BEST OF THE INDUSTRY 2019: SKC Architecture

Over 1,000 Greenway readers made nominations online for the Best of the Industry 2019. This inaugural reader’s choice presentation is unique – 2020’s is sure to look a little different.

Find features about the winners of categories in the Businesses & Professionals section in Greenway Magazine and online. For the CBD, Patient Care, and Advocacy sections, check out the categorical winners in the Spring 2020 issue of Greenway Patients Magazine and online.

Winners of these reader’s choice awards were recognized at the MoCannBizCon after party on March 2, 2020, at the incredible St. Louis Union Station.

These winners are definitive leaders in the culmination of this industry. Greenway Media congratulates each awardee on being recognized by their peers.

SKC Architecture, located just north of Kansas City in Liberty, was voted as the Best Architecture Firm by Greenway readers for being the best of the industry in 2019. Cannabis as medicine is a deep-rooted passion for each member of the Studio KC Architecture team. They believe in its ability to aid and provide relief for many people, of all ages, looking for a natural alternative to traditional pharmaceutical treatment. Their shop has designed facilities of all types and looks forward to doing more.

“We are excited to be a part of this new industry for Missouri; we have spent the last two years entrenched in the field,” SKC’s Katherine Ramsey said. We have traveled across the country, including Canada, absorbing any and all information that we can find related to the design of facilities used for cultivation, production, extraction, and dispensing. The cultivation and production facilities are essentially industrial manufacturing facilities and dispensaries are on ar with both health care and retail businesses – which we are very comfortable designing!”

Depending on the type of facility, there are certain criteria that they focus on for an organized and well-planned building. For cultivation, production and extraction facilities, their focus is on workflow, efficient cleanability, and segregation between the clean and soiled working areas. One example of a unique aspect of a cultivation facility is having interior walls and ceiling thermally broke between the exterior walls and roof to prevent interior condensation which may cause mold propagation. Throughout the design process, the team must constantly be cognizant of potential environmental issues.

For dispensary facilities, Ramsey says workflow is also important, keeping the patient’s needs and expectations in mind throughout the design. Ramsey asks, “Do you have a comfortable waiting area for all types of patients? Does the flow through the facility make sense to move patients through the process quickly, easily, and comfortably? We strive to create an environment where your patients will feel at ease, and therefore, will return – again and again.”

Studio KC has many years of combined experience within the health care field, for hospitals, medical office buildings, and senior living facilities. They also have experience in the hospitality industry, as well as pharmacy and retail – which is helpful for dispensary design – as well as industrial and multi-family housing. Their industrial design experience spans manufacturing facilities related to medical, vehicle, and power generation with numerous and relatable components to cannabis cultivation and extraction.

“We are unique in that have working partners in our firm, and therefore very responsive,”

Ramsey said. “You will find us working on your projects, not our golf game. Another characteristic that sets us apart is that we are here for you, day or night; we are your advocate.

We pride ourselves on being easily accessible and responsive to our clients; we are here for you, and we want your project to succeed as much as you do.

Ramsey said they’re passionate about design because it’s part of their core.

“Being passionate about design is why we do what we do. We strive to create environments where our clients, their employees, and customers will want to be associated with. We know that you are passionate about your project; this is your dream. It is our responsibility to design to your needs and transform the project into success across all aspects.”