Our
TEAM
WAI
TEAM
WAI
TEAM
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.
WHO WE ARE
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.
PRINCIPAL, NCARB, AIA
Julie has been the fearless leader of WAI since 1987. She oversees all projects to keep the schedule and 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.
Oh! And did someone mention WINE? Cabernet? Chardonnay?
Yes, she'll have one..........or maybe two.
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JULIE WELLNER
PROJECT ARCHITECT
LEED AP
If 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.
If 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.
PROJECT ARCHITECT
AIA, LEED AP
Jason 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?”.
Jason 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?”.
PROJECT ARCHITECT
LEED AP BD+C
Ann 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!
Ann 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!
PROJECT ARCHITECT
AIA, LEED Green Associate
There 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!
There 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!
PROJECT ARCHITECT
AIA
Ashley recently moved back to the KC area and joined the WAI team with nearly 30 years of architectural experience under her belt! When she's not in the office you might find her behind the sewing machine, quilting, reading or traveling to fun places like Denmark.
Ashley recently moved back to the KC area and joined the WAI team with nearly 30 years of architectural experience under her belt! When she's not in the office you might find her behind the sewing machine, quilting, reading or traveling to fun places like Denmark.
SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER
LEED Green Associate
Just 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.
Just 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.
SENIOR TECHNICAL DESIGNER
LEED AP
We 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.
We 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.
SENIOR TECHNICAL DESIGNER
After years of attending WAI Christmas parties with his wife, the desire to participate in the Christmas craft activity on his own encouraged him to seek a position at WAI. He brings to the office a collection of unusual gadgets including solar dancing toys, Galileo thermometer, spinning tops, and an unusual knowledge of antique farm machinery as well as skills in technical architecture, construction administration and Revit.
DESIGNER
LEED AP
There'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.
There'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.
DESIGNER
Brent 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.
DESIGNER
Our newest staff addition, Samantha, brings hospitality and interior design practice to the firm. We know she’s going to fit right in with her love of color + texture, repurposing material samples and her collection of Boulevard Smokestack series beers. If you don’t find her at the office she might be enjoying the park with her family or tending to her plants and kitty at home!
BUSINESS & MARKETING MANAGER
Questions 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!
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Who's the first friendly face you see when you walk in the door of Wellner Architects? It's Susan! We always look forward to her help with editing technical specifications, scheduling our continuing education classes, keeping the M&M bowls filled and other important tasks around the office.
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