KAI Enterprises announced that it has been named the Firm of the Year as the recipient of the 2021 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Dallas Firm Award. As part of AIA Dallas’ Honor Awards, the Firm Award is given to the member firm that has best demonstrated outstanding commitment to design, practice, community and professional endeavors. 

AIA Dallas is the sixth largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects dedicated to empowering architects to excel and impact their practice, profession and community. AIA Dallas has a membership base of more than 2,500 members and 300 architectural firms. 

“This is a tremendous honor for our design firm. We couldn’t be happier than to be recognized by AIA Dallas for the commitment we have made to building community and improving the lives of Dallas-Fort Worth-area residents through our projects, particularly in the minority communities,” said KAI President Darren L. James, FAIA. “We are proud to have served the Dallas-Fort Worth community for over 20 years.” 

KAI expanded into the DFW region in 1999 and has grown to be one of the most respected, minority-owned design-build firms in the state with a diverse portfolio of experience, in-house multi-discipline professionals and expertise in an integrated project delivery process. Notable community projects that KAI has been a part of include:

• South Dallas Government Center
• Billy Earl Dade Middle School 
• J.B Jackson Transit Center
• Reby Cary Youth Library
• Sam Houston High School
• Dr. Robert L.M. Hillard Health Center
• East Meadows Apartments 
• Select Federal Credit Union Headquarters
• Tarrant County Precinct 1 Administration Building 
• The Cedars at Carver Park
• The Villas on the Strand 
• South Oak Cliff High School 

“KAI is exceptionally grateful to be the recipient of the AIA Dallas Firm Award. The recognition is a wonderful industry and professional acknowledgement that our core company mission of Transforming Communities is impactful and creates value,” said KAI Managing Partner Brad Simmons, FAIA. “Architects and design-led firms can make a difference in their local neighborhoods, towns and cities. It’s a team sport, and at KAI we are fortunate to have both the culture and the group of energetic, talented design professionals that made this recognition possible.”