Welcome KCDC's new Director!

We are delighted to announce that Lauren Harness has been selected as the new Director of the Kansas City Design Center.

"Kansas City and the KCDC are essential to APDesign at K-State.” said Michael McClure, Dean of The College of Architecture, Planning & Design at Kansas State University, “We are thrilled to have Lauren Harness as our new director, we welcome her back to K-State, and look forward to the energy and leadership she will bring in improving Kansas City through applied planning and design research."

Lauren brings a wealth of experience and a diverse portfolio of work to her new role at KCDC. She holds a Master of Architecture degree from Kansas State University (2015) with a minor in Regional and Community Planning and is a Registered Architect and LEED Green Associate.

Lauren's impressive career includes roles at prominent firms such as William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc.; MASS Design Group; Ennead Architects; and El Dorado Inc. Her notable projects range from educational facilities and cultural centers to affordable housing and public parks, showcasing her commitment to socially impactful and environmentally sustainable design.

Lauren is actively engaged in the professional community through various roles, including the Dean's Advisory Council at K-State APDesign, and continued mentoring and volunteer work through her local AIA chapters in both Boston and New York City.

Stay tuned for exciting programming events this fall, including “Coffee with the Kansas City Design Center.” This event will offer a unique opportunity to meet our new Director, Lauren Harness, and engage in discussions about the KCDC mission and our future endeavors.