| In this month's update: Salina Airport Authority, The Cyrus Hotel, a flashback to the 4-Rivers Electric project, and some parting thoughts from Scott Gales, Architect At Architect One, we design purposeful, innovative solutions in architecture, planning, and interior design. With offices in Topeka, Manhattan, and Kansas City, our team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life. From concept to completion, we partner with you to create spaces that inspire and elevate. Committed to excellence, we serve our clients and communities with integrity and expertise in every project. Enjoy the updates and stories we have shared in the newsletter about the amazing clients we are working with and their projects | | | Rendering vs Reality
Salina Airport Authority: AIM Center of Excellence | | | We are thrilled to announce the completion of the modernization project for WWII-era Hangar 626. Architect One has successfully transformed the southeast wing into a state-of-the-art facility for the AIM (Aviation Innovation and Maintenance) Center of Excellence at SLN. With the project now wrapped up, we are excited to unveil the finished space, which features a contemporary entry marked by a striking screen element shaped like an aircraft vertical stabilizer. The existing block structure has been revitalized with new insulated finishes, marrying the building's historical essence with modern design. Inside, the facility is equipped to support up to 24 movable training tables, a ventilated paint booth, a downdraft composite booth, and ample tool storage. This transformation not only enhances the learning environment but also promises to invigorate interest and enrollment in the program, setting the stage for future generations of aviation maintenance professionals in Kansas. We are proud of what we've accomplished and can't wait to see how this space will inspire its users! | | | Celebrating Topeka's Icon:
The Cyrus Hotel | | | The Cyrus Hotel in downtown Topeka Kansas is a unique, 8-story boutique hotel. Since opening its doors in early 2019, "The Cyrus" quickly becoming a beloved destination for travelers and locals alike. Named after Cyrus K. Holliday—founder of the AT&SF Railroad and one of Topeka's pioneering figures—the Cyrus blends rich history with a fresh, modern aesthetic that captures the spirit of this vibrant city. In 2015, the owners of the Hotel approached Scott Gales, Architect, and owner of Architect One, to guide them thru a design solution for building a unique, destination hospitality venue for Topeka in the heart of downtown. Scott and the team at Architect One took on the challenge and developed the solution representing the successful design which thrives in the heart of Kansas' Capital City. The hotel's design features a harmonious blend of industrial and contemporary elements, offering guests a refined yet inviting atmosphere. With spacious guest rooms, a dynamic lobby area, and unique event spaces, The Cyrus has become a hospitality landmark. Architect One worked closely with the hotel's owners to craft a venue that offers guests more than just a place to stay; it's an experience, drawing visitors nationwide whether they're here for business, leisure, or just passing through. Now thriving at pre-pandemic levels, The Cyrus continues to make Topeka proud. Scott and the Team at Architect One are grateful to have been part of bringing this vision to life, contributing to a landmark that enriches our community. Do you have a unique project design challenge or seek to invest in your own unique downtown project? Contact our team at AO. We will be honored to review your vision and assist you with developing a solution to meet and exceed your project goals! | | | Radiant Electric Cooperative (Now 4-Rivers Electric):
A Landmark of Efficiency and Innovation | | | In 2009, Architect One had the privilege of partnering with Radiant Electric Cooperative (now 4-Rivers Electric Cooperative) to design a facility that would redefine how they served Southeast Kansas. Faced with outdated, inefficient spaces, the cooperative sought a design that was both forward-thinking and functional—one that would embody their commitment to future generations while honoring their deep roots in the community. Located just one mile south of Fredonia, Kansas, and visible from US Route 400, this 28,000-square-foot facility blends modern aesthetics with practical efficiency. The 6,400-square-foot office space and 18,000-square-foot shop, enhanced by a 2,900-square-foot mezzanine for materials and parts storage, create a striking silhouette against the southeast Kansas prairie. The design's clean lines and purposeful form are a testament to our team at Architect One's dedication to delivering solutions that stand the test of time. More than just a building, this facility was crafted with an investment mindset, ensuring it would serve the cooperative—and its customers—for generations. At Architect One, we pride ourselves on delivering not only functional designs but architectural statements that leave a lasting impression. This project reflects our firm's deep commitment to enhancing the built environment while addressing our clients' unique needs. As we continue to shape the future of communities across Kansas and beyond, we remain steadfast in our mission to design spaces that inspire, endure, and elevate the human experience. Contact our team at AO to discuss your next project and how we can help you solve your design & efficiency challenges. | | | Reflecting on the journey and dedication of our team at Architect One, I'm reminded of the essential role well-designed spaces play in the lives of so many. Growing up in the Midwest taught me the value of hard work, collaboration, and a genuine respect for the people and communities around us—qualities that remain at the heart of AO's work today. Every project, from the local landmarks in our beautiful state of Kansas to those farther afield, is an opportunity to contribute something meaningful to the world around us. Our team's work, whether in a rural Kansas town or on the East or West Coast, is driven by a shared commitment to excellence and purpose. Regardless of if the location is a busy college town, the Capitol city, or a metropolitan community sprawling across state lines, our team at Architect One honored to travel wherever our clients need us. We co so bringing our blend of creative insight, technical expertise, and an unyielding passion for solving design challenges. The spaces we shape aren't just buildings—they're places where people live, work, learn, and grow. It's a privilege to craft environments that reflect the spirit of each community, each client, and each unique vision. At Architect One, we're more than a design firm; we're partners in creating spaces that make a difference. We're continually inspired by our clients and grateful for the trust they place in us. It's this trust that keeps us hungry for innovation, humble in our approach, and deeply connected to the people and places we serve. Thank you for being part of our story, as we continue to build with purpose, passion, and pride. Remember to leave it a little better than you found it, every day. -Scott Gales | | | | |
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