--- title: "FORWARD Design | Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/forward-design-architecture-pfvwus-pf~939541463 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~939541463.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "FORWARD Design | Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9463633000fac43d_1519-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1900 w 71st ter, Prairie village, Kansas 66208, United States" latitude: 39.0061 longitude: -94.6337 phone: "(913) 489-9349" website: http://Design-fwd.com rating: 5 review_count: 17 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 197 last_updated: 2026-08-27 --- # FORWARD Design \| Architecture Original Houzz profile: [FORWARD Design \| Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/forward-design-architecture-pfvwus-pf~939541463) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Prairie village, KS - **Serves:** Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Shawnee, Lenexa, Leawood, Prairie Village, Merriam, Mission, Independence, Roeland Park, Edwardsville, Fairway, Mission Hills, Westwood, Lake Quivira, Westwood Hills, Countryside, Mission Woods, Grandview, North Kansas City, Raytown, Shawnee Mission, Sugar Creek - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (17 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2015–2021), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves Forward Design \| Architecture, based in Prairie Village, Kansas, was founded in 2011 by Christpher Fein. FD\|A is comprised of dedicated design professionals committed to producing architecture at the highest levels of quality, execution and service. Every project we undertake is designed to be responsive to the individual needs of each client, user and location. By searching for and embracing the uniqueness of each situation we discover methods for innovative design. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Handicap-Accessible Design - Basement Remodeling - Barn Design & Construction - Mudroom Design - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Site Preparation - Landscape Plans - Laundry Room Design - Modular Home Additions - Home Gym Design & Construction - Prefab Houses - Log Home Construction ### Areas Served - Overland Park - Kansas City - Olathe - Shawnee - Lenexa - Leawood - Prairie Village - Merriam - Mission - Independence - Roeland Park - Edwardsville - Fairway - Mission Hills - Westwood - Lake Quivira - Westwood Hills - Countryside - Mission Woods - Grandview - North Kansas City - Raytown - Shawnee Mission - Sugar Creek ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 4 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | FORWARD Design \| Architecture | | Address | 1900 w 71st ter, Prairie village, Kansas 66208, United States | | Phone | (913) 489-9349 | | Website | http://Design-fwd.com | | Followers on Houzz | 197 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [FORWARD Design \| Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/forward-design-architecture-pfvwus-pf~939541463) - **Website:** http://Design-fwd.com - **Phone:** (913) 489-9349 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Licensed MO, KS, IL NCARB AIA LEED AP - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2015–2021), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 17 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Kala Performance Homes, Nov. 2018** > We had the pleasure to collaborate with Chris. The details he provided for our team ensured project success. Chris took the time to understand site specific challenges and worked with us on solutions. We highly recommend Chris! **★★★★★ — Lucille Windsor, June 2018** > We chose Forward Design because we loved their clean, modern aesthetic, but we would choose them again because they were some much fun to work with. Our remodel presented many challenges, but FD met them all with a creative solution that was even better than the original idea. **★★★★★ — Jessica Brace, April 2018** > 5 stars to FORWARD Design \| Architecture! My husband and I really enjoyed working with them. We immediately knew we wanted to hire FWD after our initial consultation with Chris where he suggested something that no other professional had suggested. It was a game changer for the flow of our house. We were very pleased with the multiple solutions they offered and their willingness to work with our budget. We decided to renovate much of the first floor minus the existing baths. We took down two load bearing walls and added a master bath. The design solutions were thoughtful to our needs and worked well with the existing structure. I knew FWD would be a perfect fit for our project based on their portfolio and the remodel that Chris Fein had done on his own house. He was able to help fuse my minimalist/contemporary aesthetic with my husband’s amazing art, antiques and collectibles. With all projects of this nature, the process can be stressful. We appreciated FWDs timely responses and solid guidance through design and construction. **★★★★★ — Gabe Beam, Jan. 2018** > Chris Fein designed a new front entry and garage door for our home. It really was a curb appeal design project, as it completely transformed