Everything K/O!

K/O Architects History

 
Principal Officers:
Charles T. Overton, AIA, LEED AP, CEO
Chip Overton, AIA, LEED AP, President

Year Established: 1876
12th oldest Architectural Firm in the U.S.

Architects-Interiors-Planners-Constructors

Commercial, Cultural, Fairground, and Entertainment Planning & Design

Project Management

Our office utilizes a studio design team approach where our architects and designers follow the project through all stages.  At each stage of the project new layers of consulting services are added. Our objective in the development of design and delivery of technical expertise is to achieve a seamless and continuing level of service over the duration of the project, while providing a management structure that is understood by all parties Understanding how the work is evolving keeps all team members vigilant to examination of key design decisions affecting their area of expertise.

Culture

Our overall approach is to build a bridge between the client team and our design team. Communication is the essential vehicle for creating this bridge. It allows the client and consultant to gain an in-depth appreciation of all of the issues and resources available, which instills an atmosphere of cooperation and connection.

Rigorous Approach

Our team has a thorough approach, abundant resources and a co-operative work ethic to sustain the full effort required for all tasks over the life of the project. Our design team assesses the relevancy and hierarchy of each design initiative in line with an overall schedule, cost control and any potential risks. We establish a clear reporting structure and method of record keeping. We promote responsibility and effective decision-making between the client and the design team.

Design Continuity/Quality Of Service

K/O believes the design process is best when it involves the active participation of our clients.  We join forces with our clients to form a team.  As partners – in the design process – the team gains a collective understanding and works together to guide the vision.  Design involves form, function, and economics.  Extraordinary design seeks the best of all these.  The end result is one which each participant can pride them-selves in the fact that the vision has been realized.  We believe that all of our projects exemplify this.

Sustainable Design

Our integrated approach to each project also strikes the right balance between environmental concerns and aesthetic integrity. We take great pride in being good stewards of our profession and that means being good stewards of our environment. This is about seizing the opportunity to be leaders in our profession by utilizing time-tested passive principles and emerging green technologies while maintaining the highest standards of Sustainable Architecture and implementing LEED Design Principals. Our clients benefit not only by contributing to a sustainable future but to their own health and comfort.  Historically, most “green” construction has lacked refinement in the joining of materials and the soulful interplay of space that is the hallmark of great architecture.  Our core values promote an architecture of unsurpassed quality and dedication to the protection of our natural resources.

Results

On previous projects, clients have expressed unanimous support of our process.  Many have expressed an unwillingness to participate in a design process that does not utilize this interactive approach.  Our approach facilitates communication, articulates and organizes the process, and cuts through the confines of previous experience and expectations–becoming an effective tool for developing a singular shared vision.

 

K/O Services and Process
 

Services……

Our office …. more

 


Jan 31
2012

Learning From Las Vegas – Fairs, Entertainment and Other Thoughts

posted in Architecture, Architect & Design, Commercial, Cultural, Fairgrounds & Fair, General, Planning & Master Plan

Entertainment Architecture - "In Your Face Architecture"
We just finished exhibiting at the 2011 IAFE (International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions) Conference in Las Vegas. The conference was held in and around the Great Ballroom at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Convention and Trade Show held in Las Vegas each year, is the largest event serving fairs, shows, exhibitions, [...]

Oct 4
2011

Now is the Best Time to Build! – Audiocast

posted in Architecture, Architect & Design, Commercial, General, Service

Now is a Great Time to get Construction Value!
Is now a good time to build? If you’re currently considering it, there is no better time!  Even though some 2011 economic indicators show the economy is slowly picking up, construction spending in the non residential sector is still going down.  This lag in construction spending turnaround should be the proverbial music to the savvy [...]

Sep 30
2011

Architecture Blends Sustainability and Common Sense

posted in Architecture, Architect & Design, General

Photo by Jim Tetro/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon
WaterShed, the entry by the University of Maryland collegiate Architectural team has taken first place overall in the 2011 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.  This team spent almost two years creating a house that would be competitive in 10 different judged areas of the Solar Decathlon.  In summary, the goal was to design and [...]

