Tom Nelson by BNIM

“...Whether it’s a city park, a train station, a national forest or a bike trail, Dad looks at public spaces with a democratic spirit and a craftsman’s eye.”

- Ashley Clayton, daughter

TOM NELSON FAIA

Introduction

0 1. The Prologue

02. Leaving the Nest: Evolution of BNIM

03. The Complete Architect: Project Collection 04. The Big Breakthroughs: Recognition 05. The End of the Beginning: BNIM Legacy

06. The Epilogue

Credits

The Master Craftsman

Steady and calm

Yet eager to be engaged

Wise and humorous

Truthfully strong

Vigorously committed

Playfully open and curious

Artful in his craftsmanship

Kind and worthy in his values

Respectful of tradition

Exploratory in his reach

Spiritual in his art

His brushstrokes

Created bright and bold colors

On the canvas of our community

Concerned with contextual harmony

He raised the level of pedestrian participation

His art broadened our vocabulary

As we attempted to describe and honor

The quest for human dignity

And joy in the pursuit

Of a higher common good

- Phil Kirk, client

01. The Prologue

“ Tom uses humor as the good grease of problem solving and of productive group dynamics. No one story. Tom is the story.”

- Marc Wilson, client

“ Tom and I moved to London in ‘64 where we both worked. We toured the UK every weekend and holiday... it was an unforgettable experience.”

Tom McCoy, colleague & friend

1960s

In the words of Tom Nelson

Internship.

Start with the most important influence: Kivett & Myers (PBNLI all worked at KM, PBL nowhere else). Well known firm; important to know something about. Re: David Sachs. Huge influence on this firm as well as a number of others.

Fact: in the 50’s, 60’s, KM was the best firm in KC. Others but definitely led firm in advancing modern architecture. Evangelists for modernism (CK vs. RM). Different then: not 6 or 10 firms doing good work; very few.

So we were all influenced by the KM system (or were we similar people attracted to system?)

Hallmarks of KM:

Design oriented and liked to be in forefront (lift slab, glazing gaskets Cor-Ten, hp’s) On local scale WERE in forefront.

“Tom’s gentle spirit and self-effacing way has always made his incredible talent that much more valuable.”

- Kite Singleton, colleague and close friend

Believed in TOTAL architect. (Did have specialists but for most part... No “department”)

Active in community. We saw that their influence came from involvement as much as professional competence.

One Problem with KM system: people thought they were good enough to start their own offices - and did! Many significant KC firms.

Gave a LOT of authority to staff. Debate if we carried that with us. Yes, in most ways. (Clarence Kivett’s great talent, contribution was encouragement, reaching, CK standing behind staff. Not a hands on guy.

Temple Hall at Southwest Missouri State University

Springfield, MO

02. Leaving the Nest: Evolution of BNIM

“I’ll never forget the first conversation I had with Tom about creating our firm.We met in the living room of his newly purchased home, sitting on the floor with a bottle of wine. Tom had a long range plan for his professional life that did not include launching a new firm; his plan was to work his way up in an established firm and he was well positioned to accomplish that goal at K&M . Tom’s reaction was “Why didn’t you bring this up before we bought this house?”

- Bob Berkebile,

colleague and friend

This turned out to be a imagined - and a bigger a few notes and just talk. and get SOME hard data. Maria which helped as a memory has been inadequately researched it’s all from my perspective, and faulty - memory. But for I’m inspired that we, collectively history time line and this and a start. Today

I encourage

in - particularly P’s and embellishments, corrections, their own recollections.

a bigger task than I deal. I expected to make talk. But I had to dig back Maria suggested slidesmemory refresher. Even so this researched - and of course perspective, bias, selectivefor now that’s OK.

collectively

this can

Now

really do a

serve as a

draft encourage

others to chime

and old timers - with corrections, additions, and

- Tom Nelson

Notes from Tom’s History presentation May, 1999

1970s

Tom Nelson, an Associate and Design Director at Kivett & Myers, sets out on a new course with an unlikely group: Bruce Patty, Bob Berkebile and Bill Love.

The group opened PBNL in March 1970 amidst a six month long construction strike. The office is located at 6 Petticoat Lane in Downtown Kansas City.

Though the original intention was for each partner to have a distinct role, it turned out that they all brought in work and managed it.

PBNL’s first project was a roofing specification for the Federal Reserve Bank.

Their first design project was Chatham Hall Entrance.

Their first real job was Maupintour Offices in Lawrence.

More substantial jobs started coming in: Southwestern Bell Telephone equipment building; Crestview School in North Kansas City; and additional spec work that didn’t get off the ground.

1971: PBNL catches a big break when Crown Center asks the firm to take over the Interior Design for Crown Center Hotel, which was designed by Harry Weese and Associates of Chicago.

PBNL hires David Immenschuh, an Interior Designer at Kivett & Myers, to moonlight for them.

1972: PBNL has 3 employees and fires their first.

These are good years that make the firm feel like a real office.

The P’s are “Total” architects — doing design, talking to product reps, and doing construction Documents and specifications.

1973: PBNL becomes PBNA.

1974: PBNA grows to 11 employees.

David Immenschuh comes to work at the firm full time.

Projects such as Grandview City Hall, Grandview Parks, Jackson County State Bank, Brewer Advertising and Mercantile Bank Interiors are in the office.

The firm is working on the addition to Park Hill High School, Leawood Park, Playboy Club, River Quay and South Central Patrol Division.

PBNA receives their first design award.

Tom and Bob had been involved in some minor preservation crusades before there was a preservation movement. Joan Dillon and the Performing Arts Foundation begin to rescue the Folly Theater, and PBNA becomes very involved in the process to save and, ultimately, restore this treasured landmark.

The first phase of development in a 214-acre office park to be known as Corporate Woods begins.

1975: The Harry S. Truman State Office Building is awarded to PBNDML (a joint venture with PBNA, Duncan Architects, and Monroe and Lefevre) and work on the $28 million dollar project begins. Among the staff is a young Casey Cassias.

PBNA is named the architect for the Folly Restoration.

1976: PBNA is hired to design the KCATA Metro Bus Shelters. Tom Nelson developed the design and about 400 of these were constructed and installed in the city.

Due to their design success on other large projects, The Hyatt Hotel project is awarded to the joint venture of PBNDML. They are the first local firm to serve as a design lead on a Crown Center Project.

David Immenschuh becomes an Associate.

1977: PBNA has 12 employees.

The marketing department was born when Alex (Ack) Bascom was hired as Marketing Director.

The office relocates to the New England Building at 9th and Wyandotte.

David Immenschuh becomes an owner.

PBNA is retained to design new offices for Gage & Tucker Law firm.

Holy Land Christian Mission Hospital begins.

1978: PBNA has 28 employees.

PBNA and Harry Weese Associates join forces on the renovation of The Old St. Louis Post Office and Customs House. The project adopted the approach of minimal intervention, which would be an important theme in the firm’s successive restoration work. This was the biggest preservation effort ever in Missouri at the time.

Jan (Okerstrom) Duffendack and Steve McDowell are hired. Doug Stevens works at BNIM for the summer.

1979: Randy Endecott comes to work at PBNA full time (from the PBNMDL arrangement), after he was persuaded to wear a coat and tie.

PBNA was selected to restore and remodel the historic Mahaffie House (pony express stop).

1980s

Holy Land Christian Mission Hospital is completed.

PBNA develops and wins second place in the International Milwaukee Lakefront design competition.

PBNA is commissioned to renovate and restore the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank.

The firm does its first downtown planning project, a 353 plan project for Block 72, which would lead to Ten Central Car Park and ultimately to Broadway Square and many other Downtown projects.