the entire front of our home, including new garage door, front door, front porch, and tweaks to our color scheme in cohesive midcentury modern style. More importantly, Chris was in constant contact with us throughout our project. It was done in such a collaborative manner! The photos show the transformation, old to new. **★★★★★ — kalihiwaibay, Nov. 2017** > Extensive renovation of Wurster 1957 house with 1000 sq ft add on of master suite and patio > Meticulous attention to architectural detail > Advised landscape design **★★★★★ — Susan L., Feb. 2017** > Chris and crew were awesome from start to finish. I felt like Chris made a point to really listen and get to know us, and then helped steer our decisions in a direction that would make us happy. It was a successful formula because we are thrilled with our kitchen and laundry room. I had an idea in my mind that would have cost more money, but Chris kept me focused on what I needed and what would work for my family (pretty cool, I thought). He is honest, creative, talented and I appreciated the help and advice he provided throughout the project. He always went above and beyond and he worked with our builder to complete a quality project with which we could not be happier. I would recommend Chris & FORWARD DA to anyone without reservation. **★★★★★ — jaseduke, Oct. 2016** > We brought on Chris for our whole house remodel (Courtyard House). Throughout the entire process, he listened to all of our wants and incorporated them into the design perfectly. He was always efficient and on time with his designs. He and our contractor (Hurst Construction) are a match made in heaven, and are some of the best KC has to offer. We can't imagine working with anyone else for our future business/home projects. **★★★★★ — deilts, May 2016** > Chris was professional and helpful. He listened to what we wanted and worked with our older home to make the project blend into and beautify the original structure. He was responsive and on time. He worked well with our contractor and helped keep the project on track from start to finish. We hope to work with him again on future projects! **★★★★★ — carolynkaywilson, Nov. 2015** > I contacted Chris Fein of Forward Design to completely redo my kitchen; repositioning appliances, expanding a small adjoining bathroom, adding an eating peninsula, and removing old cabinets and replacing them with completely new cabinets and countertops. He listened and made suggestions which were wonderful. He did a fabulous job with the lighting. My kitchen is now my favorite room in the house. He did an amazing job. I had been concerned about low cabinets so all of my cabinets and the pantry have self closing drawers. He included everything I wanted and checked with me frequently. I could not be more pleased with the experience or the outcome. As my neighborhood is an "Historic Neighborhood", he also worked with the Kansas Historical Society to make sure qualifications were met to qualify for a Kansas Rehabilitation Tax Credit. **★★★★★ — Hurst Construction, Inc, Sept. 2015** > We have completed several projects with Chris at Forward Design and have enjoyed every one. His respect for our process and craft sets him apart from many other designers. He takes the extra time to understand the construct-ability of his designs and ask for our ideas. He is always willing to come to the site and review his design intent with my workers and subcontractors, which truly helps us produce our best work. I look forward to many more projects with him. **★★★★★ — shawnmanning99, Aug. 2015** > The challenge was to design a unique master bedroom and bath in a fairly small space. With a post and beam vaulted ceiling and dual sliding glass doors we wanted an open indoor/outdoor living space. FORWARD Design \| Architecture designed just that, giving us options, helping us select contractors and working hand in hand with us right down to the "move in" date. Chris provided not only a fabulous plan but complete specs so cost estimates were accurate and we knew what to expect to stay within budget. He also helped us make necessary modifications that remained true to the design. We love the room right down to its sliding orange barn door. It is the perfect fit in this mid-century modern. We highly recommend FORWARD Design \| Architecture for your project. **★★★★★ — Amanda Crawley, Nov. 2014** > Chris designed a modern kitchen for our 1919 house. His design was exactly what I has envisioned and he worked well within the budget and spacial challenges of the house. Wonderful to work with. ## Selected projects - [Wurster House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wurster-house-pj-vj~2849297) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 38 - [2202 Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2202-residence-pj-vj~1932801) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 24 - [Tudor Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tudor-residence-pj-vj~1817734) - Location: Prairie Village, KS - Photos: 5 - [Leawood Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leawood-kitchen-pj-vj~1268145) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: A Bright and airy modern kitchen remodel in Leawood Kansas. The