We Design Community®

Founded on the core values: Quality. Innovation. Creativity. Integrity. Client Service.

We Are K/O Architects!

 

We Are K/O Fairground Planners!

Keffer/Overton (aka K/O architects and K/O Fairground Planners) is a full-service architecture and design firm specializing in architecture, interiors, planning, and construction coordination.

 

As an Architecture firm in Des Moines, Iowa and as Fairground Facility Architects we focus on historic preservation, renovation, restoration, repurpose, public, commercial, retail, cultural/museums, fairground, and entertainment project types. As commercial architects in Des Moines we work on offices, cool houses, and things as exciting as Concert Facilities, Conference Centers and Expo Halls. We are also livestock facility architects and Equestrian Designers working on arenas, multi-purpose buildings, horse barns, cattle barns, and stalling barns. We are a nationally recognized design-leader specializing in master planning, expos, entertainment, arenas, multi-purpose, stalling, equestrian, livestock and amusement related design with many projects throughout North America.

 

Whether you are considering an office remodel, a new building, a residence, or even new fairgrounds, give K/O a call. Even though we’re an architecture firm in Des Moines let us buy you a cup of coffee and have a conversation about your next project!

Hands Down, We Create the Best Places!

What Do We Do?

Do you have a project lead, a design idea, a master planning question, or just want to bend the ear of “your architect”?

Give us a call or let’s set-up a Video Conference, we’ll hear you out, and we’ll send you a gift card to your
local coffee shop so you can enjoy a cup of your favorite joe while we chat.

What Do We Want to Talk About?

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…

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…

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…

What Can We Do For You?

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Planning

Master Planning, Programming, Condition Surveys, Site Utilization and Land Use Studies, Equipment Planning

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Design

Architecture, Conceptual Design, Specialty Detailing and Specifications, Bidding, Negotiated Pricing, Design/Build

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Construction

Cost Estimating, Scheduling, Construction Contract Administration, Construction Site Observation, Construction Management

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Interior Design

Space Planning, Interior Finishes, Interior Signage, Decorative Graphics, Wayfinding

Additional Studies

Adaptive Reuse Studies, Maintenance Reports, Energy Surveys, ADA Compliance, Code Compliance, Long-Range Planning

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Facility Improvement Program

Preservation/Restoration, Accommodate Changing Programs, Meet Current Codes, Enhance Building Appearance, Reroofing, Window Replacement

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Architecture

Programming, Design, Construction Documents, Specifications, Construction Administration

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Site Improvements

Site and Landscape Design, Entrance Features, Wayfinding Strategies

Our Office

A Culture Of Creativity

Our overall approach is to build a communication bridge between the client team and our design team.  This allows the client and consultant to gain an in-depth appreciation of all the issues and resources available, which instills an atmosphere of cooperation and connection.  Our team has a thorough approach, and a cooperative work ethic that sustains the full effort required for all tasks over the life of a project.  

How Did We Begin?

Legacy

Key Personnel:

 

Chip Overton, AIA, LEED AP, President
Charles T. Overton, AIA, LEED AP, CEO
Sarah Camp Overton, AIA, LEED AP

 

Year Established: 1876

 

12th oldest Architectural Firm in the U.S.

Architects-Interiors-Planners

Commercial, Cultural, Fairground, and Entertainment Planning & Design

K/O has the distinction of being the oldest active architectural firm in Central Iowa. We trace our lineage back to 1876 when Bell & Hackney opened the doors of their architectural practice. In 1993, the name was changed to Keffer/Overton Associates, Inc.

 

K/O is a nationally recognized design leader specializing in fairground, livestock/equestrian, and entertainment facility design.

Des Moines Architecture & Master Planning