Intersection of Design and Community

By VALERIE WILLIAMS Photo by JOHN BURNS

A local, boutique architecture firm is proving their commitment to making positive change in the world. Bryan Falk and his team at Falk Architects are helping lay the foundation for a stronger community through steady growth, community impact, and the power of keeping talent close to home.

THE JOURNEY

Originally from the Kansas City area, Bryan Falk established his roots in Topeka almost 17 years ago. After gaining experience at other firms in the region, he realized that he had a unique vision for architectural design. With aspirations of becoming a business owner, he took the leap and founded Falk Architects on Earth Day in 2016.

Initially, the newly established architect firm operated out of a modest space at 712 Innovations, a former hub for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts in downtown Topeka. However, when the shared space closed its doors to the public in July 2020, Falk and his small team found themselves transitioning to an empty apartment unit within a complex they were helping renovate. As their business continued to flourish, Falk recognized the growing need for a professional studio to accommodate their expanding clientele. So, in October 2022, the team officially moved into their new space situated in the vibrant heart of the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District.

“When I moved to Topeka I drove around to check out everything, and I saw so much potential in NOTO,” said Falk. “When people started taking interest and developing the area years ago, a lot of excitement started building around the area and I thought it would be a great place to be. I loved the tall brick walls and the character of the spaces. I thought these buildings had so much potential and, surprisingly, there were no other architects in the area.”

As a result, Falk’s presence in the area quickly added to the momentum and expansion of the district. His team played a pivotal role in numerous developments in the area, including noteworthy projects like Redbud Park, the Breezeway Park, and various lighting and signage projects throughout the district.

THE COMMUNITY

With a diverse portfolio of projects spanning several industries, Falk Architects has played an important role in shaping many of the communities around us. Their diverse team provides architectural services that range from renovations and additions to new construction and master planning for a variety of building types including offices, medical facilities, education, multi-family and residential, government, historical renovations, parks and recreation, and much more. Through their work, they’ve found a passion for finding creative ways to have a positive impact on the community.

“As architects, we’re helping small businesses solve their problems,” said Falk. “Our clients come back to us because we listen. We focus specifically on their needs and, as a result, those businesses are able to make a bigger impact on our community through the missions they serve. Oftentimes, we’re able to help clients envision the potential of what a space could be and that, ultimately, becomes part of something even bigger. Those are cool experiences to be a part of.”

Helping clients has inspired Falk and his team to find additional opportunities to give back by volunteering their time and talents. They’ve found a special interest in supporting NOTO and downtown Topeka, taking on projects like master planning and renderings for the Topeka and Shawnee County Veterans Park, signage enhancements to the north side of NOTO, lighting plans for North Kansas Avenue, and plenty more beyond the area.

“We see NOTO and downtown as the heart of Topeka,” Falk said. “When people think of their community, they think of those areas. So, by enhancing those areas, we can impact the way people perceive Topeka. That’s where our passion is, so when there isn’t funding readily available, it’s an area where our volunteer efforts can go.”

THE TEAM

When Falk began his entrepreneurial journey, his goal was to grow slowly and sustainably. His hope was to add one additional employee to the team each year he was in business. To date, he has met that goal, currently employing a team of nine full time staff members and two part time interns who each bring their own set of diverse skills to the team. Now, he’s focusing his efforts on retaining that talent and continuing to grow his team.

“It can be challenging to find good, talented architects and designers who want to stay in the Topeka area,” said Falk. “I think Topeka has wonderful qualities — great parks, good restaurants, short commutes — but sometimes architectural designers want the bright lights and big city. I try to find opportunities to help them grow in their career and see the opportunity that’s available right here in Topeka and the surrounding communities. Whether it’s trying to connect them to networking events like Forge or giving them an active role in working with clients, my job is to support them.”

Through cultivating relationships with his team and helping them grow in their careers, Falk has also evolved in his own professional journey. Rather than spending hours working on client projects, his main focus has shifted to growing the business and building a future for the firm.

“My project has now turned into expanding the company,” said Falk. “In helping my staff grow in the role and helping show them there’s a future with this company, my hope is that they’ll see this is a place they can have a great career and stay with for a long time.”

Falk has strategically built his team with a blend of youthful talent and seasoned professionals with extensive experience. Some team members have even retired and then rejoined the workforce. The unique combination has fostered mentorship opportunities, nurturing a culture of collaboration and creativity. In turn, they believe their clients receive a better experience and positive results.

THE FUTURE

In November 2023, Falk Architects welcomed Bob Wilson as the newest member of the team. With over 40 years of experience in the systems business, he specializes in pre-engineered metal buildings, primarily in the Kansas City market. This move will allow Falk to expand into a bigger market, with hopes of opening a second office there in the near future.“

It’s exciting for me because I’m from that area,” said Falk. “We do a lot of renovation projects in Topeka, but it’s not a rapidly growing community. I think it will be fun for us to experiment with some new construction projects and test the market in Kansas City. Our hope is that we would see steady, sustainable growth there just like we’ve seen in the Topeka market.”

Beyond his plans to expand into the Kansas City market, Falk also hopes to continue his growth in Topeka and surrounding communities. His approach to doing business, however, will always remain the same — focused on the client and his team.

“We strive to deliver a project that meets the customer’s needs first,” Falk says. “Making them happy, meeting their goals and hitting their budget is important to us. But more importantly, I want to be clear that Falk Architects isn’t just about me. It might be my name on the door, but each person here brings incredible talent with them. They’re all better at something than I am. And, hopefully someday it’s not just my name you see on the front door.”

As for the long-term future of Falk Architects, Falk says he’s open to exploring additional markets, if it’s the right fit. But that will ultimately be determined by his growing team and their goals.