Kendall/Heaton Associates

Bill Kendall and Hal Weatherford established the predecessor firm to Kendall/Heaton Associates (KHA) in 1978 as an architect of record and design firm. Over the years, the company has diversified significantly, adding an array of services to meet the changing needs of clients. With a portfolio spanning decades and continents, the business has become renown for excellence in concept and execution. With a staff of more than 80 professionals, KHA offers specialty services that help bring unique structures from conception to completion.

The company’s large portfolio puts KHA miles ahead of competing firms. With capabilities exceeding traditional architectural and design services, clients count on KHA’s management of the large team of consultants to bring about efficient project development and methodology.

KHA offers architecture, interior design, sustainable design, adaptive restoration, feasibility studies, architectural programming and construction observation. KHA frequently serves as a strong partner to design architects, project owners, developers and builders, keeping projects on track to meet both aesthetic principles and goals of function.

Laurence C. “Larry” Burns leads the operation as CEO. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and brings more than 38 years of experience to the table. Burns works with a team of professional architects and designers.

KHA’s clients include developers, and institutions that require premium architectural, design, programming and management services. While the company’s services come with an intense commitment to the project, KHA’s services bring value to the finished project. Working from a single office in Houston, the company has performed high-end architect of record services throughout the United States and beyond.

A diverse portfolio

The company completed a standalone expansion project for the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2013. “This is a separate building for the museum across the lawn from the existing Louis Kahn building,” Burns explains. “One of the biggest challenges was to create a new structure that would be respectful and reflective of the original building revered by so many people. This museum expansion was designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop.”

One of the more interesting features of this project is actually a subterranean parking garage for 135 cars. “There is a single, very minimal entrance through the south end of a Kahn designed site wall, with the lawn planted above and trees put back in the original location. The exit stairs face the original building and the grand West Entrance that most people never saw before.”

The new building is comprised of glass and architectural concrete. Inside, multiple planes of glass allow visitors to see the entire space while walking through the building. Specialists from Italy came to work with the contractor to develop the exposed architectural concrete. While not LEED-certified, the structure includes several green features. Half the roof is green and accessible to the public. The design also includes geothermal wells as part of the HVAC system, as well as rooftop photovoltaic panels for producing energy from the sun.

The company also provided programing, core and shell design, MEP and structural coordination, BIM construction documents and permitting as well as construction administration for the Salesforce Tower in the financial district of San Francisco. The structure will rise 1,070 feet above the street level , making it the tallest landmark in the city. The 1.4 million-square foot tower will house office space for the region’s growing technology sector, with 61 leasable floors serviced by 28 high-speed elevators.

“The Salesforce Tower project is pre-certified LEED Platinum, incorporating high efficiency mechanical systems coupled with under floor air distribution,” explains Burns. “High efficiency Low E insulated glass units extending floor to ceiling with exterior sunshades incorporated into the façade shield the building from solar heat gain while preserving fantastic views of the bay area. Rain water collection and filtration systems are utilized to lessen the burden on the current infrastructure.”

The building also incorporates three subgrade parking levels with dense parking stacker technology to make best use of the available space. Extensive bicycle parking and shower facilities are provided for tenants as a part of the Owner’s commitment to the environment.

A more unusual project for KHA has been Christ the Light Cathedral in Oakland, California for the Catholic Diocese. The unique structure was designed by Skidmore Owings and Merrill of San Francisco. The cathedral earned an AIA National Design Honor Award in 2009.

“There is an unusual shape to the cathedral itself,” Burns says. “The structure incorporates laminated wood beams and glass. The church is part of a large complex including a residence for the bishop. The mausoleum below grade is large and spectacular, featuring beautiful marble and other finishes.”

Programing the future

KHA has built a reputation for high-performance design, programing and development management work over the years. Despite a market that remains in recovery mode, the company is busy. “Our goals is to keep clients happy,” Burns explains. “A major part of our business is integrating their needs into design and development. We are looking ahead to new opportunities and new projects coming into the office.”

Burns takes great pride in the accomplishments of the KHA team. The company has established a strong history of landmark, high-visibility work, driving business and providing diverse examples of KHA’s capabilities. This integrated approach to development, record of service and quality continue to place Kendall/Heaton Associates among leaders in the design and development niche.