project was designed by Kem Studio in conjunction With Chris Fein of Forward Architecture and Design. The beautiful white cabinets were built by Bootlace Design Build. - [Courtyard House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/courtyard-house-pj-vj~1932820) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 43 - [1209 residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1209-residence-pj-vj~521963) - Location: Kansas City, MO - Photos: 19 - Description: This project is a full interior and exterior renovation to a 1920’s Italianate residence in Country Club Hills, MO. The architectural style and quality of the 1920’s house is largely intact on the exterior but, subsequent interior renovations and an addition completed in the 1980’s has left the house disorganized and architecturally confused. FD\|A’s design intent is to correct the plan and massing of the house in keeping with the original Italianate style. The design of the interior renovation w… - [Ribbon Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ribbon-kitchen-pj-vj~164917) - Location: Overland Park, KS - Photos: 10 - Description: FORWARD Design \| Architecture was asked to redesign a kitchen, family room and mudroom in a sixties brick ranch. The space mediates between the existing kitchen, garage and a family room that is a later addition to the original structure. Because the wall between the kitchen and family room is the original exterior wall of the house, and carries the roof rafters, It was not possible to create a flush ceiling condition between these rooms without significant expense. It was our approach to take a… - [Mission Hills Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mission-hills-remodel-pj-vj~1566793) - Location: Prairie Village, KS - Photos: 19 - [2400 Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2400-residence-pj-vj~1565582) - Location: Prairie Village, KS - Photos: 7 - [Bridge House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bridge-house-pj-vj~1565656) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 26 - [2101 Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2101-residence-pj-vj~1565621) - Location: Prairie Village, KS - Photos: 4 - [Brookside Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brookside-kitchen-pj-vj~902589) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: FORWARD was asked to design a contemporary kitchen to be inserted into an existing 1930's Brookside Bungalow. The design opened up a kitchen and small butlers pantry into one space. We then restored the original finish and detail of the new single room. The kitchen itself is concieved as Modern furniture placed within this historical envelope. There are 2 cabinets One being oak, Full height which is the cooking storage cabinet. It houses oven, range, refrigerator and pantry. The other piece is c… - [5831 Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/5831-residence-pj-vj~2297624) - Location: Fairway, KS - Photos: 15 - [Westwood Hills Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westwood-hills-master-bath-pj-vj~147397) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [The Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-studio-pj-vj~902660) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Beverly Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beverly-master-bath-pj-vj~147407) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Westwood Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westwood-master-bath-pj-vj~147408) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Box-Cart](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/box-cart-pj-vj~209950) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Aluminum bar cart with integrated wine storage, ice bucket and drawer. - [AVW-1 Case](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/avw-1-case-pj-vj~521872) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Nightstand](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nightstand-pj-vj~147412) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 [See all 27 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/forward-design-architecture-pfvwus-pf~939541463) ## Community Q&A **Q: Hardware for doors?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hardware please? A: They are pivot hinges. **Q: since there are no handles or nobs on these closet doors are they touc** *(in Photo Questions)* clean lined A: Yes touch latch. **Q: What's the wood and cabinets from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Cut of wood, type, veneer, etc. if you have a company name that would be great. A: Walnut. Thanks **Q: Bathroom redo** *(in Photo Questions)* Paint color? A: The paint in Benjamin Moore color matched to Corian deep grey. **Q: What paint color is used on the wall behind the chest?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Farrow and ball lamp room grey. **Q: HI, What paint color was used for the exterior siding?** *(in Photo Questions)* We also have light colored brick and have been struggling with a color. It is dark brown now. A: Sorry for the mix up it is library pewter 0038 fromSherwin Williams. Just checked the can. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-27.*