Our People are dedicated to their practice and particular expertise. From planning through design, to construction
oversight, we surround ourselves with the most creative, conceptual, hard-working people in Architecture.
Elizabeth Amirahmadi, AIA, is a Principal and cofounder of International Architects Atelier (IAA). She is the firm’s cultural liaison, leveraging a decades-long career dedicated to the stewardship of Kansas City’s institutional landscape. Born in Mazatlan, Mexico, and educated at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she has cultivated a practice defined by deep community integration.
Elizabeth currently serves on the Board of Directors for both the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, enhancing her understanding of museum governance and the delicate balance between mission and operations. Elizabeth anchors IAA’s cultural practice, directing the design and stewardship of regional landmarks, including The Museum of Kansas City and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Deeply committed to mentorship and education, she has contributed to the development of future architects through teaching. She has served as a professor, visiting professor, and guest critic at the University of Kansas, the University of Missouri–Kansas City, and Kansas State University.
As a Mexican woman in a historically underrepresented professional field, Elizabeth is a dedicated advocate for equity in architecture and in the arts. Her leadership includes service on the boards of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Mattie Rhodes Arts Center, and she has been recognized twice by the Kansas City Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business.” She is also an active member of the Missouri Association for Museums and Archives and has advanced the field through presentations on cultural and institutional design.
In recognition of her enduring impact on the profession and the region, Elizabeth was awarded the 2022 AIA Kansas City Gold Medal, honoring her lifelong commitment to architecture, leadership, and community. Throughout her work, Elizabeth brings a perspective shaped by her international background, a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, and an optimistic, collaborative approach to leadership. Her projects, including The Museum of Kansas City, Lakeside Nature Center, and Westside Business Park, reflect a belief that architecture is fundamentally a cultural act—one that must respond to community, elevate institutional missions, and create lasting public value.
Through her leadership, IAA has been recognized with the 2025 AIA Kansas City Firm Award, the highest honor bestowed by the local chapter, in recognition of the firm’s commitment to design excellence, equity in architecture, and meaningful community impact.
Majid Amirahmadi, AIA, is a Principal and cofounder of International Architects Atelier (IAA). With decades of experience in the field, he has served as IAA’s technical visionary and historic preservation specialist. His architectural foundation was built in Tehran, Iran, and further cultivated at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is dedicated to the forensic intersection of historic masonry and modern intervention and is recognized across the Midwest for his ability to adapt landmark structures to contemporary needs without compromising their historical integrity. He has been charged with the honor of serving as the caretaker for the most historically significant buildings at both the University of Missouri and Kansas State University. His historic preservation expertise has been recognized by Historic Kansas City, including the 2024 Trailblazer Award, as well as both the Contemporary Design in a Historic Context Award and the Outstanding Work by a Craftsperson Award for his work at The Museum of Kansas City.
Majid approaches new building design with the same rigor, material sensitivity, and technical precision that define his preservation work. A careful listener, he translates his clients’ visions into architecture that is both expressive and enduring. He believes new construction should contribute meaningfully to its context—physically, culturally, and civically—resulting in buildings that serve both present and future communities. His award-winning Lakeside Nature Center, honored by AIA Kansas City, The American Architecture Awards, and AIA Central States, reflects his ability to realize ambitious design concepts through disciplined execution and technical expertise. At the University of Missouri, his design for the new Sinclair School of Nursing reflects a forward-looking approach to learning environments. The project contributes meaningfully to the University’s academic landscape, creating a flexible and enduring environment that will support academic growth for decades to come.
As a leader, Majid has cultivated a firm culture centered on mentorship and the development of the “well-rounded architect.” He champions an integrated practice model in which designers are engaged throughout the full lifecycle of a project—from early conceptual design through construction—ensuring both design integrity and technical excellence. This holistic approach has positioned IAA as a leader in delivering complex, high-quality work across disciplines.
Under his leadership, the firm has been honored with the 2025 AIA Kansas City Firm Award, the highest recognition bestowed by the local chapter, in acknowledgment of IAA’s enduring commitment to design excellence, technical innovation, and community impact.
Ava Amirahmadi, AIA is a Principal and Director of Design at International Architects Atelier (IAA). She bridges the gap between international design ambition and local execution. Following her architectural studies at Columbia University and Yale University, Ava spent a decade in New York City working with the world’s leading design firms. Her tenure at RAMSA involved the execution of skyline-defining projects such as 220 Central Park South. At Snøhetta, she contributed to the Summit at One Vanderbilt, gaining specialized experience in immersive art installations. Finally, at Henning Larsen, she worked on the design of Harvard University’s Enterprise Research Campus.