The firm does its first University Project and works on the design of an arena in St. Joseph.

1981: 23 Employees.

The Folly re-opens 81 years to the month after the first performance was held there.

In an event of monumental tragedy, the Hyatt Skywalk Collapses. PBNA was absolved of responsibility and resolved to recover — with determination and confidence — and design in Kansas City.

1982: 33 employees.

PBNA opens a Kansas Office after years of discussion and the decision to lease from a developer that could give the firm work. This was the beginning of a long relationship with Larry Bridges and the development of a significant office building portfolio for the firm.

PBNA occupies more office space in Kansas City than any other architecture office.

Renovation of the Federal Reserve Bank begins.

The MAST Advertising and Publishing building begins design.

Executive Hills selects PBNA to design an office building at 12th and Wyandotte, the largest private downtown building since Commerce Tower.

1983: 43 employees.

ARCO Oil in Anchorage, Alaska is underway.

The firm is awarded The Zimmer Complex, also known as 1220 Washington.

The firm works to restore the 100,000 square foot Pecks Dry Goods Building.

The St. Louis Post Office restoration is complete and wins a 1982 Kansas City AIA Design Award and a 1983 Kansas City AIA Craftsmanship Award.

1984: 50 employees.

Tom Nelson is President of the Kansas City AIA.

Steve McDowell and Jan Duffendack are named Associates.

Casey Cassias joins the firm in August.

Harry S. Truman State Office Building is dedicated.

PBNA is #3 on the KC Business Journal’s list of the largest KC Architecture Firms.

PBNA wins a Central States Award for MAST.

Executive Hills has plans to develop a 42-story downtown office building that would become Kansas City’s tallest building. One Kansas City Place is awarded to PBNA.

Shook Hardy & Bacon decide to move their office to One Kansas City Place and hire PBNA to design their space.

The Federal Reserve Bank is complete, another award-winning restoration project.

ARCO Oil is complete. It is the AIA Alaska Building of the Year.

1985: 55 employees.

Tom Nelson is appointed the new Chairman of the City Planning Commission.

Bob James joins PBNA.

Bruce Patty becomes the 61st National President of the AIA.

Construction begins on One Kansas City Place.

MAST wins an AIA Excellence in Architecture Award.

Casey Cassias and Doug Stevens become Associates.

Randy Endecott and Steve McDowell are appointed Vice Presidents of PBNA.

1986: Tom is recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Kansas School of Architecture.

PBNA moves to 12 Wyandotte Plaza.

The Ten Central Car Park is completed.

PBNA is hired to renovate the Muehlebach Hotel.

The restoration of the Midland Theatre and adjoining office building begins.

Block 105 is underway.

1987: Tom Nelson is elevated to the AIA’s’ College of Fellows.

PBNA becomes PBNI to recognize the contribution of David Immenschuh.

PBNI is selected as architect for the $4 million Kingdom of the Animals addition designed to teach visitors of the Kansas City Zoological Gardens about animal habitats. The scope of the project later grows.

Plans for PBNI’s first DST project is announced at 310 Broadway Square.

PBNI selected to design the new Paseo Academy for the Fine and Performing Arts.

1220 Washington is complete.

Yellow Freight Design Competition for company headquarters. The firm’s solution is based on company community and environmentally responsible design strategies.

1988: Park officials move forward with the conceptual planning for the Zoological Gardens Master Plan. The project has grown to $72 million.

One Kansas City Place, the tallest building in the state, is complete.

The design of the 2600 Grand Office Building (with Pei Cobb Freed) is unveiled.

Steve McDowell is named a Principal at PBNI.

The new Ronald McDonald House on Cherry Street opens it’s doors to families needing a home away from home.

1989: Work on Bartle Conference Center begins.

Haw Ranch Headquarters is complete in the Kansas Flint Hills.

The Justin Place Public Housing Improvements project of infill housing is complete.

One Petticoat Lane Office Building; another five-story downtown office and retail building is completed.

Bob Berkebile serves as Founding Chairman of the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE).

Casey Cassias and Steve McDowell co-author Critical Planet Rescue, which eventually became Environmental Resource Guide, a preface to LEED.

1990s

Bruce Patty is President of the University Club and Steve McDowell becomes a member.

Bartle Hall Expansion is unveiled. The complex includes buildings designed by PBNI and HNTB.

The Zoo Master Plan is unveiled. In August, a $50 million bond issue is passed. PBNI is selected to serve as lead architect for the Expansion effort.

2600 Grand begins construction at Crown Center.

The Livestock Exchange Building is restored and occupied.

1991: Ronald McDonald House wins an Urban Design Award.

R. Bruce Patty leaves PBNI. This marks a change in the approach to management that would carry BNIM into the decade.

The office moves to One Kansas City Place.

The firm is renamed Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell Architects.

BNIM organizes a 21st anniversary planting, placing bulbs to beautify the highway.

Groundbreaking festivities occur at the Zoo.

Australia Exhibit opens at the Zoo.

1992: Deramus Education Pavilion for the Kansas City Zoo begins.

“Bull Mountain” installed in the West Bottoms.

BNIM completes Stinson Mag & Fizzell’s new law offices, which is soon recognized as the premiere law office design in the country.

Westwood City Hall is complete.

BNIM designs Reynold’s Alumni Center for University of Missouri-Columbia.

BNIM begins work on the team assembled for Kansas City’s FOCUS plan (Forging Our Comprehensive Urban Strategy). Tom leads the Transit Planning Initiative.

1993: Tom designs the award-winning, 3900 square foot Wilson Residence.

Steve served asPresident for AIA KC.

Earthworks begins. This 42,000 SF educational facility in the Hunt Midwest Subtropolis educates children about how the “earth works.”

Work begins on the H&R Block World Headquarters on Main Street. The project begins a long relationship with H&R Block built around Kansas City, art and architecture.

The first facility for Citicorp Credit Services is designed for their new campus. A second office building follows along with a child development center.

Bob Berkebile represents the AIA in a partnership with Senator Al Gore and hosts the first meeting of the US Green Building Council.

1994: Bartle Conference Center is complete. It becomes an award winner: 1998 Kansas City AIA Design Award; 1996 APWA Public Works Project of the Year; 1996 Architectural Precast Association Design Award; 1995 Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award (Sculptures) and 1995 Cornerstone Award.

BNIM is commissioned to coordinate the design and construction of Gateway 2000’s first regional sales and technical assistance telemarketing center.

Casey Cassias Named Principal.

1995: BNIM celebrates its 25th anniversary at Bartle Conference Center.

Deramus Pavilion is completed and recognized for the following: 1999 National AIA “Earth Day Top Ten” Project; 1998 Central States Region AIA Design Award; 1997 Municipal Arts Commission Urban Design Award; and 1996 Cornerstone Award.

Zoo African Exhibit opens, completing the 1990 Zoo Bond Issue.

H&R Block World Headquarters is completed.

The BNIM/CDFM2 association begins, which leads to many significant projects in the downtown core.

1996: 53 employees.

The Wilson Residence is completed. It wins the 1998 Kansas City AIA Design Award.

BNIM is a member of the design team for the new Sprint Campus to be developed in Overland Park.

Earthworks is completed and wins the 1999 National AIA Exemplary Learning Environment Merit Award and the 1996 Kansas City AIA Design Award. It hosts 10,000 children a year.

BNIM is involved with 8 of the 24 Cornerstone Awards from the EDC.

BNIM is awarded the Asia Exhibit at the Kansas City Zoological Gardens.

333 West 11th Street, Bank Street Parking, Gateway 2000 and Citicorp II are completed.

Kansas City FOCUS Master Plan Phase II is complete and recognized with the highest award by APA in Seattle.

