on Kristine to tell it like it is. By avoiding unfamiliar technical jargon and explaining things in layman’s terms, she helps her clients clearly understand the implications of their options and make informed decisions. This attitude extends to the project teams Kristine leads, where she’s careful to make sure the entire team understands the client’s needs and intent before moving forward, bringing a sense of collaboration to every endeavor. Kristine’s commitment to serving her clients’ interests is matched by her passion for evolving the practice of architecture in response to the 21st century technical and practical demands facing its diverse population of young professionals.

In 2018, Kristine Harding’s vital leadership in shaping the future of the profession led to her elevation to Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects – an honor that has only been accorded to some 3% of its members nationwide. A graduate of Rice University and licensed architect in both Alabama and Tennessee, Kristine leads the firm’s Huntsville office and its teams on a wide variety of projects in the corporate, civic, and institutional markets. In addition to her demanding role at KPS, she has held numerous leadership positions in professional and civic organizations, and was named to the Alabama General Contractors Hall of Fame in 2017.

Contact Kristine | mailto:kharding@kpsgroup.com

Helping Redstone Federal Credit Union Visualize the Future with Advanced Computer Graphics

Led by Huntsville office director, Kristine Harding FAIA, the KPS team is working closely with Redstone Federal Credit Union to expand their presence across the Tennessee Valley.  Three projects are currently underway – new freestanding combination branch and office buildings in Murfreesboro TN and Huntsville AL, and a new drive-thru Teller Station on North Parkway in Huntsville. The Credit Union, named one of the “best banks” in the country by Money Magazine in 2018 and 2019’s recipient of NAFCU’s Credit Union of the Year award, envisioned modern buildings evocative of their forward-thinking approach. 

Drone fly-overs of the downtown Huntsville site helps RFCU stakeholders understand what the project will look like in context when completed.

KPS designers routinely translate design concepts and plans into 3-dimensional renderings that help owners make informed decisions about design.  Using an array of sophisticated graphics programs, the design team showed RFCU decision-makers progressively more realistic depictions of what their buildings would look like as the designs evolved.  Beginning with simple 2-dimensional sketches and massing models, the team provided RFCU with highly detailed 3-D renderings and drone fly-overs that have allowed them to compare design options and fully understand what their buildings will look like from all angles when completed, down to the smallest detail.

 

Downtown Huntsville Branch Complex

Slated for completion in 2020, Redstone Federal Credit Union’s new downtown Huntsville branch and office building at 200 Davis Circle will appear to glow as motorists travel into the city from the interstate. Close up, the building’s design of glass and metal panels will be even more impressive, with a fresh and cutting edge look.  The 66,718sf building will span five floors and include a ground floor Retail Branch as well as a Community Room and Rooftop Terrace.

 

Huntsville Drive-Thru Teller Station

This modern, drive-thru Teller Station will stand out for its design, convenience, and functionality. Featuring video teller services as well as general ATM functions, it is slated to open early in 2019.

 

 

 

 

Flagship Tennessee Branch Office

Currently under construction, the new flagship Tennessee branch office on Medical Center Parkway in Murfreesboro is anticipated to open in the fall of 2019. The 28,000sf complex will incorporate a retail branch, administrative office space, and a call center, with a Community Room and Terrace on the top floor.

 

 

Contact

Kristine Harding, FAIA | kharding@kpsgroup.com

Adapted Athletics

Stran Hardin Arena for Adapted Athletics at University of Alabama

Designing Sports & Recreation Facilities for Athletes and Students with Disabilities Takes ADA and Universal Design to the Next Level

Sports can play an important therapeutic role in both the physical and mental health of persons with disabilities.  Recreational and competitive adapted athletics programs are becoming more commonplace at colleges and universities across the country, with high profile programs that feed directly into the international competition of the US Paralympic games.  The increasing popularity of competitive adapted sports has highlighted the need for specialized facilities responsive to the unique requirements of these athletes and athletic programs.

