KMD Architects Names Ryan Stevens CEO

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

KMD Architects, formerly known as Kaplan McLaughlin Diaz, the San Francisco-based international design firm, announced today that Ryan Stevens has been named Chief Executive Officer. Roy Latka will continue to hold the position of President. The decision redistributes leadership of the firm as it prepares to celebrate 50 years of practice in 2013.

Ryan has made significant contributions to the architectural vision and the leadership of the firm since he returned 12 years ago, Latka said. His understanding of management and design are great pillars from which to lead the firm.

Having served as KMDs Design Director since 2000, Stevens appointment signifies KMDs commitment to continued design excellence and creative exploration. The decision to name Stevens as CEO, an individual firmly rooted in the design practice, represents a departure from typical professional service firms who tap individuals with backgrounds in management.

I am honored and excited to lead KMD, said Stevens. Our profession has great challenges ahead of it as we rethink the status quo of how to design and deliver exceptional buildings. We have a unique culture at KMD; one which questions presumptions and digs deeply into client goals. I look forward to kicking off the next 50 years.

KMD has seen other leadership changes during the past 12 months, the most notable being the retirement of founder Herbert McLaughlin this past summer.

Jim Diaz, a founding principal of KMD, said, This is an exciting time for our firm. Ryan represents a new generation of leadership for us. He has the right combination of design expertise, business acumen and marketing know-how to lead KMD into the next half century of our practice.

About KMD Architects

Founded in San Francisco in 1963, KMD Architects is a leader in architectural planning and design with projects in more than 30 US states and 15 countries. KMD has seven offices worldwide, including San Francisco, Santa Monica, Portland, Seattle and Mexico City. In the past two decades, KMD has received more than 200 design awards around the world. The companys web site is http://www.kmdarchitects.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130122005438/en/

More here:
KMD Architects Names Ryan Stevens CEO