KMA Design Studio
ABOUT US
Founded in 1977, KMA is one of the longest-established architectural firms in the Philadelphia region. Our specialized studios are unified by a clear, consistent approach: listen closely, collaborate openly, and execute with care. We bring the experience of five decades to every project, along with the energy and creativity of a team that genuinely loves what it does.
Our multidisciplinary team provides architecture, interior design, and planning services across a diverse range of project types, from renovations and adaptive reuse to large-scale new construction.
We understand that great design doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires understanding a client’s needs, the context of the community, and the practical demands of construction. That’s why we build lasting relationships with our clients, consultants, and the communities we serve.
our philosophy
For five decades, KMA has brought architectural expertise to affordable housing, senior living, commercial spaces, and communities across the Philadelphia region and beyond. At our core, KMA combines deep knowledge, proven methods, and decisive action to guide projects from concept to completion, delivering thoughtful, effective, and impactful solutions for our clients and their communities.
Knowledge
Method
Action
Knowledge is our cumulative wisdom of past leaders, decades of practice, and tangible experience that guides our people, projects, results, and future.
Method is our disciplined process rooted in collaboration and clear communication that results in creativity and constructability.
Action is our quick response and proactive engagement, turning ideas into outcomes.
Specialized Expertise. One Collaborative Team.
our studios
KMA’s five specialized studios bring focused knowledge and experience to every project. Working collaboratively across disciplines, our teams provide integrated solutions tailored to each client, project, and community.
Senior Living
KMA’s Senior Living Studio designs environments that support residents through every stage of aging. Our team creates welcoming, functional communities that balance quality of life, wellness, operations, and evolving care models while responding to the unique needs of residents, staff, and families.
Assisted Living I Auditoriums I Capital Improvements I Clubhouses Cottages I Culinary I Independent Living I Master Planning I Medical Suite I Memory Care I New Construction I Rehab Suite I Sales Center I Skilled Nursing
Experience Includes:
Affordable Housing
KMA’s Housing Studio brings decades of experience to the design and preservation of multifamily and affordable housing communities. We work with developers, housing authorities, nonprofits, and community partners to create thoughtful, durable housing that responds to resident needs, project goals, and funding requirements
Affordable Housing I Adaptive Reuse I Family Housing I Multifamily Housing I New Construction I Preservation I Senior Affordable Housing I Workforce Housing
Experience Includes:
Commercial
KMA’s Commercial Studio brings broad experience to an exceptionally diverse range of projects. From YMCAs and schools to self-storage and healthcare, our team understands that every project comes with its own operational needs, challenges, and opportunities. We work across every scale and stage, from early feasibility studies and focused renovations to complex additions and ground-up new construction. At the heart of our work is a commitment to creating functional, welcoming places that serve people well, strengthen organizations, and contribute to more connected communities.
Car Dealerships I Community & Nonprofits I Education I Government & Public Safety I Healthcare & Wellness I Office & Workplace I Recreation I Restaurants & Food Service I Self-Storage
Experience Includes:
Interior Design
KMA’s Interior Design Studio creates environments that enhance the way people experience and interact with a space. Working independently or in collaboration with KMA’s architectural teams, our designers thoughtfully integrate space planning, materials, finishes, furnishings, and visual elements to create cohesive interiors that balance aesthetics, comfort, durability, and performance.
3D Visualization I Artwork & Accessories I Brand Integration I Color Consultation I Comprehensive Documentation I Fixtures & Hardware Selection I Furniture Selection & Custom Design I Interior Finishes I Lighting Design I Millwork Design I Procurement I Installation I Room Staging I Space Planning I Textiles & Materials
Experience Includes:
From Vision to Completion
scope of services
KMA provides comprehensive architecture, interior design, and planning services from sketch to construction. Our integrated approach allows us to tailor our services to each project’s unique needs, goals, and challenges.
Feasibility Studies
Assess project viability
Schematic Design
Explore the possibilities
Design Development
Refine the solution
Construction Administration
Carry the vision
Bidding & Negotiating
Support contractor selection
Refine the solution
Construction Documentation
ADDITIONAL EXPERTISE
3D Visualization & Animation
Bring ideas to life
Building Permit Applications
Support the approval process
Land Development & Site Approvals
Establish the vision
Master Planning
Establish the vision
Interior Design
Shape the experience
New. Existing. Reimagined.
project experience
From focused renovations and additions to complex rehabilitations and large-scale new construction, KMA brings experience across a wide range of project types, scales, and budgets. Our diverse portfolio gives us the perspective to approach each project with solutions tailored to its unique goals, challenges, and opportunities.
$25K-$100M Project experience across a wide range of scales and budgets.
Preservation
Extending building life
Addition & Expansion
Growing existing spaces
New Construction
Building from the ground up
Adaptive Reuse
New Purpose, existing buildings
Master Planning
Shaping long-term growth
Repositioning
Transforming for future needs
Renovation & Rehabilitaion
Growing existing spaces
Historic Preservation
Extending building life
Total Quality Management
increasing satisfaction
KMA’s commitment to quality is rooted in a disciplined process of review, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our Total Quality Management process incorporates quality reviews throughout design and construction, with input from experienced team members to identify potential issues, reduce errors, and deliver well-coordinated solutions. Ongoing staff training and education keep our team informed of evolving products, practices, and technologies, while consistent communication keeps our clients’ goals at the center of every decision.
Elements of Quality Management
- Organizational Structure Methods
- Processes
- Customer Satisfaction Monitoring
- Responsibilities
- Data Management Resources
- Continuous Improvement
- Staff Training & Education
WE CARE ABOUT EACH AND EVERY CLIENT.
The majority of our work comes from repeat clients and referrals, a reflection of the lasting relationships we build by listening closely, remaining flexible, and making our clients a top priority.
Commitment to Sustainability
BUILT TO A HIGH STANdard
KMA has long held sustainability as a core value, not a checkbox. Our projects have earned recognition across a wide range of green building certifications, including LEED Gold, Passive House, Net Zero Energy Ready, ENERGY STAR, Enterprise Green Communities, and more.
Our approach considers both environmental performance and occupant well-being. We look for opportunities to improve energy and water efficiency, responsibly select materials, reduce environmental impact, and create healthy, comfortable spaces for the people who use them.
From building orientation and daylighting to material selection, indoor environmental quality, and high-performance building systems, sustainable thinking is integrated into our design process from the beginning.
We believe responsible design and exceptional design aren’t in conflict. They’re the same thing.
