OUR HISTORY

Established in 1929, Kingscott is the second oldest architectural, engineering, and interior design firm in Michigan. For nearly a century, we have partnered closely with K-12 districts while also serving municipalities, higher education and community organizations across the state. From neighborhood schools to downtown revitalizations, our work reflects a commitment to thoughtful, enduring design shaped through collaboration, creativity, and continual evolution.

2023

Rebrand

Kingscott completes a comprehensive rebrand, introducing a new logo and refreshed brand identity that honor the firm's legacy while reflecting its evolving services and future-focused vision.

2019

90th Anniversary

Robert Atkins becomes President; Kingscott marks 90 years of service in Michigan. The firm's longevity reflects a balanced respect for its history and continued commitment to progress, built on creative evolution and enduring partnerships.

2014

Continued Evolution

Brendon Pollard, who began his career at Kingscott as an intern, has been named President – marking a full-circle moment after dedicating his entire professional journey to the firm.

2006

Kalamazoo Transportation Center

Kingscott completes the renovation of the existing 1887 Cyrus L.W. Eidlitz train depot and the addition of 20 new bus slips.

Recognized with the following awards:
AIA Southwest Michigan Honor Award
ACEC New York Diamond Award
Western New York Illumination Design Award Kalamazoo Historic Commission Preservation Award

2002

Leadership Transition

Susan Einspahr becomes Kingscott’s first female president.

2000

Epic Center

Supported by Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, the Epic Center is an 87,000 sq ft former department store in downtown Kalamazoo, re-energized into an arts-and-cultural center and performance space.

1985

Main St. East Building

Kingscott Associates, Inc. provides architectural and engineering services for the second phase of Arcadia Creek Development Company’s downtown Kalamazoo revitalization and demonstrated its commitment to the project by becoming the building’s first tenant.

1975

Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery

Kingscott draws international recognition for designing DNR’s Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery featuring state-of-the-art solar shallow ponds.

1974

Art Hop

Kingscott establishes an art gallery in its front foyer under the direction of Jim Bentley’s wife, pioneering the concept of hosting an art gallery within a business setting. This early effort went on to inspire Kalamazoo’s now well-known and widely popular monthly Art Hop event.

1973

Continued Growth

Louis Kingscott Jr. sold the business to four employees: Brooks Godfrey, DeWayne Leppke, Phil Parker, and Jim Bentley. Jim Bentley becomes President.

1966

Gerald R. Ford Federal Building

Kingscott oversees the design-build of the Gerald Ford Federal Building in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

1962

Leadership Transition

After the passing of Louis C. Kingscott Sr., Louis Jr. becomes President of the firm.

1940-1950

Police Posts

Kingscott designs numerous brick Michigan State Police posts across the state, contributing to a consistent and recognizable architectural identity for law enforcement facilities.

1939

Business Evolution

After Donald A. Stewart's death in 1939, Stewart-Kingscott Company changes to Kingscott Associates & Louis C. Kingscott becomes President.

1938

U-M Law Quad Men’s Dormitory

Kingscott expands into higher education with the design of the University of Michigan Men’s Dormitory, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s history.

1929

Founded

On the cusp of the Great Depression, engineers Louis C. Kingscott & Donald A. Stewart Founded Stewart-Kingscott Company, Architects & Engineers. Kingscott later became a licensed architect.