KWK Architects Completes Transition to Lawrence Group Brand

Following a successful merger and three years of strategic integration, KWK Architects will officially complete its transition to the Lawrence Group brand on July 1, marking the final step in uniting the two firms under one name.

ST. LOUIS, MO — While the KWK Architects brand is sunsetting, the nationally recognized higher education and student housing leaders behind its success remain firmly in place. KWK’s founding principals and longtime design experts continue to lead Lawrence Group’s growing higher education practice, now strengthened by expanded multidisciplinary services and a new generation of talent.

Since merging in March 2023, KWK Architects and Lawrence Group have combined their expertise to create a nationally recognized higher education design practice with more than 140 professionals across architecture, interior design, furniture procurement, graphic design, landscape architecture, and master planning.

Today, Lawrence Group’s expanded student housing team serves colleges and universities nationwide from offices in St. Louis, Austin, New York, and Tampa, delivering innovative environments that support student success and campus life.

Founded in 2013, KWK Architects built a national reputation for award-winning student housing and higher education projects. As part of the merger, Founding Principals Paul Wuennenberg, Javier Esteban, and Eric Neuner joined Lawrence Group to help shape and mentor the firm’s next generation of higher education leaders while continuing to guide major projects and client relationships.

The transition reflects a natural evolution that combines KWK’s trusted expertise and established relationships with Lawrence Group’s broader capabilities and integrated design approach.

“As KWK fully transitions into Lawrence Group this summer, the same trusted leaders who shaped its reputation continue to guide the vision forward,” said Lawrence Group COO Tim Rowbottom, AIA. “Joined by a new generation of talent, our expanded student housing team blends continuity with fresh perspectives. It’s the next chapter in delivering innovative spaces for students to thrive.”

Lawrence Group is currently designing student housing projects on campuses across the country, including Southern Illinois University, University of St. Thomas in Houston, Northern Michigan University, and Texas State University.

About Lawrence Group 

Founded in 1983, Lawrence Group is an integrated planning and design firm headquartered in St. Louis, MO with professional staff in Texas, Florida and New York. Using the power of people with great ideas to bring their clients’ dreams to life, Lawrence Group specializes in architecture, interior design, master planning, landscape architecture and furniture procurement. Lawrence Groups’ talented team of professionals work nationally and locally in healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, housing, senior living and workplace with the common goal of providing legendary customer service.

To learn more about this powerful alignment of experience and expertise, visit www.thelawrencegroup.com or contact Director of Marketing Cindy Hausler, CPSM at cindy.hausler@thelawrencegroup.com.