Helix/Blackbird Merger - O'Keeffe and O'Malley

Helix/Blackbird Merger

Aug 09, 2016

Two Kansas City-based architecture and design firms have agreed to merge. Helix Architecture + Design will continue after a planned merger with Blackbird Design Studio. The two firms will work together from the Helix headquarters on Walnut Street in the Crossroads District.

Helix and Blackbird leaders said combining their resources will allow them to strengthen their marketplace position on Kansas City’s “unprecedented real estate development” scene.

Reeves Wiedeman, co-founder and principal of Helix with Jay Tomlinson, said merging with Blackbird will make it easier to bring a “nimble approach to change.”

Erika Moody, co-founder and principal of Blackbird with Trevor Hoiland, said the merger will allow the organization to compete on a larger scale.

The firms had worked as partners to land a new client that both were pursuing. Someone in the industry suggested they make the partnership permanent, and the wheels were set in motion.

Notable Helix projects in the downtown Kansas City area include renovation of Traders Towers, renovation of Pickwick Plaza and development of the proposed Conservatory of Music and Dance for the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Blackbird’s work includes renovation of Corrigan Station and the Olsson Associates corporate headquarters.

Leaders of both firms said they plan to continue their firms’ philosophy of donating time and leadership to area civic and nonprofit organizations.

The combined leadership team also includes Michael Heule, Bryan Gross, Kristine Sutherlin, Alissa Wehmueller and Evan Fox.