Ava returned to her native Kansas City to translate this global experience into meaningful local impact. She was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for The Museum of Kansas City and AIA Kansas City. Her breadth of experience provides a comprehensive perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the profession, informed by work across diverse scales, geographies, and design cultures. She is an active member of the American Institute of Architects Kansas City Chapter, contributing to the PIERS Mentorship Program, Women in Design Committee, and Equity in Architecture Committee, and was selected for the Urban Land Institute Kansas City’s 2024-2025 Emerging Leaders Program.
As a Principal at IAA, she is passionate about deconstructing the myth of the solitary designer, demonstrating instead that a practice rooted in diverse perspectives yields more resilient and contextually sophisticated architecture. Her work, including the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium Education Center Expansion and the Missouri State Museum, reflects a belief that architecture is strengthened through inclusion, dialogue, and deep engagement with context.
Under her leadership, IAA earned the 2025 AIA Kansas City Firm Award—the chapter’s highest distinction—in recognition of the firm’s dedication to design excellence, equity in architecture, and meaningful community impact.
Kiana Raab is a Principal and Director of Arts and Culture at International Architects Atelier (IAA), where she plays a key role in shaping the firm’s strategic growth and cultural partnerships. Drawing on early inspiration from Kansas City’s distinguished artistic legacy, she pursued Art History at Princeton University, shaping an architectural career informed by a nuanced understanding of the works it houses. Her professional trajectory is defined by high-level stewardship of cultural assets.
Following internships at the Sotheby’s auction house and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kiana worked at Gagosian Gallery in New York City as an assistant to the senior director representing Richard Prince. She later served as an Account Executive at Artsy, connecting galleries and institutions to global audiences.
Now at IAA, Kiana fuses elite art-world fluency with architectural strategy and business development, cultivating relationships with cultural institutions and aligning new opportunities with the firm’s design vision to create environments that inspire and enable positive change within communities. She ensures the firm’s work supports clients' curatorial and operational missions while expanding IAA’s presence in the cultural sector and currently serves on the Nelson-Atkins’ Business Council Steering Committee, contributing to strategic initiatives and supporting the museum’s mission.
Guided by her leadership, IAA received the 2025 AIA Kansas City Firm Award—the chapter’s highest honor—recognizing its commitment to design excellence, equity in architecture, and lasting community impact.
Andy Short, AIA, the Director of Operations at International Architects Atelier (IAA), has been a cornerstone of the firm for more than two decades. A graduate of the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, Andy has built a reputation for fostering collaboration between design teams and clients.
Andy’s leadership is exemplified in projects such as The Museum of Kansas City and the Sinclair School of Nursing. While distinct in scope—spanning historic preservation and adaptive reuse to new construction—both projects reflect a commitment to serving the public through inspired design. These projects were shaped by an inclusive, collaborative process in which stakeholder input played an important role, and construction teams were equally invested in delivering high-quality outcomes.
Having witnessed the firm’s evolution over the years, Andy brings a steady, collaborative voice that helps guide and mentor IAA’s emerging designers. His work on The Museum of Kansas City has been recognized with the Contemporary Design in a Historic Context Award—an honor that acknowledges his ability to thoughtfully integrate new design, respecting and complementing its architectural legacy while shaping an accessible and modern identity. The project also received the Outstanding Work by a Craftsperson Award, reflecting the high level of care and execution carried through construction.
In 2025, IAA received the AIA Kansas City Firm Award, recognizing its commitment to design excellence, equity in architecture, and lasting community impact. This recognition reflects the collective strength of the firm, to which Andy’s steady leadership and collaborative ethos have been integral.
Jordan Lake, AIA, graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Master of Architecture degree. An Associate at IAA, Jordan made his way to Kansas City not too long after, bringing along with him a broad range of project experience, from college campus master planning to historic restoration. Away from IAA, you will most likely find Jordan with a good sci-fi novel, or cheering for his Nebraska Cornhuskers. Go Big Red!
Sarah Tappe, AIA graduated from the University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design where she spent time abroad in Rome, Italy, and the Nordic countries. She is especially interested in the revitalization of old industrial and warehouse districts within cities, and their adaptation into contemporary and sustainable designs. Sarah views architecture as a critical tool in addressing the larger issues of today and helping to move cities forward by inspiring change that is focused on a better way of living. When Sarah is away from the office she is likely exploring. Whether it’s a concert in the Crossroads, a walk through the Nelson-Atkins lawns or a road trip adventure, Sarah keeps busy soaking in the culture around her.
Autumn Olsen graduated from the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design with a Master of Architecture degree and business minor. During her time at KU, she spent a semester in Copenhagen learning about Danish design and studying examples of how sustainable architecture can be achieved. Autumn is passionate about improving people’s lives and our environment through creative, intentional design. Beyond the office she enjoys kayaking, creative projects, and working on puzzles with close friends and family.