Poindexter & Gatlin Office Building and Pedestrian Plaza are completed.

1997: 67 employees.

BNIM is part of a consortium called Union Station Architects (USA) that is selected for the renovation and addition to Union Station.

After decades of studies for the Muehlebach, BNIM completes renovation and builds a new hotel tower.

Citicorp Child Development Center is completed.

1998: The Kansas office re-opens in Corporate Woods.

BNIM and Copaken White & Blitt develop a winning scheme for the new Plaza Library.

University of Missouri-Columbia selects the BNIM/Anshen + Allen team for the new Life Science facilities.

BNIM is part of a team that creates a plan for Canyon Forest Village that essentially removes private automobile traffic from the Grand Cayon’s Rim area and provides public transit for all visitors.

Johnson County Courthouse remodel is completed.

BNIM continues a long-standing relationship with Zimmer Companies by designing Waterside at Southlake Office Park.

1999: Steven Holl Architects is awarded the Nelson-Atkins Museum Expansion Project. BNIM is named the Architect of Record.

BNIM works on the design for Cathedral Square Office Complex.

BNIM organizes into studios to reinforce the idea of a small firm’s attention to detail.

Casey served as President of AIA KC.

BNIM creates Elements, a division focused on sustainable design consulting.

Tower Garage and H&R Block Artspace are completed.

Union Station is complete: 2000 Kansas City AIA Design Award and 2000 Cornerstone Award.

Lab One, H&R Block Service Center, Poindexter Garage and 2301 McGee, Destination Crown Center are completed.

Main Street Corridor Plan proposes improvements for this important Kansas City artery.

2000s

78 employees.

The office wins several national sustainable projects: The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Los Altos, CA; The School of Nursing & Student Community Center at Houston, TX (in collaboration with Lake Flato), The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDC), Jefferson City, MO, and the American Lung Association in Oklahoma.

BNIM announces plans to move into the historic KCPL building. The office moves in November after months of renovation.

Greg Sheldon is named an Associate.

The Folly Theatre Lobby Renovation, Cedar Creek Office Building and Summit Technology Center are completed.

Block 35 Office Development is complete. IFTC, later State Street Bank, occupies the first building.

2001: 96 Employees.

BNIM unveils a new look to mark 30 years of design excellence and an important move into a local landmark, affirming its long held commitment to Kansas City and the Urban Core.

BNIM is selected as Associate Architect on the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Moshe Safdie designed the Center, which will open in 2010.

JE Dunn Offices at 901 Charlotte and H&R Block Foundation Fountain are completed.

2002: 106 Employees.

Steve McDowell is elevated to Fellow in the American Institute of Architects.

The Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center opens in Kansas City, MO and becomes an asset for the local community and for urban children.

BNIM is awarded the Institute of Molecular Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (in collaboration with Burt Hill).

Cathedral Square Offices and Parking Structure and Jannes Library at KCAI are completed.

Elements is hired to provide standards for sustainable building to the City of Seattle.

Elements is hired as the sustainable design consultant on the Heifer International Headquarters project in Little Rock, AR.

The BNIM/360 joint venture begins work on the design of the IRS Services Kansas City Campus. The project will be owned by DST, but leased back to the GSA over a long term.

2003: BNIM Houston office opens in May and staffs 3 individuals by the end of the year in order to support the projects that are ongoing.

BNIM undertakes a strategic planning process called BNIM 2020 that redefines and recommits the firm’s dedication to deep design and deep sustainability.

2004: BNIM completes two significant higher education facilities: the School of Nursing and Student Community Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri – Columbia.

An award-winning year for BNIM, including 13 Honor and Design Excellence awards by five different AIA Chapters as

well as the 2004 Sustainable Leadership Award for Design and Development from CoreNet Global, American Institute of Architects and International Interior Design Association, in recognition of BNIM’s enduring commitment to the issues of sustainability and leading change in the industry.

BNIM announces its first LEED project, The Whittaker Office Building in Savannah, GA.

Continuing the advocacy he has adopted throughout his life, Tom gets involved with Scenic Missouri.

BNIM celebrates 35 years!

Noisette Community Redevelopment Plan is recognized with an Honor Award from the National ASLA – the most prestigious award that the organization bestows.

A BNIM satellite office in Los Angeles is established.

The firm wins 6 of 10 awards by AIA Kansas in the 2005 awards program.

Ford Learning Center at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is completed.

The Lewis & Clark State Office Building is completed and submits for LEED certification – it will go on to receive a Platinum Certification from the USGBC.

2006: Camp Wood is complete.

Tom serves as Director for National AIA Board.

The Lewis & Clark State Office Building is certified LEED Platinum by the USGBC, the first State office building of its size to achieve this.

The School of Nursing and Student Community Center is recognized as an AIA COTE Top Ten Green Project.

With a goal to become carbon neutral, BNIM donates to the Climate Trust to offset the firm’s environmental impact.

The firm and its projects receive 25 awards from various local, regional and national organizations, including Firm of the Year by the AIA Kansas City Chapter.

BNIM Associate Principal Greg Sheldon is named Architect of the Year by the AIA Kansas City Chapter.

BNIM completes several significant projects locally and nationally: IRS Kansas City Campus, Merriam Visitor’s Center, Heifer International Headquarters, the Freight House Pedestrian Bridge and the Ronald McDonald House at Longfellow Park.

BNIM continues to gain regional and national media exposure through featured coverage in Metropolis, Architecture, Contract, Environmental Design + Construction, GreenSource, Interiors & Sources, Texas Architect and Landscape Architecture, among others.

To assist with the New Orleans rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina, the firm made significant financial contributions to the Tulane School of Architecture’s URBANbuild Program as well as to the UMKC Department of Architecture, Urban Planning and Design. BNIM was also selected by the New Orleans Community Support Foundation to serve on one of 15 neighborhood planning teams for the New Orleans rebuilding efforts.

2007: BNIM Des Moines offices opens under the direction of Rod Kruse, FAIA.

The Heifer International Headquarters, for which BNIM served as the Sustainable Design Consultant, is recognized as a Top Ten Green Project from the National AIA.

The long-awaited Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s Bloch Building opens to the public and to a national spotlight.

The firm completes several other notable projects: the Fort Osage Educational Center; Bartle Hall Ballroom Expansion; and Applebee’s Restaurant Support Center.

Ford Learning Center at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art wins an Honor Award from AIA Kansas.

The firm gets involved in the sustainable rebuilding of Greensburg, KS through design, planning and consulting projects. The town was nearly destroyed by a Tornado in May 2007, but its citizens band together with a vision for a vital urban America.

2008 : Casey Cassias is elevated to Fellow in the American Institute of Architects.

BNIM is awarded the 25-year Building Retrospective Award from the AIA Kansas City Chapter for the MAST Office Building, Overland Park KS, completed in 1984, which features early, pioneering sustainable innovations.

BNIM is profiled in a 13-part series entitled “Greensburg” on the Discovery Channel’s Planet Green network, which follows the sustainable rebuilding of Greensburg, Kansas.

The firm’s work is published in several trade journals including Architectural Record, Building Design & Construction, Contract Magazine, Design Cost Data, Environmental Design & Construction, Greenability, House & Home, Landscape Architect, Architect and Metal Architecture.

The firm partners with Climate Trust to Purchase greenhouse gas offsets to reduce firm’s carbon footprint for the third consecutive year.

Awarded a research grant from the USGBC for a study focused on Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs).

BNIM, with Atlanta-based partners EDAW, Praxis and Metcalf & Eddy, wins The History Channel’s “Cities of the Underworld” national competition.

