Kansas City Design Week 2024 | Kansas City Design Week

About

SINCE 2010, KC DESIGN WEEK HAS INFORMED, CONNECTED, AND INSPIRED OUR COMMUNITY.

Thousands of designers, design students, and design-savvy people have experienced our thought-provoking and creativity-boosting programming. This collaborative experience offers opportunities to interact with all areas of design, including architecture, graphics, interiors, products, landscape architecture, planning, and urban environments.

Events

04
18
24

Create Now Kansas City

Dive into an evening of creativity with Adobe

04.18.24 | 5:30-8:00pm

1321 W 13th Street Kansas City, MO

FREE, Registration for this event is on the Adobe website.

Kick off KCDW in style with Adobe! Connect with other local creatives for a fun and inspiring evening while you discover new features and workflows in Adobe Creative Cloud design tools. Create Now is a space for you to connect with other local creators, explore collaborative opportunities, and get a first-hand look at new technologies as well as need-to-know tips for creative pros. You will be guided through the latest features in apps like Photoshop and Illustrator, all while showcasing the power of Adobe Firefly and the seamlessness of Adobe Express to perfect your creative process.

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04
19
24

The Intersection of Sustainability and Design

A Material Bank event

04.19.24 | 8:30-10:00am

300 W 22nd Street Kansas City, MO

FREE

Let’s talk about the successes and challenges faced when integrating climate considerations into construction projects of all sizes. This event starts with a presentation on embodied carbon 101 & interiors, then will move into a moderated discussion with a stellar panel of experts from top firms in the city who play various roles on project teams, all navigating through the intersection of sustainability & design.

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04
19
24

Signed, Sealed, Delivered!

Bringing the brand beyond the front door

04.19.24 | 11:30am-1:00pm

1801 McGee Street, Suite 100 Kansas City, MO

$18 + fees in advance | $25 at door

Join Nathaniel Cooper, Principal & Creative Director from Design Ranch, for a discussion on branded signage in spaces and how their design firm collaborates with interior and architecture teams to get the job done. Design Ranch specializes in cultivating relationships between brands and their customers across the entire brand experience. Nathaniel will show and share case studies such as 1400 Baltimore, Reverb, The Grand, Unforked and many more.

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04
19
24

Open Studio Night

Visit KC design studios

04.19.24 | 5:30-8:30pm

Multiple Locations Kansas City, MO

FREE

Join us on Friday, April 19, from 5:30–8:30pm and tour around several Kansas City Design firms that are opening their doors for the evening. This is your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the coolest creative studios in the Crossroads. Grab a friend and join the fun!

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04
19
24

MADE in Manhattan

Kansas State University IAID student showcase

04.19.24 | 5:30-8:30pm

1629 Walnut Street Kansas City, MO

FREE

MADE in Manhattan showcases outstanding, recent student work and initiatives in interior architecture, furniture design, and industrial design from the Department of Interior Architecture & Industrial Design at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. The exhibition is hosted at Helix Architecture + Design. The opening will serve as a forum to engage the Kansas City design industry, alumni, and the academy in dialogues about design across scales and disciplines.

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04
19
24

KU Student Showcase

KU School of Architecture & Design

04.19.24 | 5:30-8:30pm

103 W 19th Street, 2nd Floor Kansas City, MO

FREE

ArcD Presents will highlight recent student works in architecture, interior architecture, industrial design, photography, animation & illustration, and visual communication design from the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design. Stop by Mammoth in the Crossroads to enjoy an evening of design inspiration.

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04
20
24

Homes by Architects Tour

Designed by AIA Kansas City architects

04.20.24 | 1:00-4:00pm

Metro Area Kansas City, MO

$40 + fees in advance | $50 at door

Trolley Trail. Westside. Mission Hills. Prairie Village. Explore the Kansas City Metro like never before during KC Design Week’s Homes by Architects Tour. See four homes designed by local architects and learn about their unique details from the people that designed them.

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04
21
24

Create Your Own Reality

Mental health in the design field

04.21.24 | 10:00am - 12:00pm

4200 Pennsylvania Avenue Kansas City, MO

$12 + fees in advance | $15 at door

In the working environment where days are fast and the hours are long, the stress can be overwhelming. How do we find moments of peace or self soothing? During this 90-minute session, learn about training your mind and reframing your thinking to create a more grounded personal environment.

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04
21
24

Woven Together

Weaving 101 and community art project

04.21.24 | 12:30-3:00pm

2012 Baltimore Avenue Kansas City, MO

$55 + fees in advance | no tickets at door

Learn the basics of weaving at this "Woven Together Workshop" with local textile artist Debbie Barrett-Jones. Weave a Midwest-inspired piece on a frame loom, and contribute to a Community Landscape Art Project. Participants will receive a personal frame loom and yarn supplies to continue weaving beyond the workshop.

