13 May Architecture firm BNIM takes home Mr. K Award
A Kansas City architecture firm was named as Small Business of the Year by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
BNIM took home the Mr. K award — named after legendary entrepreneur Ewing Kauffman — at the Small Business Celebration early Wednesday afternoon. The annual award is given to one company the chamber considers worthy.
BNIM President and CEO Steve McDowell thanked the room filled with hundreds of business leaders at the Kansas City Convention Center Wednesday after the company was named.
“While the office hasn’t talked about it, I’m going to say right now that we are going to use this honor to go forward in a stronger way — to go forward in a way to have a bigger impact on Kansas City, to have a bigger impact on the people’s lives that we touch and to really open the doors up for everyone that’s been a great part of making BNIM better over the years,” he said.
BNIM has been in Kansas City for 45 years. It’s known for projects including Crown Center, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Folly Theatre, among others.
This time last year, the company promoted four principals, including two from Kansas City. Earlier this year, the newer leadership discussed their intentions of winning new types of projects, entering new markets and gaining national recognition — but doing it the smart, attainable way.
“During its 45-year history, BNIM has had a huge impact on the Kansas City build environment, as well as leading the way nationally and internationally in sustainable design,” chamber CEO Jim Heeter said in a news release. “With the Mr. K Award, we celebrate BNIM’s innovation and excellence.”
Story by Ashley Jost, KC Business Journal