Greensburg Sustainable Comprehensive Plan is awarded the prestigious Sustainable Cities Awards - an international award sponsored by Financial Times and The Urban Land Institute – and the Daniel Burnham Award.

Greensburg, Kansas is featured in the National Building Museum’s current exhibit, “Green Community.”

Omega Center for Sustainable Living wins the first ever “Living Building Competition.”

BNIM establishes a satellite office in San Diego.

BNIM becomes a founding Partner in the Climate Protection Partnership

in Kansas City, MO, which provides eco-friendly counsel and recommendation to the Partnership’s 130 members including energy assessments, carbon footprint calculations and recommendations for possible reductions.

BNIM begins working with Princeton University on the new Creative Arts and Performing Center (designed by Steven Holl Architects).

BNIM’s team is selected to develop a Campus Master Plan for Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO.

BNIM begins work on the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia; the project has the goal of becoming the most sustainable teaching and research laboratory in the world.

IRS Kansas City Campus wins an AIA COTE Top Ten Green Projects Award.

City Union Mission is completed.

City Union Mission and Freight House Pedestrian Bridge win AIA Central States Awards for Design Excellence.

2009: The School of Nursing and Student Community Center receives LEED Gold rating.

Bartle Hall Ballroom Expansion receives a LEED Silver rating. (an HNTB/BNIM project)

BNIM is awarded the Tallgrass Prairie Visitor Center project.

Applebee’s Restaurant Support Center receives a LEED Silver rating.

Tom completes his 3 year term on the National AIA Board as a Director from the AIA Central States Region.

Tom serves as President of the Kansas City Architectural Foundation.

BNIM celebrates Tom Nelson’s distinguished career.

The home of BNIM throughout the years: (1) Petticoat Lane, (2) New England Life Building (3) 12 Wyandotte Plaza, (4) One Kansas City Place, (5) Kansas City Power & Light Building,

03. The Complete Architect: Project Collection

“Tom’s impact on our City is remarkable, not only in tangible results (the buildings and spaces he has authored) but equally so for his leadership, mentorship and advocacy on behalf of all things civic. He has been a passionate advocate of the urban fabric as well as an avowed conservationist.”

- Casey Cassias, colleague and friend

Anderson Park Grandview, MO

Milwaukee Lakefront Competition

St. Louis Post Office Renovation

St. Louis, MO

Harry S Truman State Office Building Jefferson City, MO

High Street Profile

Broadway Street Profile

“

What

makes this

building so special- the jurors of the award program called it “far away the best of the office buildings”- is a number of factors, including a love of materials, simplicity of plan and a respect for the existing environment.”

- Cyd Millstein, consultant

Taken from the Kansas City Business Journal Week of July 8, 1985

1220 Washington (Zimmer Companies) Kansas City, MO

12 Wyandotte Kansas City, MO

One Kansas City Place Kansas City, MO

“ Tom listens to his clients – a rare trait! ”

- Larry Bridges, client

“ He listens and respects all opinions but is persuasive in articulating his views.”

- Bob Graham, client

Bartle Hall Conference Center Kansas City, MO

“ I continue to receive rave reviews on the Conference Center with remarks on the grace, style and function of the building. I feel particularly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work so closely with you and Bob James, without whom this project would not have been so successful.”

- Tom Bean, client

Donald W. Reynolds Alumni Center Columbia, MO

Tom has always been completely honest – about architecture, politics or any other topic and will always tell you what he really thinks. Rare and valuable.

- Vicki Noteis, colleague and client

Forging Our Comprehensive Urban Strategy (FOCUS) Plan Kansas City, MO

Poindexter and Gatlin Office Building and Garage

Kansas City, MO

Wilson Residence Platte County, MO

Kansas City, MO

Riverfront Park Master Plan

Town of Kansas Bridge Kansas City, MO

Cathedral Square

Kansas City Southern Headquarters

Kansas City, MO

University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MO

Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center

Ford Learning Center

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Kansas City, MO

Adelaide Ward Cobb Sculpture Hall Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Kansas City, MO

Missouri Kansas City, MO

Scenic

Legend

01. Autos only parkway section

02. Wetlands conservation area 03. Rest area

04. Prairie restoration 05. Farmland 06. Public recreation area 07. Historic site

08. Craft shops + restaurant 09. Autos only parkway section

Prairie grasses + wildflowers

Farmland

Truck lands

Service area

Truck lanes

Camp Wood

Elmdale, KS

“Tom’s ability is to see things in a new entrenched institutions to think creatively leadership and vision, we have hope to respect the splendid beauty of Missouri

new way and to challenge creatively is inspirational. With his hope that our highways will come

Missouri landscape.”

- John Regenbogen, fellow activist

04. The Big Breakthroughs: Recognition

“ He epitomizes BNIM’s design efforts and approach. For me, Tom is the consummate architect; one who is equally interested in the idea as he is in the execution and delivery. Every aspect of the design and construction effort is important to Tom. He cares about the rigor of the design and the craft of the execution. Much of BNIM’s growth and success can be attributed to Tom. His steady hand was essential to the firm’s growth and stability.”

Casey Cassias, colleague and friend

2009

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Bloch Building Frontiers of Knowledge Award for the Arts, Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentiaria (BBVA)

2008

Greensburg Comprehensive Master Plan International ULI Award from Urban Land Institute

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Bloch Building (Steven Holl Architects - Design Architect) Honor Award, Architecture, AIA National

Heifer International World Headquarters (Sustainable Consultant to Polk Stanley Yeary Architects) Honor Award, Architecture, AIA National

Internal Revenue Service Kansas City Campus (BNIM/360)

AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects Award | Honorable Mention

“City of the Future” Design Competition

National Champion (sponsored by The History Channel)

Applebee’s Restaurant Support Center Capstone Award for Green Design

2007

Camp Naish (Boy Scouts of America) Award for Excellence, AIA Central States

City of Riverside Comprehensive Master Plan

Capstone Award, Master Planned Community Category, Kansas City Business Journal

Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building Design Award, Smooth Metal Walls, Metal Architecture

Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building Merit Award, Architecture, AIA Kansas

Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building Honor Award, Architecture, AIA Houston

Ford Learning Center at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Citation Award, Interiors, AIA Kansas

Freight House Pedestrian Bridge (BNIM/ 360) Honor Award, Architecture, AIA Kansas

GSA Bannister Atrium and Federal Supply Services Offices Honor Award, Interiors, AIA Kansas

Heifer International World Headquarters (Sustainable Consultant to Polk Stanley Yeary Architects) AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects Award

Heifer International World Headquarters (Sustainable Consultant to Polk Stanley Yeary Architects) Design Award, Ribbed Metal Walls, Metal Architecture

Internal Revenue Service Kansas City Campus (BNIM/360)

Merit Award, Architecture, AIA Kansas

Internal Revenue Service Kansas City Campus (BNIM/360)

Cornerstone Award, Kansas City Economic Development Corporation

Internal Revenue Service Kansas City Campus (BNIM/360)

Capstone Award, Community Impact Category, Kansas City Business Journal

Lewis and Clark State Office Building

Ranked no. 4 among 15 international green buildings, www.Grist.org

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Bloch Building (Steven Holl Architects - Design Architect) Award for Excellence, AIA Central States

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Bloch Building (Steven Holl Architects - Design Architect) Honor Award, Architecture, AIA Kansas

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Bloch Building (Steven Holl Architects - Design Architect) Community Treasure Award, Community Christian Church

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Bloch Building (Steven Holl Architects - Design Architect) Honor Award, AIA Kansas City

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Bloch Building (Steven Holl Architects - Design Architect) Honor Award, Allied Arts and Craftsmanship Awards, AIA Kansas City Board Formed Concrete Glass

Handrails

Plaster

Visitors Desk & Coat Check

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Adelaide Cobb Ward Sculpture Hall Citation Award, Renovation, AIA Kansas

Omega Center for Sustainable Living On the Boards Award, Living Building Competition, USGBC & Cascadia Region Green Building Council

Ronald McDonald House at Longfellow Park Citation Award, Architecture, AIA Kansas

Ronald McDonald House at Longfellow Park Cornerstone Award, Kansas City Economic Development Corporation

School of Nursing and Student Community Center (Designed in collaboration with Lake/Flato)

Texas Environmental Excellence Award finalist, small business category, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Fort Osage Education Center Excellence in Concrete Award, Sustainable-Green Division, Concrete Promotional Group

2006

909 Walnut

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Bannister Federal Complex Atrium Honor Award, Interior Design, General Services Administration Design Awards

BNIM Firm of the Year, AIA Kansas City Board Awards

BNIM Green Building Leadership Award, Autodesk, Inc.

