DESIGN INSIGHT

Good design is good business and we know how to listen, follow directions and be a proactive member of your team. Our goal on all of our projects is to provide creativity and imagination. We enjoy our work, have fun and inject enthusiasm into the relationships we establish with our clients. DESIGN WITH INSIGHT is our promise; that we believe in delivering creative, cost-effective design solutions that reflect a true understanding of our clients’ objectives.

Interact with the client
Nurture the relationship
Seek Inspiration
Invest in the project
Gather feedback
Help make it happen
Truthfully evaluate results


2030 CHALLENGE

There has been a lot of news about the environment and global warming recently. One of the major causes of global warming is energy that emits greenhouse gases (GHGs). And 76% of all electricity generated in the U.S. is used by buildings. Created in 2006, the 2030 Challenge is a response by the architecture community to do something about that.

Gastinger Walker Harden Architects has accepted the 2030 Challenge, adopting the goal to produce carbon neutral (using no GHG emitting energy) buildings by the year 2030. Between now and then, our goal is to design buildings to require 60% less energy by 2010 and 80% less energy by 2020. We are committed to this goal not only because it is good for the environment, but because it is good for business. Energy efficient buildings cost less to maintain, are better at retaining their long-term value, and create healthier and happier employees. Next time you talk to one of us, ask us how we can apply the 2030 Challenge to your project.


EXPERIENCE

Gastinger Walker Harden Architects is known for its broad interests and a practice that is client-based rather than project-driven. We do not think of our clients as providing a project, but as creating a relationship. Each of our firm’s projects is the result of a relationship we have built, and nurtured. New clients come to us for our sincere interest in design, aversion to formulaic solutions, sustained interest in their input, and respect for their budget – and clients return because our work has exceeded their expectations. We are proud that over 85% of our business is with repeat clients and that for 75 different clients, we have completed 25 or more projects.

Our core sectors are offices, educational facilities, healthcare facilities, housing and owner representation. Within those sectors we have extensive experience with sustainable design, construction management, consumer environments, historic renovation and real estate development.


SERVICES

Gastinger Walker Harden Architects provides a complete range of planning, architectural, owner representation, real estate, interior design and graphic services. As planners we understand the importance of getting it right early in the process to provide a solid foundation for the design process. As architects we understand buildings and their systems. As interior designers we know how to deliver a successful and efficient working environment. As graphic designers we create graphics that complement any building or space. Combined, we are able to anticipate and solve problems before they become issues.

PLANNING

  • Programming; master planning; project feasibility analysis; building and site surveys and analysis, and ADA reviews

ARCHITECTURE

  • Urban design; conceptual design; construction documentation; bidding and construction administration and observation

OWNER REPRESENTATION

  • Construction manager as agent; property/building evaluations; third party design/construction review; project management/budgeting/scheduling

REAL ESTATE

  • Serve owners, property managers and leasing professionals; building space inventory with BOMA rental and common area calculations; tenant improvement design services; leasing and marketing materials

INTERIOR DESIGN

  • Space planning; furniture, fixture and equipment design and selection; and tenant improvements

GRAPHICS

  • Signage and wayfinding; large format graphics; promotional materials; branding and logo development

QUICK FACTS
  • Established in 1981, we celebrated our 25th anniversary in 2006
  • 40+ full-time staff with offices in Kansas City and Chicago
  • Accepted the 2030 Challenge in 2006
  • Architect of the first LEED Certified Speculative Office Building in the United States
  • 2001 Kansas City AIA Firm of the Year
  • Work has included more than 25 projects on the National Register of Historic Places and more than 50 renovation projects in Kansas City’s downtown loop
  • We have received multiple Honor and Merit design awards from the American Institute of Architects, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Urban Land Institute among others