Did you know that Kansas City is home to one of the top five largest concentrations of architecture and engineering employment in the U.S. – making it a top destination for design?
Kansas City hosts one of the Midwest’s largest gatherings of design professionals during KC Design Week, taking place this year from April 6-13. This event, in its 8th year, draws 2,000 people from the region. The 2017 program celebrates the power of design in everyday objects, spaces and experiences — with notable national speakers including founder of Better Block, Jason Roberts, renowned designer Juan Carlos Pagan, and Ayse Birsel, author of “Design the Life You Love.”
Here are some standout events that highlight local design talent in KC:
- Sketch the City: Develop your sketching skills and see the city with fresh eyes on an exploration through the Crossroads and downtown Kansas City. Led by Daniel Green, an Urban Sketchers workshop leader, you will gain insight and tips to capture the qualities of a place from fire hydrants to skyscrapers.
- Design of the Cocktail: You might design buildings, campaigns or websites based on a creative brief, but what about a cocktail? Well, we’ve challenged three local bartenders to create a KCDW inspired cocktail and YOU get to be the judge! This event features drinks from bartenders Sarah Hogan from Ça Va, Darrel Loo from Julep, and Kelsey Shelton from Tom’s Town.
- Designing an Industry: Hear Rightfully Sewn founder and president, Jennifer Lapka Pfeifer, speak about how their organization is working to bring opportunity and jobs to the KC community through the business of fashion.
- Expanding the White Cube: What does the future gallery look like? Learn how KC’s world class art community is working to enhance visitors’ experience and engagement by challenging established design processes and generating new ideas that will inform thinking and practice across the field.
Notable Kansas City design companies include Black & Veatch, Burns & McDonnell, HNTB(designers of Levi’s Stadium, home of the 49ers and host of Super Bowl 50), and Populous, the firm responsible for designing the Sochi, London and Sydney Olympic main stadiums for summer and winter games between 2000 and 2014
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