Camp Naish (Boy Scouts of America) Honor Award, AIA Kansas City

City of Riverside Comprehensive Master Plan Outstanding Plan of the Year, American Planning Association Missouri Chapter

Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building Merit Award, AIA Kansas City

Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building Best of Higher Education Award, Texas Construction Magazine

Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building Merit Award, Architecture, AIA Central States Region

Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building Honor Award, Texas Society of Architects Design Awards

GSA Bannister Atrium and Federal Supply Services Offices Honor Award, AIA Kansas City

GSA Bannister Atrium and Federal Supply Services Offices Illumination Design Award, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Heartland Region

Internal Revenue Service Kansas City Campus (BNIM/360) Citation Award, Lease Construction, General Services Administration Design Awards

Internal Revenue Service Kansas City Campus (BNIM/360) Citation Award, AIA Kansas City

Lewis and Clark State Office Building Committee on the Environment Award, AIA Kansas City

Lewis and Clark State Office Building Excellence in Architecture Award, AIA Kansas

Lewis and Clark State Office Building

Environmental Design + Construction Excellence in Design Award, Government Category

Lewis and Clark State Office Building Building Design & Construction Building Team of the Year, Gold Award

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Adelaide Cobb Ward Sculpture Hall Honor Award, AIA Kansas City

Parc V Condo

Honorable Mention, Outstanding Environmental Building, USGBC Greater Houston Area Chapter

Plaza Colonnade Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Point Pavilion at Riverfront Park, North Charleston, SC

International Illuminations Design Awards, Capital Section Award, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

Riverfront Park in North Charleston, SC

International Illuminations Design Awards, Capital Section Award, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

Ronald McDonald House at Longfellow Park Citation Award, AIA Kansas City

School of Nursing and Student Community Center (Designed in collaboration with Lake/Flato) Region IV Energy Project of the Year, Association of Energy Engineers

School of Nursing and Student Community Center (Designed in collaboration with Lake/Flato) Honor Award, Texas Society of Architects Design Awards

School of Nursing and Student Community Center (Designed in collaboration with Lake/Flato)

AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects Award

2005

Camp Naish (Boy Scouts of America) Honor Award, Excellence in Architecture, AIA Kansas

Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center (Design Architect Anshen + Allen) University of Missouri – Columbia Design Award, AIA Mid-Missouri

Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center (Design Architect Anshen + Allen) University of Missouri Honor Award, Excellence in Architecture, AIA Kansas

Kansas City Downtown Library Parking Garage (BNIM/360)

International Parking Institute Award

Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building Merit Award, Unbuilt, AIA Houston Design Award

Jackson County Courthouse

Decorative Commercial Award, Concrete Promotional Group, Excellence in Concrete Awards

Johnson County Sunset Office Building Honor Award, Unbuilt, AIA Kansas

Kansas City Downtown Library Parking Garage (BNIM/360)

Bronze Award in Environments, Industrial Design Excellence Awards, (IDSA) Industrial Designers Society of America

Kansas City Downtown Library Parking Garage (BNIM/360) Book Bindings Merit Award, SEGD (Society for Environmental Graphic Designers) Design Awards

Kansas City Downtown Library Parking Garage (BNIM/360)

PCI (Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute) Design Award, Building category, Best Parking Structure

Nelson-Atkins Reflecting Pool and Sculpture –“One Sun/34 Moons” Honor Award, AIA Kansas City Allied Arts and Craftsmanship Awards

Walter De Maria - Artist | Steven Holl ArchitectsDesign Architect

Noisette Community Master Plan Award of Excellence, American Society of Landscape Architecture

Noisette Community Master Plan

American Society of Landscape Architecture Award, Prairie Gateway Chapter

Partnership Award – Midsize Category for Firm

Kansas City Business Committee for the Arts

Plaza Colonnade & Plaza Library

Merit Award, Excellence in Architecture, AIA Kansas

Plaza Colonnade Lobby Sculpture Wall

Merit Award, AIA Kansas City Allied Arts and Craftsmanship Awards

Point Pavilion at North Charleston, SC

Merit Award, AIA Young Architects’ Forum, Monsters of Design Award

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Discovery Center

Merit Award, Unbuilt, AIA Kansas

Ronald McDonald House at Longfellow Park

Merit Award, Unbuilt, AIA Kansas

School of Nursing and Student Community Center (Designed in collaboration with Lake/Flato)

Recognized Value Award, DesignShare International Award for Innovative Schools

School of Nursing and Student Community Center (Designed in collaboration with Lake/Flato)

Honor Award, Architecture, AIA Houston Design Award

School of Nursing and Student Community Center (Designed in collaboration with Lake/Flato)

Honor Award, Sustainable Architecture, AIA Houston Design Award

2004

Board of Public Utilities (BNIM/360)

Merit Award, AIA Kansas City Design Award

Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building

Unbuilt Award, AIA Kansas Design Award for Excellence in Architecture

Implement; Seattle’s Sustainable Building Tool

AIA Kansas City COTE

Honor Award for excellence in Sustainable Research

Missouri Department of Conservation Discovery Center

AIA Kansas City COTE

Honor Award for excellence in Sustainable Design for Sustainable Landscape

Missouri Department of Conservation Discovery Center

Citation, DesignShare International Award for Innovative Schools

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Garage International Parking Institute, Honorable Mention

Paragraph Gallery

Merit Award, AIA Kansas City Design Award

Parc V Condo Merit Award, AIA Houston Design Award

Richard Bolling Federal Building “First Impressions” Citation, General Services Administration Design Award

Richard Bolling Federal Building Honor Award, ASLA Prairie Gateway Chapter Design

Richard Bolling Federal Building Honor Award, AIA Kansas City Design Award

Richard Bolling Federal Building Merit Award, AIA Central States

School of Nursing and Student Community Center Honor Award, AIA San Antonio Design Award

School of Nursing and Student Community Center Merit Award, AIA Central States

School of Nursing and Student Community Center Honor Award, AIA Kansas Design Award

School of Nursing and Student Community Center Honor Award, AIA Kansas City Design Award for Excellence in Architecture

School of Nursing and Student Community Center AIA Kansas City COTE Honor Award for excellence in Sustainable Design

Sustainable Design Leadership Award For Firm CoreNet Global, AIA COTE & IIDA

Town of Kansas Pedestrian Bridge Finalist honors, Project of the Year, Associated General Contractors of America

2003

Amtrak Arcade at Union Station

American Public Works Historical Preservation and Adaptive Re-use Award

Bloch Fountain Honor Award, ASLA Prairie Gateway Chapter Design Board of Public Utilities Merit Award, AIA Central States

