Our History
KMB architects was founded in 1987 by Kenneth Mark Bensimon in Olympia, WA, and is still headquartered here today over 35 years later. Our firm carries on a legacy of serving and supporting our local communities through intentional, thoughtful architectural design. We partner with many public agencies and work in a variety of sectors across the Pacific NW. In everything we do, we embody our values and emphasize collaboration, mentorship, and integrity.
Our Culture
Culture is a top priority for our leadership team, which trickles down to every employee and every project. Our values capture the ways we invest in our team, and we build on those values to bring humor, honesty, and collaboration into our internal relationships. Togetherness and camaraderie are core pillars of our work environment, inviting a strong sense of teamwork across every department.
A core principle guiding our work culture is a Culture of Affirmation. We consciously provide a supportive environment for growth and development through mentorship and an “always learning” attitude so every person on our team can pursue their passions. We put time and energy into lifting our staff up and giving them every opportunity to achieve their career goals on our team.
Our Services
KMB architects is rooted in a diverse team of professionals with complementary backgrounds. Through our dynamic expertise, we are able to provide services that support a wide range of phases for your next project.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Constructability Review | Specifications Development | Jurisdictional Approval | Permitting | Practical Applications for Details and Materials Connections | Construction Cost Estimate
DESIGN-DEVELOPMENT
Architectural Design | Architectural Documentation | Disciplines Coordination | Document Checking | Materials Research | Construction Cost Estimating | Jurisdictional Review | Presentations | Design and Documentation of Civil, Electrical, Landscape, and Interior Design
PREDESIGN
Cost Modeling | Schedule Development | Existing Facilities Surveys | Economic Feasibility Studies | Presentations
SITE ANALYSIS
Site Selection | Program Definition | Site Accommodation | Budget and Schedule Refinement | Planning and Zoning Assistance | Environmental Impact Statements | Special Site Studies including Physical, Regulatory, Economic, Infrastructure, and Utilization Factors
PROGRAMMING
Data Collection & Analysis | Area Analysis | Concept Development | Evaluation of Resulting Program | Flow Diagrams | Space Schematics
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Design Alternatives Development | Program Requirement Analysis | Site Studies Refinement | Code Compliance Review | Establishment of Construction Cost | Development and Construction Means
BIDDING / NEGOTIATION
Bidding Documents | Bid Evaluation / Negotiation | Analysis of Alternates | Analysis of Substitutions | Construction Contract Agreements
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
Office Administration | Field Construction Observation | Schedule Monitoring | Inspection Coordination | Supplemental Documents | Quotation Requests | Change Orders | Construction Cost Accounting | Project Closeout | Record Documents | Commissioning Coordination | Training
Our Values
HONEST PRACTICE
We bring uncompromising integrity to all endeavors, large and small. We hold ourselves accountable and follow through on our commitments.
PEOPLE FIRST
At the core of our business is improving the spaces that people inhabit. We believe that outstanding design has the power to positively impact lives. For this reason, we put people at the heart of everything we do.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
We recognize that our combined experience makes us stronger. We incorporate each unique perspective and lessons learned to find the best solutions. We think outside the box and draw inspiration from the world around us to solve complex problems.
DESIGN EXCELLENCE
At KMB, we do more than just get the job done. We meet and exceed expectations by providing the highest quality of service.
SUPPORTIVE CULTURE
We foster a Culture of Affirmation - a supportive environment for growth and development. Through mentorship and encouragement of an “always learning” attitude, we help our team to pursue their passions.