Helix Architecture + Design

12/31/2025

Join us in celebrating 2025 — and cheers to 2026!

12/18/2025

Each year, the Department of Architecture, Urban Planning & Design at UMKC presents the Helix Prize, a competition and scholarship honoring the memory of the late Bud Persons. This year’s challenge prompted students to develop a concept for a live-work building that will be part residence, part bookstore for the art and architecture departments at UMKC. Students were challenged to think about designing within the urban context, creating space for community, and bringing in elements of nature. 

Congratulations to Decker Starr and Ruben Renteria for their winning concepts! Their designs were chosen based on their understanding of the context, materiality, and beautifully detailed drawings.

11/20/2025

Metropolis Magazine has featured Mid-Continent Public Library in their recent article, “Redefining the Library as Community Hub — On a Massive Scale.” The story highlights how MCPL’s 33-branch transformation has redefined what modern library design can be.
 
We’re honored that Metropolis has recognized this work as a model for how libraries can evolve to meet the changing needs of their communities. Read more on our website – link in bio.

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11/11/2025

Helix is leading the transformation of the historic International Shoe Factory building, located in the Capital Avenue corridor in Jefferson City. As nationally recognized experts in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and workplace design, Helix has partnered twith the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to revitalize this iconic building and highlight MoDNR’s important work in environmental stewardship and historic preservation.

Learn more about the project on our website – link in bio.

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11/11/2025

Helix is leading the transformation of the historic International Shoe Factory building, located in the Capital Avenue corridor in Jefferson City. As nationally recognized experts in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and workplace design, Helix has partnered with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to revitalize this iconic building and highlight MoDNR’s important work in environmental stewardship and historic preservation.

Learn more:
https://www.helixus.com/helix-renovation-historic-international-shoe-factory/

09/23/2025

Helix Project Architect and in-house historic preservation expert Liz Ponder, AIA will join Rockhurst University President Sandra Cassady, Associate Dean of Nursing and Chief Academic Administrator Kristina Henry, and Associate Principal Ben Bye at next week’s Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) North Central Regional Conference in Detroit.

From the unique perspectives of Rockhurst leadership and the collaborative design team, the panel will share lessons learned and successful strategies for the reimagining of Sedgwick Hall. Through this case study, attendees will learn how to combat the looming enrollment cliff through integrated planning and creative use of existing campus buildings.

Come Together: Blending History, Campus, and Community to Boost Enrollment
Tuesday, Sept. 30
11:20 to 12:20 PM ET (local time)
Learn more on SCUP’s website – link in bio.

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08/22/2025

This August marks a special milestone for the Barbara Marshall Residence Hall at the Kansas City Art Institute: it has been five years since the building first opened its doors and began shaping the student experience at KCAI. Its location along the “art ribbon” — with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on one side and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art on the other — is a prime spot to serve as a cultural connector.  Learn more about Barbara Marshall Hall’s impact on KCAI on our blog (link in bio).

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08/22/2025

This August marks a special milestone for the Barbara Marshall Residence Hall at the Kansas City Art Institute: it has been five years since the building first opened its doors and began shaping the student experience at KCAI. Its location along the "art ribbon" — with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on one side and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art on the other — is a prime spot for KCAI to serve as a cultural connector. Learn more about Barbara Marshall Hall's impact on KCAI.

JE Dunn Construction
📸 Michael Robinson Photography LLC

The College of Dental Medicine at Kansas City University in Joplin received an Excellence in Architecture Award from SCUP.

06/07/2025

A spotlight on the extraordinary 2025-26 IIDA International Board! This year's group of leaders were sworn in during a ceremony surrounded by chapter leaders the IDEA Studio at IIDA HQ. They will officially begin their duties in July. The knowledge, dedication and invaluable perspective of these design leaders will advance IIDA’s contributions to the design industry and to our members worldwide.

Thank you to 2025-26 Board President, Stacey Crumbaker, President-Elect Bill Bouchey, Immediate Past President Erika Moody, IIDA CEO and EVP Cheryl Durst, Michelle Boolton, Gilbert Broco, Mark Bryan, Libby Gillen, Vibhavari Jani, Mike Johnson II, Amie Keener, Jen Ruckel, John Sadlon, and Abby Scott!



Mahlum | Gensler | Helix Architecture + Design | Kimball International |Kansas State University | CI Group | Future Today Strategy Group | Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering | Hickok Cole |Pinnacle Architectural Lighting | Perkins&Will | HDR

04/18/2025

Via’s facade captures the history of the crossroads by taking inspiration from the nearby train tracks and balancing it with a new and refined design. With an approachable lower level and outdoor amenities, pedestrians can look forward to Via bringing vibrant new life to the neighborhood.

04/11/2025

The final beam was put in place at the Offices at Overlook, marking an exciting milestone for this catalytic development. Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) is changing the landscape of the East side of Kansas City, with a multi-phased plan that aims to expand beyond the first office building to create a thriving, well-designed neighborhood. Read more about the project on our website – link in bio.