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04
22
24

(Re)Designing an Urban Neighborhood

Creating curb appeal in the Crossroads

04.22.24 | 8:30-10:30am

1801 McGee Street, Suite 100 Kansas City, MO

$12 + fees in advance | $15 at door

The term “curb appeal” is commonly used in residential design and it can become an influential factor when a property is on the market. The same applies to neighborhoods. As the urban core of Kansas City sees a resurgence in commercial and residential development, its neighborhoods need to appeal to business owners and potential buyers. Hear from Crossroads community leaders on how they are reimagining the Arts District through innovative design initiatives.

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04
22
24

Rural Revival by Design

Examining the success of Adrian, MO

04.22.24 | 11:30am-1:00pm

1801 McGee Street, Suite 100 Kansas City, MO

$18 + fees in advance | $25 at door

Why do some rural communities thrive while others dwindle and decay? Join us in exploring a case study of Adrian, MO. A town whose story will be dissected to understand how they leveraged urban planning, grant funding, placemaking, and designed spaces to cultivate value and growth in their rural community.

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04
23
24

Rieger’s Resurgence

From Prohibition to prosperity

04.23.24 | 5:00-7:00pm

2700 Guinotte Avenue Kansas City, MO

$30 + fees in advance | no tickets at door

Celebrate Kansas City's triumphs and resurgence as we breathe new life into the J. Rieger whiskey brand, transforming a once-forgotten East Bottoms into the trendiest spot in town. From surviving prohibition to paying homage to the amusement park that inspired Walt Disney, the brand's rich history unfolds. Join us for an immersive tour, an extra special presentation, and an optional whiskey tasting at the J. Rieger distillery, where the legacy of neighborhood revival intertwines with the brand's pivotal role in this exhilarating comeback.

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04
23
24

Coffee Talk: Building an Inclusive Workspace

Work visas and different paths to citizenship

04.23.24 | 5:30-7:30pm

3612 Karnes Boulevard Kansas City, MO

FREE

Employment sponsorship for international professionals may be a complex process, but that does not mean it has to be overwhelming. Join us for an important panel discussion with professionals from the AEC industry that have either previously gone through the process of obtaining a work visa to practice in the United States – or are in the process right now. We will then break out into small groups to facilitate open and honest conversations about the work visa and citizenship processes.

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04
23
24

Multivalence

KC as a hub for UX innovation

04.23.24 | 5:30-7:30pm

5109 Cherry Street Kansas City, MO

FREE

Four short presentations will be followed by a lively moderated discussion with leaders in the user experience design community. This event is aimed at Designers, User Experience and User Interface designers, creative directors, web designers, and futurists.

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04
24
24

SubTropolis Unearthed

A journey below the surface

04.24.24 | 8:00-10:00am

8300 NE Underground Drive Kansas City, MO

$25 + fees in advance | no tickets at door

Embark on a guided exploration of SubTropolis, Kansas City's underground city, led by Hunt Midwest. Delve into the rich history of limestone mines repurposed into an innovative subterranean community. We will gain valuable architectural and construction insights while we tour and visit with tenants to understand how they use their underground space. Immerse yourself in an expertly curated journey beneath the earth's surface for an enlightening and insightful experience.

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04
24
24

The Art of Color

Benjamin Moore’s powerful palettes & visionary design

04.24.24 | 8:30 - 10:00am

1801 McGee Street, Suite 100 Kansas City, MO

$12 + fees in advance | $15 at door

Join Benjamin Moore for an engaging conversation with Kansas City’s top interior designers Will Brown, Lisa Schmitz, and Maureen Lindstrom to discuss the transformative power of color in designing projects with impactful palettes through expert use of paint, textiles, furnishings, and decorative elements.

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04
24
24

The A.I. Asset

Creator as curator

04.24.24 | 11:30am-1:00pm

4801 Main Street Kansas City, MO

$18 + fees in advance | $25 at door

Welcome to "The A.I. Asset: Creator as Curator," an event exploring the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the creative realm. Join speakers David Maples, Virginia Huling & Eddy Tavio and moderator, Adrienne Maples, as they demystify AI, emphasizing its role as a tool, address ethical considerations, and navigate the changing landscape. Join the dynamic Kansas City design community, where we leverage the impact of AI, break free from repetitive tasks and showcase successful implementations in the creative workflow. Don't miss this insightful journey into the harmonious collaboration between human creativity and artificial intelligence.

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04
24
24

Alexandra Lange

Getting creative at the mall

04.24.24 | 5:30-7:30pm

1801 McGee Street, Suite 100 Kansas City, MO

$22 + fees in advance | $30 at door

Since their invention in the 1950s, malls have loomed large as temples of commerce, the agora of the suburbs. Yet today, amid the aftershocks of financial crises and a global pandemic, as well as the rise of online retail, the dystopian husk of an abandoned shopping center has become one of the era’s defining images. Alexandra Lange reveals how the design of malls played an integral role in their cultural ascent, and how essential they have been to creating space for community in the suburbs.

