KANSAS CITY, Mo. – October 3, 2023 – Today Center for Architecture & Design (CfAD) and KC Global Design announced the formation of the D7 Retreat, the first-of-its-kind design summit that will take place in Kansas City during KC Design Week in April 2024.
Bringing together leadership from the disciplines that create the world’s built environment, the announcement of the D7 Retreat kicks off the KC region’s support of National Design Month.
“Never before have the CEOs of the seven professional organizations that make up CfAD come together to fuel collaborative solutions around the complex challenges transforming our world,” said Gretchen Holy, CfAD board president and principal and interior design leader at DLR Group. “This retreat not only creates an opportunity for the thousands of design professionals who are part of CfAD to hear from these leaders, but it also shines a spotlight on the innovation and expertise coming out of KC.”
CEOs from the following design organizations will be participating in the D7 Retreat April 24-26:
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
American Planning Association (APA)
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)
International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD)
“Some of the world’s leading firms and greatest minds in design and construction call the KC region home and are creating impactful human experiences around the globe,” said Ashley McDonald, managing director of KC Global Design at the Kansas City Area Development Council and CfAD board member. “The launch of the D7 Retreat in KC furthers our position as a top design city in the U.S., elevating the strengths of the industry while showcasing some of the world’s most innovative design capabilities in projects including the KC Current Stadium, Rock Island Bridge, the new KCI single terminal, among many more.”
Generating more than $24 billion annually, the architecture, engineering and construction industry in the KC market employs more than 70,000. With the eighth-largest concentration of architecture and engineering jobs in the U.S., nearly half of global sports architecture originates in KC. Recognized as pioneers of the green revolution and sustainable design, firms in the KC region also design 15% of the world’s power systems. In addition, KC is home to four of the top 25 design firm headquarters in the U.S. – more than any other city.
Since 2010, KC Design Week has informed, connected and inspired thousands of talented individuals who interact with all areas of design including architecture, graphics, interiors, products, experiential graphics, landscape architecture, planning and urban environments. KCDW draws an average audience of 1,800 from across the KC Region and surrounding markets. 2024 KC Design Week programming will take place April 18-27.
About Center for Architecture & Design:
Launched in 2014, Kansas City’s Center for Architecture and Design (CfAD) is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization that plans programs and experiences that spotlight creativity and engage a wide community audience in discussions about architecture and design. CfAD’s seven individual professional design organizations unite to teach design thinking to all ages, celebrate the achievements of good design, and help Kansas City reach its full potential. CfAD’s signature annual program is KC Design Week. cfadkc.org
About KC Global Design:
KC Global Design is a collective of design community firms and leaders based in the Kansas City region. With more than 1,000 architecture, engineering, and construction firms, KC is home to some of the largest and most impactful firms in the building industry. Through a focus on Innovation, Awareness and Talent, KC Global Design elevates Kansas City’s collective status as a top design city. KC Global Design is a strategic initiative of the Kansas City Area Development Council. KCglobaldesign.com