Since the age of 9, Michael E. Kennedy Sr. wanted to be an architect. He first became fascinated by construction watching new homes being built from his bedroom window in Richmond Heights. Kennedy never lost his desire to become an architect, although a high school guidance counselor advised him in 1963 that schools of architecture “only took the cream of the crop – and no African Americans.”
Today Kennedy, 61, is chairman and CEO of one of the largest minority-owned design and build firms in the Midwest, KAI Design & Build, headquartered in St. Louis. His son, Michael B. Kennedy Jr., 30, is now its president.
“I wanted the company to be in a good position before passing the president’s job on to my son,” Kennedy Sr. said. “He has proven to me that he is ready to accept the responsibility. He has a tremendous work ethic, and I thought the timing was right to make the transition. I want to be there to support him in his new position.” Kennedy Jr. has been with KAI for more than eight years, beginning his career as manager of Administration. He soon moved into the role of vice president of Business Development, leading KAI’s marketing and sales efforts. Kennedy Jr.’s innovative thinking has had a significant impact on the technology future of KAI’s design and build capabilities.
He has also distinguished himself by leading the charge for the company’s strategic plan. “I have been working with the KAI Leadership Team in developing a sales plan and establishing metrics for measuring the success of that plan,” Kennedy Jr. said. “As president, I will ensure that the sales plan we have created is implemented.
The plan looks to expand to new markets throughout the country through acquisition.” He has a degree in Business Administration from Hampton University in Virginia and is an active member of the BJC Children’s Hospital Development Board, St. Louis Association of Realtors Affordable Housing Taskforce and the Downtown St. Louis Partnership Housing and Marketing Committees. He is also a board member for Voices for Children, and he and his wife Billye are each mentors to children through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Kennedy Sr. started Kennedy Associates, Inc. (KAI) in 1980 from the basement of his home in University City. He had previously worked for several area architectural firms after attending Washington University’s School of Architecture. In 1978, Kennedy was one of the first African-American architects registered with the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors and Landscape Architects.
Between 1980 and 1996, KAI grew from one to 100 employees with offices in St. Louis and Kansas City, MO and Dallas and Fort Worth, TX. In 1997, KAI changed its focus by adding design/build services to its design capabilities. KAI Design & Build has participated in such notable projects as the St. Louis City Justice Center, the Edward Jones Dome, the Savvis Center, the St. Louis Metro Light Rail Stations, the new Busch Stadium and the new Pinnacle Hotel and Casino. KAI’s specialty areas include education facilities, multi-family housing, transportation facilities, and recreational facilities. The one piece of advice that Kennedy Sr. is passing onto his son is: “Don’t just do things right, do the right things.” “My father has always taught me that when you come into a job, all you have is your name and your integrity,” Kennedy, Jr. said. “He says that you don’t have to make all the money all the time. Don’t be greedy. You don’t have to compromise your integrity just to get the job. If you don’t get it, keep a positive attitude and look forward to the next project.” For more information about KAI Design & Build, visit www.kaidb. com or call 314-241- 8188.
