WHO ARE WE?
Architects + Interior Designers + Support
WAI is a mid-size architectural firm located in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Our project breadth ranges from small renovations to large scale construction projects. Big or small, we provide design solutions authentic to the client's goals with opportunities for creative, sustainable and pleasing environments.
The history of WAI begins in 1987 when Julie Wellner founded the firm. Since then she has has been certified as WBE/DBE with Kansas City and the state of Missouri.
Our
TEAM
Margaret Smith
ARCHITECT, LEED APIf we don't feel like walking the 20 feet to our code book reference library, we just ask Margaret! Our walking encyclopedia has been practicing architecture for nearly 30 years and excels at details, coordination and joke telling. The next time you see her, ask her to tell the joke about moth balls.
Jason Barker
ARCHITECT, AIA, LEED APJason wears many hats in our office. If you need design ideas, technical support, construction details or Kansas City facts, he's your guy! And if he’s not at his desk, look for him near the WAI server where he’s finding solutions for questions like “why isn’t the internet working?” or “what happened to that email?”.
Ann Plautz
ARCHITECT, LEED APAnn is her name and construction management is her game. When she's not on a project site you might find her checking off criteria on a LEED checklist. If you happen to be visiting our office and suddenly hear high-pitched chipmunk voices, don’t run, it’s just Ann’s ringtone and it will be over shortly!
Mike Berryman
ARCHITECT, AIAThere have been several long periods of time where Mike's office was located at the airport helping with all of our KCI projects. His knowledge of our complex terminals and baggage systems is unsurpassed. Is this why he has the cleanest and most organized desk in the office? Maybe so!
Matt Engle
ARCHITECT, LEED APWondering if Kansas City International Airport will ever get a new terminal? Matt has been participating on the planning team for a LONG time. Hopefully someday it will come to fruition. In the meantime, this Kansas State Wildcat makes sure his purple stands out in the sea of Jayhawks in our office.
Emily Wellner
ARCHITECT, LEED APEmily is our “big project” architect, she came with experience coordinating projects over $200M. Her resume and her personal life are all about sports and fitness, so if you want to get in shape, sign up for her cycling class (we keep telling her we will be there….)
Alissa Myers
INTERIOR DESIGNER, LEED GREEN ASSOCIATEJust ask our color specialist about what hue is best for your project. After she clears off her desk (or the adjacent one) filled with hundreds of material samples, she'll tell you! When Alissa's not practicing interior design she might be volunteering at the animal shelter or caring for one of her many pets & foster animals.
Tony Lackey
INTERN ARCHITECT, LEED APWe have deemed Tony our quiet intellect. From obscure historical facts, beer making tutorials, to Revit how-to's, he's got an answer for nearly everything, you just have to ask! His knowledge of industry software and design details is beneficial to our team.
Lindsey Dahl
INTERN ARCHITECT, LEED APThere's one in every group, the sarcastic comic. That's Lindsey, and when she's not lightening the mood in our office she's making sure our Revit work habits are done correctly and properly. Currently she's studying for her next architectural exam so she can soon be licensed.
Brent Kroner
INTERN ARCHITECTBrent is our small project specialist. He has designed for clients ranging from the KC Zoo to Sporting KC. When Brent isn't working on designing a soccer related facility here in the office, you might find him riding his motorcycle to watch his teenage son play soccer on the field.
Debra Yazell
BUSINESS & MARKETING MANAGERQuestions about marketing, health insurance or why our elevator isn't working AGAIN? Just ask Debbie! She's been keeping the behind the scenes tasks in order for 15 years. Our resident "birthday fairy" always makes sure we have the cake of our choosing on our special day. POOF! Enjoy those calories!
SUSAN NIELSEN
ADMINISTRATIVE ASST.Who's the first friendly face you see when you walk in the door of Wellner Architects? It's Susan! Our team appreciates her help with technical specifications and other important tasks around the office.
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Julie Wellner
PRINCIPAL, AIA, NCARBJulie has been the fearless leader of WAI since 1987. She oversees all projects to keep the schedule & goals on course and our client's needs in mind. Her background consists of architecture, engineering and environmental design which is conducive to coordinating and designing projects as a whole. Oh! And did someone mention WINE? Cabernet? Chardonnay?
Yes, she'll have one........or maybe two.
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