Aug 11
2011

Iowa State Fair & K/O Architects

posted in Architecture, Architect & Design, Fairgrounds & Fair, General, Planning & Master Plan

Iowa State Fair - Facilities Layout Plan - buildings shown in red have been recently completed by K/O
When Iowan’s think of the hot/humid days of August they think of the Iowa State Fair - then they have memories of fried food on a stick, the butter cow, the big bull, people watching…and K/O (right? You all think of us!)!  Well, if you don’t think of K/O – read on and we’ll tell you why you should! K/O has been involved with [...]

Aug 5
2011

Coon Rapids, Iowa – Truly a Great Place!

posted in Architecture, Architect & Design, General, Reuse, Renovation & Historic Preservation

Front porch of the Armour Building Today.  What an opportunity for a beautiful renovation
K/O travelog  – This town is now officially a Great Place after being designated so in 2005, no longer a hidden haven of paradise in the middle-west portion of Iowa.  Our recent visit to this town (population 1,300) left us in awe of its progressive attitude, friendly folks, abundant amenities, and commitment to miles of [...]

May 6
2011

Celebration, Exhibition, and Education – Fairground Design!

posted in Architecture, Architect & Design, Cultural, Fairgrounds & Fair, General

Jacobson - Barn Quilt
What are the three main ingredients of every great fair in our nation?  Celebration Exhibition Education Celebrating human achievement (having fun, people watching, entertainment, etc.), Exhibiting the best (commercial goods, livestock, art, technology, crops, etc.), and Educating your neighbor on best practices, and the youth as to the way of the future. During the design [...]

Apr 22
2011

Earth Day! We’ll Plant a Tree for You!

posted in Architecture, Architect & Design, General

How Does Earth Day Fit Into Your Plan?
Join us by celebrating Earth Day this week!  For every new friend, like, follow, etc. we get over the next week on any of our social media sites, we will plant a tree in your honor.  That’s right; K/O Architects will purchase a tree through the Arbor Day Foundation Corporate Partnership Program.  The tree will be planted in a North [...]

Apr 18
2011

Fairgound and Town Planning are “Ringers”

posted in Architecture, Architect & Design, Fairgrounds & Fair, General

Payette County Fair - New Plymouth, Idaho
The Payette County Fair is located in New Plymouth, Idaho.  The Payette County Fair is a 4 day event held in mid August.  We had an opportunity to visit this nice fairgrounds on a recent trip to Idaho.  This 18 acre fair is located in a rich agriculture region of Idaho, not too far from Interstate [...]

K/O Basics

Keffer/Overton Associates Inc.
Architects-Interiors-Planners-Constructors

Commercial, Cultural, Fairground, and Entertainment Planning & Design

Year Established: 1876
12th oldest Architectural Firm in the U.S.

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Latest Tweets!

  • Clean Designed Bike Lighting w/o wires! If you want one u better get on board at Kickstarter!
    http://t.co/0hqI8823
    2012/02/22 08:13
  • Like a Greased Pig! RT @mhuberarchitect: The horizontal shower. With my luck I would lather up and slide to the floor.
    http://t.co/Ikm5Rf2G
    2012/02/21 16:51
  • Force Innovatation - Name 5 things u can only do by relying on an expert or going to a central location. Design a way to do it yourself?
    2012/02/21 08:38
  • Learning From Las Vegas – Fairs, Entertainment and Other Thoughts
    http://t.co/dbuQsplx
    2012/01/31 13:41
  • We are so going to be an early adopter! - @makerbot places 3D prototyping in the hands of masses
    http://t.co/GbJaUdU6
    2012/01/31 11:08

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Ideas. Results!

Founded on the core values: Quality. Innovation. Creativity. Integrity. Client Service.

Keffer/Overton (K/O) is a full service, design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, planning, and construction coordination.

K/O focuses on renovation/restoration, public, commercial, retail, cultural/museums, and fairground entertainment project types. We are a nationally recognized design-leader specializing in entertainment and amusement related design with many projects throughout North America.

Whether you are considering an office remodel, a move, a new building, an addition to your home or even a new fairgrounds give K/O a call. Take advantage of our initial free consultation and pick the brain of an expert. Let our creativity surprise you, and find out how enjoyable high quality design and great service can be!

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