Pillars Leadership Program
AIA Kansas City's Pillars Leadership Program is a training program that prepares a representative cross section of the chapter’s emerging leaders for their role in shaping the future of both the architectural profession and the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The training program includes active participation in programs and exposure to community leaders and issues. Applications are accepted for the program once each year. Criteria for acceptance include proven career success and community involvement. The benefits of the program include: development of relationship skills, skill development, team performance, and chapter and community leadership.
Topics that will be discussed throughout the year include: Government, Development, Community Outreach, Sustainability, Transportation, Local Arts, Food and Entertainment and Innovation and Technology.
2025 - 2026 PILLARS CLASS
Alexandra Bojarski-Stauffer, AIA - Emerald Hive Design Build
Natalie Buckley - Walter P. Moore
Jessica Carson - JE Dunn Construction
Lane Edson, Assoc. AIA - NSPJ Architects
Kourtney Goss - McCownGordon Construction
Ethan Hale, AIA - Hoefer Welker
Reid Lundin - DLR Group
Emma Meier-Luinenburg, Assoc. AIA - BRR Architecture
Kylie Miller, AIA - Populous
Katie Pruser, Assoc. AIA - HFG Architecture
Jenna Roblee, Assoc. AIA - Finkle + Williams Architecture
Tess Ryan, Assoc. AIA - AECOM
Sean Stattelman, Assoc. AIA - Pulse Design Group
Ryan Sudhoff, AIA - Gensler
Paige Vespestad - Smith & Boucher
Erin Wheeler, AIA - Yaeger Architecture
Pillars January 2026 Overview
Braving the Kansas City monsoon, the Pillars donned their developer hats to learn about the various projects shaping the Kansas City Metro area. The Pillars started their journey where the Negro Leagues Baseball was born: in the heart of the historic Jazz District at the YMCA. Starting with Kekeli Dawes (Multistudio) and Bryce Cummings (DRAW), the group toured the historic YMCA, and learned about the Jazz District and the Revive the Vine initiative. The presentation primarily focused upon the plans to develop a new and expanded Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, hotel, and district parking garage. The Pillars were educated on how each type of project will support overall development of 18th and Vine. They also learned about zoning considerations, and how traffic and pedestrians flow through the area. The presenters also highlighted the impacts of local history on their designs, including the desire to maintain the beautiful culture of the area through murals, signage and exterior material selections. When completed, the new Negro Leagues Baseball Musuem and Hotel will serve as a gateway to the newly revitalized 18th and Vine District.
