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 February 2026 Overview
The February Pillars session was an exciting look into sports in Kansas City and the value of investing in sports opportunities at all scales. The day began discussing the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 and its impact on Kansas City. Lori Kirchoff, Director of Project Management for KC2026, gave a presentation detailing what to anticipate in the coming months and the planning that continues to be essential for preparing to become one of 16 North American host cities for the largest sporting event on the planet.
With six World Cup matches being played in Kansas City, the Pillars were then able to hear from members of the GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium Renovation design team, Randy Braun (Walter P. Moore & Associates) and Brooke Craig (Populous), who explained the architectural and engineering efforts needed to transform the Kansas City Chiefs’ home into a soccer venue. Since a soccer pitch is larger than an American football field, especially in width, modifications to the field and select seating areas were necessary to use Arrowhead Stadium to host the matches.
