After a long 8 year process, Kansas City has long awaited the opening of its new airport. As a gateway to our city, the Kansas City airport is an important first and last impression to visitors and residents alike. The challenges of airport design are unique and complex. Whether you spend a lot of time in airports, or are just the occasional passenger, the panel discussion will offer insight into a design experience that will make you think differently about waiting for your next flight.
The panel discussion, moderated by Justin Meyer of the Kansas City Aviation Department, will feature the designers responsible for bringing together the architecture, industrial, landscape, lighting design, and art installations of the new airport. Participants will hear the behind-the-scenes challenges, and how these different disciplines synthesized the vision for the new KCI airport.
**Please note there is signifcant bridge construction in the area, so allow for more travel time to the event location.
Jordan Pierce is a senior designer in SOM’s San Francisco office with experience in a broad range of typologies and markets. Pierce’s work spans mixed use, residential, hospitality, and transportation. His design practice is rooted in a synthetic approach that melds structure, architecture, and environmental design. Each project begins with an exploration of context, endeavoring to understand the unique qualities of the site, its culture, and surroundings. Through this approach, he seeks to create elegant architectural compositions, imbued with a deep sense of place.With an expertise in the aviation sector, Pierce leads all aspects of terminal design from area planning to millwork.
Since forming LightWorks, Inc. in 2002, Kathi has successfully completed hundreds of projects and earned numerous professional awards. She is the Project Manager and Lead Lighting Engineer on projects ranging in size from large convention centers to small entertainment facilities. Kathi is a registered Professional Engineer and a LEED Professional who enjoys the process of lighting design and electrical engineering. From concept to reality, keeping focused on the end product, while maintaining a true sense of the team environment. She has a commitment for designing spaces that are maintainable and will endure the passage of time. She strives to design for what is smart, feels good, and looks fabulous— while creating a sense of place.
Kathi Vandel graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering degree. She lives with her husband Jeff and their large family in Weston, Missouri.
Michael is a Senior Landscape Architect with LAND3 Studio since 2013. Working on all aspects of LAND3 projects big and small, Michael has an ability to efficiently manage projects through systematic thinking, careful listening, and testing multiple scenarios before acting. An attentive designer, he is invested in working collaboratively with consultants, owners, and contractors to help the team bring a client’s vision to life. Michael appreciates the full breadth of landscape architecture from large scale planning down to site construction detailing. He has a special interest in planting design, counting himself a true ‘plant nerd’, enjoying research into plant communities, ecology, soils, and hydrology in developing planting designs. He endeavors to weave natural processes into the fabric of each project, designing spaces that improve people’s everyday lives.
Ryan is an Industrial Designer and Senior Designer at Dimensional Innovations which designs and develops solutions for clients that range from architects, brands, agencies, and artists from concept through fabrication. His 12+ years of professional experience includes both design and development roles in product design, expressive physical and digital installations, environments, and elements that leave an impact.
At Dimensional Innovations, Ryan's work encompasses brand identities, motion graphics, interactive design, creative technology, immersive experiences and art pieces. Alongside this, Ryan is also a lecturer of Environmental Graphics at the University of Kansas.
Holly Hayden is the Executive Director of Sike Style Industries, a Kansas City based design company specializing in integrated brand marketing and large scale murals. Over the last four years, she has taken on the role of Consulting Artist on the Executive team for the New Single Terminal and Parking at Kansas City International Airport, working specifically as the artists liaison for the One Percent for Art newly commissioned artworks.
With 20 years of experience in the arts and design field, along with event planning and consulting, Holly continues to work as a designer and project manager with clients ranging from local businesses to international brands. For more information visit www.linkedin.com/in/hjhayden and www.sikestyle.com
A 26-year veteran of the U.S. aviation industry, Justin rejoined the Kansas City Aviation Department in April 2014. As the Deputy Director of Aviation – Marketing and Air Service Development he leads the marketing, communications and customer service efforts for the Kansas City Aviation Department’s two airports. Additionally, Justin works with airline planners to increase flights and add new routes from Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Justin was actively involved in the planning for Build KCI, the $1.5B new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport, where he advocated for the customer experience to be one of high accessibility and inclusiveness.