Board of Public Utilities Electric League Lighting Award

Board of Public Utilities Merit Award, AIA Kansas Design Award

Board of Public Utilities Graphics Wall AIA Young Architects Forum, Monsters of Design Award

Cathedral Square Merit Award, ASLA Prairie Gateway Chapter Design

Fort Osage Education Center

Merit Award, Unbuilt, AIA Kansas Design

Fort Osage Education Center

AIA Young Architects Forum, Monsters of Design Award

Jannes Library and Learning Center

Historic Kansas City Foundation Award for Rehabilitation

Kansas City Southern Headquarters

Kansas City AIA Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award

Richard Bolling Federal Building- First Impressions

Special Award: Retaining the Urban Fabric, Kansas City AIA Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award

Richard Bolling Federal Building- First Impressions Honor Award, AIA Kansas Design Award

Richard Bolling Federal Building- First Impressions Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute- Merit Award

Union Station National Trust for Historic Preservation Award

2002

BNIM Offices

IIDA – International Illumination Design Awards –Heart of America Section

Jannes Library & Learning Center Merit Award, Kansas City AIA Design Award

Union Station Inc. Offices Merit Award, Kansas City AIA

Union Station Offices

IIDA – International Illumination Design Awards –Heart of America Section

2001

“The Little City that Could” by the FOCUS Transit Team SMPS-Society for Marketing Professional Services Awards

710 Central Building

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

BNIM Offices at the Power & Light Building Merit Award, Kansas City AIA Allied Arts & Craftsmanship

BNIM Offices Special Events (Graphics), Move announcement SMPS-Society for Marketing Professional Services Awards

J.E. Dunn Construction Office Expansion

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Poindexter Building and Garage

Preservation Award, Historic Kansas City Foundation

The Packard Sustainability Report and Matrix

2001 AIA Central States Region – Applied Architectural Research

The Packard Sustainability Report and Matrix

2001 Consulting Engineers of British Columbia – Award for Excellence

ULI-Urban Land Institute Awards For Excellence, Special: Dewees Island, Isle of Palms,South Carolina, 2001

2000

2301 McGee Office Building & Exhibit Hall

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Asia Exhibit/Kansas City Zoological Gardens

Kansas City AIA Design Award – Unbuilt Category

H&R Block Service Center

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Historical Restoration/Preservation - Union Station APWA KC Metro Chapter Public Works Project of the Year

Kansas City Art Institute H&R Block ArtSpace Honor Award, AIA Central States Region

Kansas City Art Institute H&R Block ArtSpace Kansas City AIA Design Award

Kansas City Art Institute Jannes Library & Learning Center Honor Award, Kansas City AIA Design Award – Unbuilt Category

Poindexter Building and Garage Special Commendation, Kansas City AIA Design Award

Poindexter Office Building and Poindexter Garage

Kansas City Municipal Art Commission Urban Design Award

Reconstruction Project of the Year- Union Station Building Design & Construction Magazine Grand Award

Science City at Union Station Special Commendation, Kansas City AIA Design Award

Science City at Union Station

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

State Street Tower II

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Tower Garage

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

1999

Children’s Center Campus

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Creative Candles

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Earthworks

AIA Exemplary Learning Environment Merit Award

FOCUS (Forging Our Comprehensive Urban Strategy) American Planning Association’s Plan of the Year

Johnson County Courthouse Renovation

Associated General Contractors of America Special Recognition

Kansas City Art Institute H&R Block ArtSpace

Main Street Corridor Development Association (MainCor) MainStay Award

Poindexter Garage

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

William R. Deramus Education Pavilion AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects Award

1998

Bartle Hall Conference Center

Kansas City AIA Design Award

GEHA Office Building Kansas/Missouri Electric League Lighting Award

H&R Block World Headquarters Merit, Kansas City AIA Design Award

IFTC Headquarters

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Jannes Library and Learning Center Merit Award, AIA Young Architects Forum, Monsters of Design Award

Marriott/Muehlebach Hotel

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Platte County Residence

Kansas City AIA Design Award

William R. Deramus Education Pavilion Honor Award, AIA Central States Region

1997

333 W. 11th Street, Kansas City, Missouri Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Design Award

Africa Exhibit - Kansas City Zoo ASLA-American Society of Landscape Architects

Block 89 Office Building and Garage

Kansas City Municipal Art Commission Urban Design Award of Excellence

H&R Block World Headquarters

Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Design Award

Poindexter Office Building

Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Design Award

Poindexter Office Building

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

William R. Deramus Education Pavilion

Kansas City AIA Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award

William R. Deramus Education Pavilion

Kansas City Municipal Art Commission Urban Design Award of Excellence

1996

333 W. 11th Street, Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Bartle Hall Conference Center

APWA Kansas City Publics Works Project of the Year

Bartle Hall Conference Center

Architectural Precast Association Design Award

Bishop Spencer Place

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Citicorp Credit Services Campus

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

EarthWorks Kansas/Missouri Electric League Lighting Award

EarthWorks Merit, Kansas City AIA Design Award

Gateway 2000 Kansas City Campus

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

H&R Block World Headquarters Merit, Central States Region AIA Design Award

H&R Block World Headquarters

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

J.E. Dunn Corporate Headquarters

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Light Rail Transit Development

APA-American Planning Association – Missouri Chapter

Marriott/Muehlebach Hotel

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

William R. Deramus Education Pavilion

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

1995

African Plains Exhibit - Kansas City Zoo

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Bartle Conference Center

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Bartle Sculptures

Kansas City AIA Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award

Gateway 2000

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

1994

Australian Exhibit - Kansas City Zoo

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

Citicorp Credit Services

Kansas City Economic Development Corporation Cornerstone Award

1993

“Bull Mountain” City of Kansas City, Missouri Urban Design Award

“Triple Crown”

City of Kansas City, Missouri Urban Design Award

Australian Aboriginal Mural

Kansas City AIA Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award

Reverend Williams Memorial

City of Kansas City, Missouri Urban Design Award

1992

Stinson, Mag & Fizzell Law Offices

IESNA - International Illumination Design Award

1991

“Triple Crown” at Southpark Crown Center

Kansas City AIA Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award

Dodson Residence

Kansas City AIA Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award

1990

Ronald McDonald House

Citation, Kansas City AIA Design Award

1989 1220 Washington Building

Central States Region AIA Design Award

1988 D.W. Newcomer’s Sons

Historic Kansas City Foundation/ Preservation Award

One Kansas City Place

Economic Development of Kansas City/ Cornerstone Award

Ten Central Car Park

Kansas City AIA Design Award

1987

Midland Theater Marquee

Kansas City AIA Allied Arts & Craftsmanship Award

Ten Central Car Park

Central States Region AIA Design Award

Ten Central Car Park

Kansas City AIA Craftsmanship Award for Precast Concrete

Ten Central Car Park

Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute

Design Award

1986

1220 Washington Building

Kansas City Municipal Art Commission Urban Design Award

Federal Reserve Bank

Historic Kansas City Foundation Adaptive Reuse (Commercial)

Federal Reserve Bank Restoration

Kansas City AIA Design Award

Holy Land Christian Mission

Electrical Association Lighting Award

Hyde Park Townhomes

Kansas City Municipal Art Commission Urban Design Award

Kansas City Merchandise Mart

Electrical Association Lighting Award

Twelve Wyandotte Plaza

Electrical Association Lighting Award

1985

Federal Reserve Bank

Kansas City AIA Craftsmanship Award -Painting

Kansas City AIA Craftsmanship Award- Plaster

Federal

Central States Region AIA Design Award

ARCO Headquarters

Chapter AIA Building of the

05. The End of the Beginning: BNIM Legacy

“ The most important contribution I have made to BNIM was inviting Tom to abandon his long range life plan and invest his wisdom, design skills, integrity and leadership in this firm and community. His design leadership, the training and mentoring of our employees (including me), his leadership in our community, and his leadership within the firm at critical times were significant contributions to making the firm what it is today.” - Bob Berkebile, colleague and friend

“If one looks at the number of young architects who have launched their careers thanks to Tom’s mentoring and stimulation, I cannot help but recognize how much that legacy of bright, enterprising minds will mean not only to Kansas City but to Tom’s commitment to the discipline of architecture as the mother of all arts.”

