Richärd Kennedy Architects (RKA - formerly richärd+bauer architecture, llc) is a studio-based, architectural firm predicated on the idea that sustainable design permeates every level of the work, from site to landscape, building envelope, building systems, interior spaces, and furnishings. Since the firm’s origin in 1996, the programming, planning, and design of public buildings have been an essential part of our work. Our portfolio features projects for international embassy and cultural buildings, exhibition spaces, higher education, classroom buildings, academic research laboratories, public and private institutions, including work for civic, and commercial clients. Our success in the pursuit of design excellence is evidenced by national acclaim in the form of awards and publications of our projects. The firm has received numerous local, regional, national, and international design awards including the American Institute of Architects “National Honor Award” for Architecture. The firm was recognized as an “Emerging Voice” by the Architectural League of New York, and one of the “New Vanguard” by Architectural Record.

We are committed to providing world-class sustainable architecture that stands the test of time. We do not have a pattern book for architectural solutions. Each project is a careful and deliberate study of the needs of the project, reflecting our client’s Identity, Institutional Awareness, and Mission. The stated objective of many of our clients is the development of a facility representative of them; as well as their goals, function, use, and philosophy. From this understanding, we develop architectural solutions capturing the spirit and aspirations of the people and organizations in powerful and meaningful ways.

Sustainability is essential to our design process. Our team works closely with our clients to establish the environmental goals for each project. We strive to create holistic designs protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and promoting indoor environmental quality. Each design grows in response to its functional needs and the site, with an acute awareness of the environment.
Our design philosophy integrates each element of the project into a cohesive whole. The clarity of concept is the fundamental goal, the use of form, light, materials are the tools. It is our aspiration to develop a body of work that reinforces this fundamental precept and (with our clients) create inspiring spaces, and build great buildings.