Des Moines Architect Archives

October 1, 2025

In Reuse, Renovation & Historic Preservation|Service, Architecture, Architect & Design|General|Reuse, Renovation & Historic Preservation, Architecture, Architect & Design|General, Architecture, Architect & Design|Commercial|General|Service, Architecture, Architect & Design|General|Planning & Master Plan, Architecture, Architect & Design|Commercial|General, Architecture, Architect & Design|Commercial|Cool Design|General|Planning & Master Plan|Service, Architecture, Architect & Design|Cool Design|Cultural|Fairgrounds & Fair|General|Planning & Master Plan|Service|Testimonial, Architecture, Architect & Design|Cool Design|General|Reuse, Renovation & Historic Preservation, Architecture, Architect & Design|General|Service, Cool Design, Cultural, Equestrian Barn, Equine or Livestock Barn, Exhibition Building, Fairground Architect, Fairground Architecture, Fairground Design, Fairground Designer, Fairground Master Plan, Fairground Planner, Fairgrounds & Fair, General, Horse Arena, Horse Barn, Livestock Barn, Planning & Master Plan, Service, Architecture, Architect & Design, Commercial, Reuse, Renovation & Historic Preservation, Entertainment Designer, Fairground Planning, Testimonial, KO Architects, Des Moines Architect

The Role of Fairground Master Planning in Successful Event Spaces

When planning fairgrounds that will host thousands of visitors, countless vendors, and a variety of events, every detail counts. At K/O Architects, we understand that successful fairground design goes beyond aesthetics—it's about creating a space that functions seamlessly and can evolve with changing needs. Our...

August 1, 2025

The DEX – Caldwell, South Dakota

The building, spanning 45,000 square feet, offers a variety of facilities. Notable among them is a 30,000 square-foot expo hall equipped with air conditioning, along with both indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. Additionally, the premises now house the latest administrative offices for the Fair. These...

June 1, 2025

Incorporating Modern Technology in Fairground Architecture

Incorporating Modern Technology in Fairground Architecture In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, fairground buildings must be designed to meet the needs of contemporary events and activities. This means incorporating modern technology and designing the building in a way that can accommodate changing needs and uses over...

Why Is Branding Important in Architectural Design?

January 31, 2023

Why Is Branding Important in Architectural Design?

When you think of branding, you might think of hiring a marketing professional. However, if you’re building a facility or remodeling it, you want to engage your architect to help define the look and feel of the space. Your brand needs to translate throughout the...

November 10, 2022

In Uncategorized, Equestrian Barn, Equine or Livestock Barn, Exhibition Building, Fairground Architect, Fairground Architecture, Fairground Design, Fairground Designer, Fairground Master Plan, Fairground Planner, Horse Arena, Horse Barn, Livestock Barn, Planning & Master Plan, Entertainment Designer, Fairground Planning, Des Moines Architect

Must Have Elements for a Successful Fairground Master Plan RFP or RFQ

As Fairground Facility Architects and Fairground Planners and Designers, we at K/O (KO or Keffer/Overton) know firsthand that master plans are a crucial part of the success of any organization. They provide direction and vision, and they help keep everyone on track with their goals...

August 10, 2022

7 Reasons for Architects to Preserve Historic Buildings

K/O Architects has a rich history, one that stretches back hundreds of years. Even though we're in Des Moines - through that time, we have had a hand in creating many great structures throughout Iowa and around the Country. This accomplished past has made us...

June 23, 2022

In Equestrian Barn, Equine or Livestock Barn, Exhibition Building, Fairground Architect, Fairground Architecture, Fairground Design, Fairground Designer, Fairground Master Plan, Horse Arena, Horse Barn, Livestock Barn, Planning & Master Plan, Fairground Planning, KO Architects, Des Moines Architect

Pros and Cons of Dirt Flooring in Arena Architecture

There’s nothing better than attending a great concert. You can hang out with your friends and sing along to your favorite songs. However, there’s one element lurking below you that you might not be thinking of – the flooring. Depending on the venue you might...

December 11, 2018

In Architecture, Architect & Design|Commercial|Cool Design|General|Planning & Master Plan|Service, Architecture, Architect & Design|Cool Design|Cultural|Fairgrounds & Fair|General|Planning & Master Plan|Service|Testimonial, Cool Design, Equestrian Barn, Equine or Livestock Barn, Exhibition Building, Fairground Architect, Fairground Architecture, Fairground Design, Fairground Designer, Fairground Master Plan, Fairground Planner, Fairgrounds & Fair, Horse Arena, Horse Barn, Livestock Barn, Planning & Master Plan, Architecture, Architect & Design, Commercial, Entertainment Designer, Fairground Planning, KO Architects, Des Moines Architect

First Impressions – IAFE San Antonio

Wow! What a great trip to San Antonio for K/O Fairground Planners at the 2018 IAFE Conference! It was an excellent few days of visiting with current, former and future fairground visionaries and discussing their fairground’s future plans. Master planning seems to be on the...

April 10, 2018

In Cool Design, Cultural, Equestrian Barn, Equine or Livestock Barn, Fairground Architect, Fairground Architecture, Fairground Design, Fairground Designer, Fairground Master Plan, Fairground Planner, Fairgrounds & Fair, General, Horse Arena, Horse Barn, Livestock Barn, Planning & Master Plan, Architecture, Architect & Design, Commercial, Reuse, Renovation & Historic Preservation, Fairground Planning, KO Architects, Des Moines Architect

Way Out West

K/O Fairground Planners recently completed a Master Plan for the Bonneville County Fairgrounds in Idaho Falls, Idaho. This fairgrounds is located south of town,next to the Sandy Downs horse racing facility, home of the War Bonnet Rodeo. It will replace the existing Bonneville County Fairgrounds...

February 13, 2018

In Architecture, Architect & Design|Commercial|Cool Design|General|Planning & Master Plan|Service, Architecture, Architect & Design|Cool Design|Cultural|Fairgrounds & Fair|General|Planning & Master Plan|Service|Testimonial, Cool Design, Cultural, Equestrian Barn, Equine or Livestock Barn, Exhibition Building, Fairground Architect, Fairground Architecture, Fairground Design, Fairground Designer, Fairground Master Plan, Fairground Planner, Fairgrounds & Fair, General, Horse Arena, Horse Barn, Planning & Master Plan, Architecture, Architect & Design, Commercial, Entertainment Designer, Fairground Planning, KO Architects, Des Moines Architect

I Love NY – The New York State Fair Expo Building

K/O Fairground Planners was part of the design team that helped the New York State Fair undergo a major fast-tracked, phased renovation effort that included fairground infrastructure improvements and new event services at the complex over several years. These entertainment design program elements were all...

The Role of Fairground Master Planning in Successful Event Spaces

The DEX – Caldwell, South Dakota

Incorporating Modern Technology in Fairground Architecture

Why Is Branding Important in Architectural Design?

Must Have Elements for a Successful Fairground Master Plan RFP or RFQ

7 Reasons for Architects to Preserve Historic Buildings

Pros and Cons of Dirt Flooring in Arena Architecture

First Impressions – IAFE San Antonio

Way Out West

I Love NY – The New York State Fair Expo Building

7 Reasons for Architects to Preserve Historic Buildings

Architecture Blends Sustainability and Common Sense

Artful Equine Housing! Or just a Barn!

Big Plans at The Ranch

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