Hugh Thornton, AIA, Birmingham Studio Director

Led by Birmingham Studio Director, Hugh Thornton AIA, our team recently completed the first new purpose-built collegiate adapted athletics arena in the United States.  We’ve designed facilities for adapted sports and recreation for over 20 years.

Stran-Hardin Arena for Adapted Athletics at the University of Alabama: Breaking New Ground

When the KPS team was selected by the University of Alabama to design the new arena for its national championship wheelchair sports teams – the first facility of its kind in the nation – the designers drew on lessons learned from their work on the Lakeshore Foundation’s award-winning recreation facility and feedback from its US Paralympic coaches.  Armed with that insight, our team fleshed out and refined the University’s initial program and project goals with input from UA facilities staff and Alabama Adapted coaches and players to develop this groundbreaking facility.  The arena is named for Dr. Brent Hardin and Dr. Margaret Stran, founders of the University of Alabama’s Adapted Athletics program, whose vision and dedication led to this facility specifically designed to suit the needs of physically disabled athletes.

A Facility Worthy of National Championship Teams

UA Stran-Hardin ArenaAttached to the south façade of the existing Student Recreation Center, the 27,000sf arena maintains synergy with the existing building while establishing its own distinctive identity.  A soaring entrance lobby, featuring custom graphics celebrating the teams’ accomplishments, leads to a 2-level lobby concourse with a dramatic floating ramp to its second floor viewing platform.  The NCAA-regulation basketball court provides bleacher seating for 500.  Coaches’ offices and a multi-media team meeting room are tucked under the upper viewing lobby.  Separate Home and Visitors’ locker rooms are equipped with lockable lockers and direct access, roll-in showers.  Support spaces include a weight room, wheelchair & equipment storage and service areas, and laundry.

Custom Designed to the Smallest Details

The design team was challenged to go beyond 100% accessible in this innovative facility, and collaborated closely with University coaches, players, and facilities staff.  Starting with corridors wide enough for two camber wheelchairs to comfortably pass and double entry doors with no center poles, even the smallest design elements were examined for ways to enhance the athletes’ experience and competitive edge.  Clearances around the basketball court exceed NCAA standard, with a generous setback for bleachers.  Many features were custom designed, from the roll-up lobby reception desk, to the lockers, to wheelchair storage and repair facilities.  Every detail was tested and adapted for ease-of-use.

 

The Lakeshore Foundation:  Realizing a Bold Vision

Known around the world for its innovative programs, the Lakeshore Foundation in Homewood, Alabama is a unique organization whose mission is to provide unparalleled recreational and therapeutic opportunities for the physically disabled.  Home to one of the nation’s leading centers for the advancement of athletics for people with physical disabilities and the only center of its kind in the southeast, Lakeshore attracts international athletes with disabilities to its training facilities.  Coaches, many of whom have stellar athletic careers of their own, have come to Lakeshore from all over the world, drawn by Lakeshore’s barrier-free recreation and athletic complex, staff expertise, and commitment to expanding opportunities for the physically disabled.

Multi-Purpose Recreation Facility:  Home of the U.S. Paralympic Rugby Team

KPS was commissioned to design a 42,500sf recreational facility on the Lakeshore campus that would allow its members to participate in a wide range of fitness, recreation, athletic, and education programs.  Featuring a grand 2-story atrium with sweeping campus views and a viewing lobby overlooking its Aquatic Center, it houses 3 courts striped for basketball, wheelchair rugby, and volleyball as well as a 200-meter track, bocce courts, therapeutic and competition pools, fitness center, marksmanship range, archery lanes, administrative and coaches’ offices, team locker rooms, and a sports science & medicine facility.

Because the building’s users are predominantly disabled, it was designed to be 100% accessible, greatly exceeding ADA requirements.  In 2003, the US Olympic Committee designated Lakeshore as the first-ever official USOC Training Site for both Olympic and Paralympic sports.  Since that time, the facility has trained thousands of disabled athletes and serves an average of 3,000 users annually.

