NSPJ Architects remembers one of our own, our founder Howard H. Nearing, who recently passed away. Howard’s contributions to NSPJ and the architectural landscape in Kansas City – and beyond – are innumerable and immeasurable.
Almost 63 years ago, Howard took the first commission for his own practice, designing a custom home in Mission Hills. Over the next several decades, the firm expanded, gaining a reputation for a legacy of design excellence in residential-focused environments, to become NSPJ Architects. Currently, NSPJ employs more than 70 team members who contribute to projects that include residential and multifamily design, commercial, mixed-use and landscape architecture.
Howard’s legacy at NSPJ continues. He strived for perfection in both design and service, two of our core values that guide all our work and projects. He was known for his distinct design details, which remain a signature of the firm to this day. Our client-focused service, which Howard championed, is part of a desire to build strong relationships with our valued clients and team. This simple principle has been key to the firm’s continued success and growth.
We are grateful for Howard’s love of “creating beauty in architecture,” which was evident in the many magnificent homes he designed. His passion for design was taught and instilled in the team at NSPJ. He stressed the importance of the elements of architecture design, no matter the style, for balance, proportion and symmetry. Howard viewed form and function as one – equally important in creating timeless and elegant designs.
Our thoughts are with his wife, family and friends.