Isaí Castañeda graduated from the University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design with his Bachelor of Architecture degree. Prior to graduation, he got the incredible opportunity of studying abroad in Rome. Isai is fascinated by the constant evolution of cities and neighborhoods and how people interact with their built environment. He is inspired by design styles such as Brutalism, Japanese Metabolism, and the conceptual work of groups like Archigram and Superstudio. Outside of Architecture, he loves music, drawing and tabletop RPG games.
Katlyn Lovekamp, AAIA holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Studies from
Southern Illinois University and received her Master of Architecture at Kansas State University.
She has always focused her talents and abilities on helping others; whether she’s working with
clients, consultants or her peers, Katlyn loves to coordinate and problem solve. She is passionate
about universal design and how those strategies can be implemented into every project. When
she’s not in the office, you can find Katlyn in a variety of places: trying out a new coffee shop,
browsing the farmer’s market, hiking scenic trails, or at home with a good book.
Hannah Griffin, our Marketing Coordinator, holds an MFA in poetry from Columbia University and brings a strong background in writing, storytelling, and marketing. Hannah has a deep love for the arts community in Kansas Cty and enjoys making connections between art, design, and literary worlds.
Eleanor Wakou attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree and developed a deep interest in sustainable design. Post-graduation, she moved to Seattle, where she gained experience in K-12 and healthcare projects and publicly presented on the intersection of biophilic and trauma-informed design. The following chapter was Eleanor’s participation in a two-year Bible truth and service program in Southern California. She now continues her story in Kansas City. Outside the office, Eleanor enjoys exploring eccentric neighborhoods, traveling near and far, and quality time with family and friends.
Matthew Murphy graduated from the Kansas State University School of Architecture, Planning + Design, where he also studied abroad in Copenhagen and completed fellowships in Spain, Venice, and Amsterdam. He approaches architecture as a structured language capable of organizing bodies and producing knowledge through formal and political operations.
Matthew is particularly interested in designing spaces for art and education while testing and theorizing the limits of disciplinary boundaries. Outside the office, he’s often wandering the galleries of the Nelson-Atkins and the Kemper Contemporary, experimenting with abstract photography, or brewing tea on his balcony.
Miranda Clark is an Architectural Designer at International Architects Atelier (IAA) whose practice freely explores the possibilities of sculpture, color, and community-engaged design.
Miranda’s work combines a research-based design practice with an interest in how technology, craft, and material come together in ways that expand the boundaries between art, architecture, and urban place-making.
Clark holds a BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute and graduated from the Yale School of Architecture, where she was a Feldman Prize finalist.
Matt Hasek is an Architectural Designer at International Architects Atelier (IAA). Matt raduated from Drury University with a Master of Architecture. During his time at Drury University, he completed a mentorship in Hangzhou, China, and a semester study abroad in Aegina, Greece. He has a wide range of professional experience across different project types, from public schools to private-sector mixed-use and multi-family buildings. Matt regularly researches architecture of various project types all over the world to further improve his literacy in design to carry that knowledge into each project he engages with. Additionally, he has worked to gain a deep understanding of cities and urban space as he strongly believes architecture does not stop at the sidewalk.
In his time not spent on architecture, Matt enjoys exploring the world of classical music by attending symphonic and opera performances at the Kauffman Center and playing his piano at home.
Sean Wise is the Office Manager at International Architects Atelier (IAA), where he brings experience in operations, financial management, and organizational leadership. He focuses on creating structure that enables teams to do their best work, with an emphasis on financial discipline, process improvement, and operational consistency. Sean is passionate about supporting professionals by removing friction in day-to-day operations and building systems that allow creativity and collaboration to thrive. Outside of the office, he enjoys cooking, playing video games, and keeping music on in the background.
International Architects Atelier (IAA) is a leading architectural firm and a team of technical experts with an unparalleled dedication to our client's visions and needs while contributing our creativity to produce solution-oriented, award-winning, and innovative designs.
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Kansas City, IAA has accrued a portfolio of clients with whom our experienced team collaborates for productive, lifelong partnerships to shape our communities for the future.
The breadth of expertise within our team means that we are able to provide the extensive resources of a full-service firm with the personalized service of a small studio.
Our approach manifests in cohesive, forward-thinking solutions of timeless design and relevance within their communities.
International Architects Atelier offers a variety of planning and design solutions including the following:
International Architects Atelier (IAA) is a leading design firm and team of technical experts with an unparalleled dedication to our clients’ visions and needs while contributing our creativity to produce solution-oriented, award-winning, and innovative designs.
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Kansas City, IAA is a team of passionate and creative individuals with diverse voices and perspectives. Our collaborative environment means that each team member has meaningful involvement in all stages of our projects.
Our approach manifests in cohesive, forward-thinking solutions of timeless design and relevance within their communities.
We’re always looking for talent.
If interested in joining the IAA team send your cover letter, resume and work samples to iaa@i-a-a.com.
International Architects Atelier is an equal opportunity employer.