Marc Wilson, client

Top Left & Top Right: President Hotel

Bottom: Lawrence & Kristina Dodge Painting Building at the Kansas City Art Institute

GASTINGER, WALKER, HARDEN

Comments by Kirk Gastinger + Wade Walker

1. What are three to five words that you would use to describe Tom?

His brilliant buildings across this region, his innumerable hours at the City Planning Commission, his leadership on FOCUS Comprehensive Plan for Kansas City and in so many other civic endeavors that have improved the visual and experiential quality of our lives in Kansas City.

Platinum rule....treat others even better than you expect to be treated.

2. Tom’s contributions to our communities, whether that be the City of Kansas City, MO, or elsewhere.

I came to Kivett & Myers in 1965 and as part of Tom’s teams on Ravenwood Elementary School and Winnetonka High School I learned a great deal about design and design restraint.

I had interviewed with several firms in kansas city prior to graduation and got a call one evening from tom about going to work for PBNA. i accepted the job and if not, i would have never met kirk gastinger and steve rees.....and been able to start an architectural firm with them. we just celebrated our 28th anniversary as gastinger walker harden architects. i think our firm was the first “grandchild” of kivett and myers?

3. Toms contributions to the architectural profession, or comments about your own personal growth if you worked with Tom.

The primary reason i went to the firm initially to look for an architectural job was the funny name and address. it was patty berkebile nelson love architects incorporated (all spelled out) located at 6 petticoat lane. i was working from a list of firm names from the phone book. i walked into the office and asked to speak to someone about a job. it was a few minutes before lunch. tom walked out and said he had maybe 10 minutes or so and that they were not hiring anyone at this time. i visited with him and left one and a half hours later. six months later i went to work for PBNA.

4. Funny, humorous moment or story that you would like to share:

As part of Bluff Associates, Tom, Berk, Fred Myers, Steve Abend and Tom Devine had great times together, realizing how our aspirations were tempered by the reality of the development process.

5. What in your opinion, what made Tom a special individual to know or work with?

Tom’s gentle spirit and his self-effacing way has always made his incredible talent that much more valuable. good sense of humor, his architectural talent made you want to work even harder to not disappoint him when working on his projects.

HELIX

Comments by Jay Tomlinson

1. What are three to five words that you would use to describe Tom?

humanitarian thoughtful Architect’s architect

2. Tom’s contributions to our communities, whether that be the City of Kansas City, MO, or elsewhere.

The green “necklace” around downtown KC that Tom was instrumen- tal in pulling off. Paying close attention to the details that make up the public realm, be it on the Bartle Conference Center, Deramus Pavilion, Broadway Square or Reynolds Center at MU.

3. Toms contributions to the architectural profession, or comments about your own personal growth if you worked with Tom.

Contributions to the profession: making the art of hand drawing important to our profession; creating beautiful places that architects can be proud of; dedicating himself to the mentoring of younger architects in the various facets of the architecture profession that matter most.

4. What in your opinion, what made Tom a special individual to know or work with?

Whoa, I could write a book on this question. Beyond my answers to the questions above, what made Tom special is his willingness to work with me to make me a better person. It would have been much easier and less painful for him to simply humor my bad ideas or traits, but instead, he shared with me his thoughts, guidance and admonishments where he thought he could help. Sometimes it stung, but upon reflection I always knew he was working with me out of the best intentions. Now, as I have assumed the role with others that he held with me, his mentoring definitely guides me in my current role. Tom had the most affect on me of anyone that I have ever worked with, and that’s saying a lot because I have been fortunate to work with/for some amazing people.

Top: Midland Theatre

Bottom Left: Blossom

Bottom Right: Barkley Parking Garage

Top Left: Darnell Residence

Top Middle: TWA Building

Top Right: Hodgdon Powder Company

Bottom: 5 Delaware

EL DORADO

Comments by Dan Maginn

1. What are three to five words that you would use to describe Tom?

tom is a funny, talented, wise, throat-clearing, billboard-hating, hard-traveling, wine-loving, hemingway-looking architect’s architect.

2. Tom’s contributions to our communities, whether that be the City of Kansas City, MO, or elsewhere.

i don’t know too much about that... boy scouts? lots of aia board stuff on a national level. concerned with reducing billboards, which is great.

3. Toms contributions to the architectural profession, or comments about your own personal growth if you worked with Tom.

personal growth, hmmmm. tom was inspiring because he was very talented and very approachable at the same time. He was straightforward and would listen to other ideas than his own. More often than not, he was on the right track design wise, but would actively embrace other ideas if he liked them. we rigged the doors on his el dorado built-in office furniture to squeak, to slowly drive him mad... see #3--a very rare combination of talent, communication ability and approachability.

4. Funny, humorous moment or story that you would like to share:

5. What in your opinion, what made Tom a special individual to know or work with?

BNIM

Comments by Doug Stevens

1. What are three to five words that you would use to describe Tom?

Tom cares deeply about our built environment, downtown and greater communities.

2. Tom’s contributions to our communities, whether that be the City of Kansas City, MO, or elsewhere.

He’s been professionally committed to building and planning efforts that strengthen cities in general and particularly within the city of Kansas City, Missouri, including six years on the City Plan Commission, contributor to the FOCUS Kansas City Plan, west-side planning, south-central downtown planning, local efforts on Light Rail, diligent work on Missouri Billboard regulation and the I-70 / Lewis & Clark Highway plan. He’s a strong advocate for the profession, respected by his peers and is a valued mentor to many of us.

3. Toms contributions to the architectural profession, or comments about your own personal growth if you worked with Tom.

Tom strengthened my appreciation for the art of architecture and the importance of drawing. He has a wonderful way of communicating ideas in a sketch. His few, but telling strokes of a pen always seem to convey more than the actual line or shading. He generates ideas quickly in a “scribble” that is rich with value and meaning. His series of Milwaukee Lakefront Design Competition harbor view drawings are a great example of when his art can reveal so much.

Tom designs all projects with first a respect for the land, nature, context and appropriateness. His work shows his skills at solving function, incorporating daylight, understanding form, scale and proportion, and an attention to detail. He admires the unexpected shift or gesture and strongly believes in the importance of the “plan”. His best work always ties back to a well thought out and beautiful plan drawing.

5. What in your opinion, what made Tom a special individual to know or work with?

When you work with Tom, you feel as though you are part of something special, that “appropriateness” always comes first, and that there’s an increased sense of dignity in what we are charged with.

First Sketch: Haw Ranch

Second Sketch: Thompson Barn Design Competition

Third Sketch: Downtown Kansas City Skyline

Fourth Sketch: Kansas City Museum Study

Top Left: School of Nursing & Student Community Center

Top Right: Fayez S. Sarofim Research Building

Middle: IRS Kansas City Campus

Bottom Left: Bottom Middle: City Union Mission

BNIM

Letter by Steve McDowell

Dear Tom,

One of the most memorable moments for me occurred at the Pam Pam Room in the former Alameda Plaza Hotel. You invited me to join you and a young City Councilman. His name was Emanuel Cleaver. He was nervous and his eyes twitched as he continually scanned the room. Each of us seemed to express our own sense of discomfort. You because of the early hour—at least that was my interpretation, Councilman Cleaver who did not seem engaged in the proposition of the Architect and his intern, and I, in awe of my mentor and his seat at the power table of Kansas City and the fact that he had chosen me to join him for this important meeting. It meant more than you will ever know.

