“The leadership transition planning at KMB architects really impressed me. It was very important that I joined a firm that was constantly evolving and never stagnant. By joining the leadership team of a small business, I have a major hand in shaping the future and that is very rewarding.”

Meet The Team | Bill

The core of Bill Valdez’s practice is community building. Whether a courthouse, police department, or a jail, Bill believes that municipal justice facilities are the centerpiece of government and function as vital assets for the communities they serve. He has spent the majority of his 25-year career leading justice and public safety projects for both cities and counties, efforts which have taken him all over Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Wyoming, and Hawaii. Bill joined KMB architects as a partner in 2018 after spending 19 years at a national A&E firm.

“My work managing the Pueblo County (Colorado) Judicial Building early in my career opened my eyes to the impact that civic projects have on their communities. Our team sited the building in an area of town that was underutilized to help spur economic development. When I went back to visit several years later, I witnessed the direct positive impact that the project had on its community with all the businesses and offices that had emerged in the downtown civic district.”  

In 2010, Bill’s passion for seeking new approaches to the design of justice facilities brought him to Washington from Colorado. He found that the larger cities on the west coast were more open to his emerging ideas on designing for flexibility and innovating to better serve communities.  As Bill led notable justice projects, he frequently encountered leaders from KMB architects and eventually developed a working relationship where mutual respect grew.

Bill’s community building mindset influences his role as partner, as well, where he focuses on operations, culture, and career development for staff. With the remarkable growth of the firm, he has joined with the partnership to continue supporting staff with an Associates leadership program, the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) study group, and ongoing mentorship.

“I love future casting and setting up the infrastructure to allow us to scale. The firm has really come into its own as a powerhouse in our sectors—state, justice, and tribal—and I’m excited to see that continue. With the infusion of youth in our leadership, the sky is the limit.”