Generator Studio promotes trio of longtime employees to premiere design firm’s ownership team

Three new additions to the ownership structure at Crossroads-based Generator Studio — the first such change in the studio’s 15-year history — each helped transform the very landscape of Kansas City,  said co-founder Mike Kress.

“They fully capture the spirit of Generator,” he continued, announcing that veteran team members Peter Baird, Christina Franklin, and Andrew Kesel are now owners at the firm. “We couldn’t have designed it any better as they have the ideal balance of diverse but complementary talents in this new ownership team.”

The trio join co-founders Kress and Tom Proebstle as partners on the leadership team, which boasts work with such wide-ranging projects as CPKC Stadium, Academy Bank’s Headquarters, and the new Riverside Amphitheater. Nationally, they’ve each worked on many professional sports facilities contributing to Generator’s momentum, according to the firm.

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“The leadership of Christina, Andrew, and Peter has played a large role in our success and their voices will shape our direction — now and in the future,” added Kress.

The expansion of ownership is set to take effect January 1, 2025, and usher in a new era for the comprehensive architecture and interior design studio, said Proebstle.

“It couldn’t be a better time to celebrate and recognize the people who have helped shape the Generator Studio you see today,” he continued. “These three in particular have their fingerprints all over Generator, and we are fundamentally different because of their leadership and the culture they’ve helped create.”

Generator Studio partners: Mike Kress, Tom Proebstle, Christina Franklin, Peter Baird, and Andrew Kesel; photo courtesy of Generator Studio

Baird has been with Generator Studio for nearly 12 years, serving as the longest-tenured employee of the firm. His technical prowess is imperative to the studio’s projects, leading to enduring quality in both design and construction, Generator said in a press release.

“Affecting nearly every project the studio touches, he is key to the studio’s practical application and successful execution of designs,” the firm said.

Kesel joined Generator Studio more than eight years ago and has directly impacted not only the firm’s design work but also the office’s efficiency and organization. As the director of architecture, he manages the firm’s day-to-day operations, ensuring all projects are running smoothly with streamlined processes.

“He exemplifies the ideal project partner, consistently going above and beyond for every client, and fostering lasting, successful relationships,” Generator said.

Franklin has served as Generator’s director of interior design for four years, building the department from the ground floor and personifying the firm’s philosophy of hospitality-driven design. Franklin has made interior design a key component of every project across categories, leading the team to create storied, experiential design from her lens and background in boutique hotel and restaurant design.

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