This was just the beginning of many important meetings and learning opportunities that you provided. You opened doors and provided on the job training that has continued through individuals and the firm today and will continue long into the future.

With every experience, I began to appreciate and understand that you were teaching me and many other protégés graduate courses in architecture, planning, urban design and civic engagement in the real word laboratory and studio of the City that you loved and shaped. You taught us how to make a difference through activism in the public realm and by stretching and shaping our clients’ goals to make the world a better place. This period of time shaped my career and future as an architect. It was more important than my experience in design school, and in many ways, allowed me to begin utilizing what I learned in school intellectually and to eventually develop philosophical beliefs about design and architecture.

Thank you for helping me be an architect.

Kansas City is Tom’s Town. You chose to make this your home, raise your family and the place to practice. In the process, you made Kansas City better more than any other architect.

BNIM is Tom’s Firm. You are the unsung hero who made the firm what it is. It would not have survived or prospered without your creativity, dedication, hard work and focus on being the whole architect. It would also not have been a legacy without your second coming of leadership and plan for the transition to others.

Tom’s legacy is only just beginning. The work in Texas, IRS, Camp Naish, City Union Mission, the Omega Institute, Ronald McDonald, and recently, the Odum Ecology School represent a body of work that is shaped by the design foundation that you created. The buildings embody order, purpose, hierarchy, culture, place and climate, and design integrity that I hope you believe is in the philosophical spirit of Tom Nelson.

You recently reminded me of something that I had almost forgotten. You were part of the movement to save the Tallgrass Prairie nearly forty years ago. You have always been and always will be an environmentalist. It has shown through in how you live and the buildings and landscapes you have designed with a balance of design excellence and environmental stewardship.

I hope you are happy with where we are and where we are going. Thank you for setting the direction and being confident that we were worthy to carry on the legacy. Thank you for staying close. Your presence has meant a lot to me and I know it has to the other principals and the rest of the staff.

Thank you very much and my very best regards, SM

06. The Epilogue

“ I hope you’ll continue to grace the BNIM halls as time goes by, because your presence is welcomed an needed. I still have much to learn from you.”

- David Immenschuh, colleague and protege

Tom’s Grandchildren

“ One thing Dad might be more humble about is what a good Grandad he is. He is really proud of Milo, Rose and Max. He takes them on fun adventures to see trains (small and big), museums, sculpture gardens, whale watching trips (awesome even if there are no whales), and takes them to Winstead’s. Milo says Grandad is, “interesting to talk to” and “nice” and Rosie says Grandad is “nice” and she really likes “how he takes us places”.

- Ashley Clayton, daughter

“It is pretty amazing thing to live in a city that your father helped shape. To know that years from now, my son’s children will be able to walk around downtown and see buildings that their great-grandfather designed.”

“I think it is important to note that even at the height of his civic involvement, we still managed to have dinner together as a family almost every night.”

- Lisa Pearson,

daughter

There are so many things, Tom, to thank you for, not the least of which have been the opportunity to become even closer to your lovely daughters (after being their favorite English teacher!) and their families and your exceptional capacity to have made my children feel so included in our family of six that they have always tangibly felt your caring concern for them. But given the focus of this event, I will concentrate on what it has been like to be married to Tom Nelson, the architect.

From our very first meeting (during which I confessed to you my ignorance concerning what exactly an architect does) to our most recent weeks and days together, I feel like I have been under a personal tutelage in the study of aesthetics. On every trip together, beginning with Italy in 1987, I have become increasingly more conscious of your appreciation of beauty and regard for proportion and your respect for the traditional and your embrace of the modern. My long-time friends have seen my tastes evolve from the more narrow confines I inherited from my French mother who always insisted on having a sense of “taste” to the expanding realm of what can truly constitute both the beautiful and the functional. I have enjoyed the process of learning from you, of asking you why you consider something noteworthy in its design, and trying – not always successfully – to predict whether or not you will give your stamp of approval to a new building or a recently restored space.

Nothing captures my regard for your professional expertise and your personal investment in beauty than our home on Morningside. We could never call our house a ‘museum,’ but it is, in fact, a lovely mélange of the personal and the aesthetic. I am always so proud to have anyone – stranger or friend – walk through our front door and delight in the tasteful ambiance of 116. I count myself lucky to have prevailed on convincing you to buy that house for our newly blended family, but, in the twenty years we have lived there, you have transformed it into a most remarkable space that speaks to your artistic sensibility and personal touch. Not that I haven’t seen you bend your ‘vision’ a bit: who would have thought that you, Tom Nelson, a devoté at the altar of Alvar Aalto, would have surrendered the walls in Scandinavian-tinted neutrals of even one room to the warm, rich colors of Provence?!? As the French would say, Il faut souffrir pour être belle.

I hope that this event is truly memorable for you as so many people this evening will be recognizing your special talents and gifts that have enriched their lives, private and public spaces, and, indeed, this city. Know that among that number are we who have lived under your roof and been fortunate to learn from you and share in the beauty and joy you have created for us.

- With all my love, Lorraine

“He captured the heart and will of professional risks and to invest in to make the most of my strengths. the environment – stop look see with whenever I am waiting for a bus, which

“That kind of spirit, whose rewards intellectual nimbleness and personal a young professional his most interesting

of my mom. He taught me to take myself. He also taught me how He also taught me how to enjoy with dog or without. I think of him which is every morning in NYC!”

- Rachel Sheehan, daughter

rewards include a kind of perpetual personal modesty, remain for me as interesting design and inspiring model.”

“ Mountains, forests, streams, fisherman, comrade ”

- Tom Devine, colleague and close friend

“ New vistas are now opening to you. The “Big R” is not at all daunting. Now there is time to fish more streams and lakes; to float more rivers; to visit more mountain villages in new places, to chase more trains; to sketch, to paint, to read and just to laze.”

- Bob James, colleague and close friend

“ It is a real treat to travel with an architect: unlike a layman, he sees and notes things not often obvious to the average person.”

- George Harnik, fellow traveler

“ While Tom has many recognized talents, perhaps his talent as a photographer has gone unsung. I have a photograph of Tom’s that I purchased at an art auction. It is one of my all time favorites. Tom, you may have another career ahead of you! ”

- Kathleen Collins, client

“ Kansas City owes Tom a standing ovation.”

- Bob Kipp, client

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Project Coordinator & Imagery Selections: Sue Malik

Creative: Sarah Beshears

Content: The Classic P’s, Maria Maffry & Erin Gehle

Editing: Ciara Reid & Keri Maginn

BOX :

Design: Sarah Beshears & Beena Ramaswami

Stainless Steel Work: Bill Zahner, A Zahner Company Wood Work: Craig Scranton

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying of microfilming, recording, or otherwise (except that copying permitted by Sections 107 and 108 of the U.S. Copyright Law and except by reviewers for the public press) without written permission from the publisher.

BNIM saved the following resources by using Endeavor Velvet, 100lb. Cover and 100lb Text, made with 50% recycled fiber, 25% post-consumer waste and processed acid free at 600 books per year 8.89 fully grown trees, 3,776 gallons of water, 25.67 lbs water-borne waste, 6,296,428 million BTUs of energy, 418 pounds of solid waste and 823 pounds of greenhouse gases.

Printed in the USA at Soli Printing.