Sustainability Intern - Seasonal/Entry Level at Hoefer Welker in Kansas City, MO | Kablio

Sustainability Intern - Seasonal/Entry Level at Hoefer Welker in Kansas City, MO | Kablio

Company

Overview

$53M

Mental Health Campus Project

Designed a state-of-the-art mental health campus in Kansas City that opened in 2024.

500,000

Annual Patient Visits

The Phoenix VA clinic design handles over half a million patient visits annually, showcasing its impact on healthcare infrastructure.

Founded in 1996, the firm began as a regional practice and evolved into a multidisciplinary design studio.
In 2020, the firm expanded its focus to include MEP engineering and medical equipment planning.
In 2021, leadership rebranded the firm to reflect its growing influence under a new partner-led identity.
Headquartered in Kansas City, with offices in Dallas and Jacksonville, the firm delivers nationwide projects.
The firm's work typically spans VA clinics, mental health hospitals, university campuses, and civic headquarters.
The self-designed corporate HQ on Plaza features living-room-style studios, cafés, and collaborative spaces.
The firm integrates natural light and biophilic principles to create welcoming, performance-driven environments.
An in-house MEP division was launched, signaling deeper technical integration into the firm's operations.

Culture + Values

Top 500 Design Firms

Engineering News‑Record Ranking

Ranked among the Top 500 Design Firms by Engineering News‑Record, demonstrating exceptional design and professional services.

Clients love us because of our unwavering commitment to meaningful design, innovation and sustainability.
We believe that the best idea wins, and we strive to interact with each other and our clients with empathy and humility.
Collaboration and curiosity are the driving force behind every project and interaction.
Every member of our team is encouraged to bring their expertise and perspective to the table to create the best possible design solutions.
Close collaboration between Architecture and Engineering—‘we are on the same team…which allows us to come up with better solutions faster than anyone else.’
Culture supports career growth, opens the door to new market sectors, and is constantly evolving.
Award‑winning workplace—‘one of Kansas City’s Best Places to Work’, ‘AIA Central States Region Emerging Professional Friendly Firm’.

Environment + Sustainability

30% Less

Energy Consumption Goal

Projects designed to use 30% less energy compared to industry standards.

2030 Goal

Carbon Neutrality Pledge

Commitment to achieve carbon neutrality across projects by 2030 through the AIA 2030 initiative.

40% Water Reduction

Water Efficiency Target

Projects designed to use 40% less water than typical designs.

Embeds sustainability in every project phase with an eco-charrette audit.
Internal office practices include healthy materials, daylighting, acoustical adjustments, efficient fixtures, low-use water, recycling, and composting.
Offers specialized services such as energy audits, life-cycle carbon analysis, ESG reporting, sustainability charrettes, and certification coordination (LEED, WELL, etc.).
A Materials-Pledge committee focuses on sustainable material selection through firm-wide education and champion programs.

Inclusion & Diversity

No women or minorities in partnership or senior leadership roles—Glassdoor reports indicate leadership positions are exclusively held by men.
Promotions perceived to favor those ‘cozied up to leadership’ and longevity over performance, with women and minorities overlooked.
Employee feedback describes a ‘frat/boys club’ culture, reports of misogynistic tones and inappropriate comments directed at or about female staff and clients.
Reports of systemic favoritism and lack of clear advancement structure, particularly disadvantaging gender diversity in leadership.

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