KAI is excited to announce the hiring of distinguished architect Brien Graham, AIA, NOMA, NCARB as Civic, Municipal & Cultural Market Leader at its Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas office.
In his new role, Graham will lead KAI’s efforts to deliver innovative design solutions tailored to the unique needs of this market across the region, state and nationally. Additionally, he will oversee project management, channel team alignment and growth through mentorship, and strategically drive market positioning, sales and profit management.
“KAI is fortunate to add another impactful leader to our DFW Design practice,” said KAI Managing Partner Brad Simmons, FAIA. “Brien is a proven industry veteran that brings a wide range of markets and client experience to his new role as market leader at KAI. The market leader role is a senior leadership position that requires full cycle design management expertise and perfect alignment with Brien’s professional skillset. As market leader, he has already showcased his steady and thoughtful approach to projects with several of our Civic, Municipal & Cultural clients. Brien’s personal style and passion for design has quickly won rave reviews both externally and internally.”
An award-winning architect with over 20 years of industry experience, Graham has held positions prior to KAI that include Senior Project Manager at LPA, Inc.; Associate/Project Manager at Richmond Group; and Director of Facilities/Project Manager at Concord Church.
Graham’s project portfolio holds a wide variety of design expertise spanning a multitude of industries ranging from higher education, workplace, hospitality, PreK-12 and more. Notable portfolio projects include:
- Remington College Culinary School – Garland, TX
- Broughton Recreation Center – Longview, TX
- Police Services of Salinas Headquarters – Salinas, CA
- St. John’s Lower and Middle Schools – Houston, TX
- Victor H. Hexter Elementary School – Dallas, TX
- Texas Security Bank – Southlake, TX
- Memorial Heights Villages – Houston, TX
- Trophy Club Country Club – Trophy Club, TX
Of his many distinguished industry awards, the more recent include the 2023 AIA Young Architect Award, 2022 AIA Dallas Presidential Citation, 2021 AIA Fort Worth Community Award, and 2020 Texas Society of Architects Presidential Citation.
Graham is also a 2023 graduate of the inaugural AIA National Leadership Academy comprised of 14 architects selected from around the country to participate in a three-year leadership development program designed for architects ready for the next level of accomplished leadership in their firm, profession and community.
Graham currently serves on the Texas Society of Architects (TxA) Board of Directors. He is also the 2023-2025 AIA Strategic Council Texas representative and the 2023-2024 Treasurer for DFW NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects).
Most recently, he was elected as the 2024-2025 NOMA South Region Vice President and previously served as the 2021-2022 DFW NOMA Chapter President, 2022 AIA Dallas At-Large Board Member, Chair of the TxA EDI Committee and member of AIA Dallas's Education Outreach Committee.
In line with KAI’s corporate mission to transform communities, Graham is passionate about transformational leadership, and he is a continuous advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in the design industry, particularly among students from under-represented backgrounds.
“I'm happy to join KAI Enterprises due to its unwavering commitment to drive positive community change through architecture,” said Graham. “Our focus is on supporting underserved communities and diverse populations, and our goal is to enhance their quality of life by improving the built environment. I'm beyond excited to join a team that shares my values and has a proven track record of providing equal access to architectural solutions that boost well-being and functionality. As the Civic, Municipal & Cultural Market Leader, I am determined to continue KAI's legacy of over 40 years and collaborate with cities and communities to create spaces that will make a lasting positive impact on present and future generations.”
A graduate of the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, Graham is a Registered Architect in Texas and Georgia and has earned the NCARB Certificate.
Graham and his wife Brandy have five children and reside in Dallas. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing and watching sports.
To learn more about KAI, visit www.kai-db.com.