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04
25
24

Doing What We Say and What We Do

A branding agency's journey to rebrand itself

04.25.24 | 8:30-10:00am

1817 Grand Boulevard Kansas City, MO

FREE

During this event, Reactor Design will discuss why they chose to rebrand themselves and the steps it took to get there, along with a general discussion about the pivotal role branding plays in shaping the destiny of a business.

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04
25
24

Super Abundant Neighborhoods

Regeneration on Kansas City’s Eastside

04.25.24 | 11:30am-1:00pm

2000 Vine Street Kansas City, MO

$18 + fees in advance | $25 at door

What if the future of affordable housing were underneath your feet or in your waste bin? Join members of Kansas City’s architecture, engineering, and construction industry to learn about new sustainable construction methods and materials being invented and utilized in cutting-edge developments across Kansas City. Attendees will also learn how design leaders can equitably re-imagine the design/build process to benefit overlooked communities, which are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change but also represent some of the best opportunities for our nation to meet its climate goals.

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04
25
24

D7 Summit Panel Discussion

A historic gathering in Kansas City

04.25.24 | 5:30-7:00pm

4600 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO

$22 + fees in advance | $30 at door

This historic gathering convenes leaders from seven leading national design associations for a pivotal panel discussion, orchestrated to foster collaborative solutions amid shared challenges. This first-of-its-kind panel discussion will be a dialogue aimed at building relationships and galvanizing collective action. Attendees will have a rare opportunity to glean insights directly from these influential leaders. Guiding the discourse with finesse, design critic Anne Quito ensures a dynamic exchange, igniting optimism for a future where the design community speaks with one resounding voice.

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04
26
24

Design for Good

The synergy of design and wellness

04.26.24 | 8:30-10:00am

3000 Troost Avenue Kansas City, MO

$12 + fees in advance | $15 at door

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion with Chris Goode, Lance Flores, and Phil "Sike Style" Shafer, exploring the intersection of design and wellness, with a focus on empowering underserved communities. Chris Goode, a Kansas City-based entrepreneur, uses healthy habits to enrich lives at Ruby Jean's Juicery, where design fosters positive change through vibrant murals and architectural innovation and of course, healthy food. In today's world, nurturing environments are vital, yet many communities face barriers. Our panelists will discuss how design can enhance wellness and address the unique needs of underserved communities.

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04
26
24

Collaboration and Community

MADE MOBB + UMKC

04.26.24 | 11:30am-1:00pm

221 Southwest Boulevard Kansas City, MO

$18 + fees in advance | $25 at door

Embark on a creative journey around collaboration as we unveil the design DNA behind Roos Mobb — a community collaboration with the designers of a Kansas City streetwear brand, MADE MOBB, and Kansas City’s top university, UMKC.

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04
26
24

Cancelled for Weather: Pedal and Stroll

Rediscovering Downtown KC bike tour

04.26.24 | 12:30-2:30pm

1000 Locust Street Kansas City, MO

$15 + fees in advance | $20 at curb

Interested in rediscovering Downtown Kansas City? Come see the changes! In the last few years, KCMO has committed to implementing improvements throughout the city to better accommodate multimodal travel. During this biking tour, explore the diverse types of transit and the redesigned lane infrastructure of Downtown Kansas City, MO.

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04
26
24

Rural Revival Field Trip

KC Design Week's 1st field trip!

04.26.24 | 4:30-9:00pm

39 E Main Street Adrian, MO

$30 + fees in advance | no tickets at door

Embark on a designer's exploration of Adrian, MO, where you’ll delve into its vibrant community tapestry and gain insights into the town’s rural revival through design. On this field trip you’ll stroll down quaint Main Street, listen to a local artist share the symbolism behind public art for placemaking, and finally indulge in wine tasting and charcuterie at this town’s hot spot, The Wine Journal.

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04
27
24

Creator as Curator

A deep dive into A.I.

04.27.24 | 10:00am-12:00pm

3612 Karnes Boulevard Kansas City, MO

$12 + fees in advance | $15 at door

Join our exploration with "Creator as Curator; A Deep Dive in A.I.," a round table discussion exploring the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the creative realm. Join the discussion with creatives David Maples, Herston Fails, Virginia Huling, Eddy Tavio, Matthew Hufft & Adrienne Maples as they illustrate how they’re using this powerful tool to improve creativity. Together we’ll generate several concepts using various A.I. tools. Don't miss this insightful discussion and opportunity to practice using AI with a group of professionals!

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Sponsors

Branding Sponsor

Barry Creative

Lead Sponsors

Adobe

Benjamin Moore

Burns & McDonnell

Premier Lighting

Supporting Sponsors

BRR Architecture

DLR Group

Hallmark

KU School of Architecture and Design

Material Bank

Friends

BNIM

Steelcase + Scott Rice

Willoughby Design

Organizations

These exciting events are a program of Center for Architecture & Design, a group of local professional design organizations which include:

IIDA Mid-America