The Multi-Purpose Recreation Facility is the official home of the US Paralympic Rugby team.  It was recognized internationally with an Award of Special Distinction from the IOC/IAKS 2005 Architecture & Sport Competition in Warsaw, Poland.  KPS is currently designing a new research wing for the facility.

Visiting Athlete Dormitory

After Lakeshore Foundation’s Multi-Purpose Recreation Facility was chosen as one of five US Paralympic training facilities, the Foundation needed to provide suitable space to house the disabled athletes and military veterans it welcomes from across the nation.

A former transitional living unit for the rehabilitation hospital on the campus offered an economical and ecologically sound solution to the problem.  The design team’s primary challenges were to make the unoccupied 11,000sf building compatible for exclusive use by the disabled while transforming its sterile atmosphere into a casual and inviting ambience much like a college dorm.  As well, Lakeshore wanted to incorporate sustainable features to achieve LEED Certification from the US Green Building Council. 

The Dormitory provides 100% accessible living space for its athletes-in-residence.  The central section of the building was substantially rebuilt with a double-height volume to bring daylight into its new common areas and kitchen.  Natural light, high ceilings, bright colors, and organic shapes evoke the motion and high energy of the athletes.  Interior materials and finishes were chosen for their durability, with strategically placed splashes of color and tactile surfaces that aid wayfinding for the visually impaired.

 

Contact

Hugh Thornton, AIA | mailto:hthornton@kpsgroup.com

 

Huntsville office director Kristine Harding named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects

Kristine Harding FAIA

Kristine Harding is among those architects named to the AIA College of Fellows in 2018, an honor awarded to AIA members who have made significant contributions to the profession of architecture. A principal at KPS Group, Kristine leads the firm’s Huntsville office and serves on the Board of Directors.  Her clients include the Huntsville International Airport, Boeing, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Oakwood University, the City of Scottsboro, Commercial Office Properties Trust (COPT), and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.  In addition to her demanding role at KPS, she has held numerous leadership positions in professional and civic organizations, and was named to the Alabama General Contractors Hall of Fame in 2017.

KPS now counts two Fellows among its leadership – unusual for any firm, but particularly so for a firm of our size.

Oakwood University Health & Wellness Center - Redstone Federal Credit Union Murfreesboro

Only some 3% of AIA members have achieved the distinction of Fellowship, 41 of them in Alabama, since the inception of the College of Fellows in the 1920s. Kristine Harding is the third woman architect in Alabama to be elevated to AIA Fellowship, and the first Alabama architect to be named to the College of Fellows since 2014.  A trailblazing architect whose focus over the past 13 years has been to bring the architectural licensure process into alignment with the technical and practical aspects of the 21st century, Kristine is passionate about our profession’s need to embrace the real world demands faced by its diverse population of young professionals.  Her achievements in facilitating architectural licensure through leadership roles in both the AIA and the National Council of Architectural Review Boards (NCARB) have redefined the profession’s approach to ensuring the resiliency of practice and helped to forge alliances between the two organizations.

Clearview Cancer Center - Huntsville Utilities - National Childrens Advocacy Center

Kristine served as the FY 2016-17 President of NCARB, is a past president of both the Alabama Council AIA and the North Alabama Chapter AIA, and was Chair of the State of Alabama Board for Registration of Architects from 2005 to 2007. She has received the AIA Alabama Council’s Accolade – its highest honor – as well as multiple certificates of appreciation from Alabama’s highest officials including Governor Kay Ivey.  A participant in Leadership Alabama Class 16 and Huntsville-Madison County Leadership Class 14, Kristine has been active in many civic organizations including the Huntsville Sports Commission and the Madison County Marina & Port Authority.

Contact

Kristine Harding, FAIA | kharding@kpsgroup.com

KPS GROUP

Bakers Row | Suite 100
60 14th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35233

KPS GROUP

t: 205.251.0125
info@kpsgroup.com
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