Modus Studio

AIA26 in San Diego was full of inspiration and learning.

Our team spent the days moving between conference sessions, keynote talks, building tours, expo floor discoveries, and so many meaningful conversations about architecture and design.

From big ideas shaping the future of practice, sustainability, and technology to the details found walking some of San Diego’s most inspiring projects.

In between, we explored the city together as a team and reflected on what we’re bringing back into our work. We also had the opportunity to celebrate Kiara Gilmore’s Ten Year Anniversary with tacos, bowling, and karaoke!

Grateful for the experience and excited to carry the ideas forward in the studio!


The American Institute of Architects

A great evening with the team to kick off AIA26 in San Diego!

We took the opportunity to celebrate Chris and his recent elevation to FAIA while spending time together before a busy week of conference sessions, conversations, and exploring San Diego.

We're excited for the opportunity to learn, be inspired, and grow together as a studio. Here's to a great week ahead and the ideas we'll bring home with us!


The American Institute of Architects

Happy 10-year modus anniversary to Kiara! Over the last 10 years, Kiara has become an integral part of modus, shaping projects, mentoring emerging professionals, and strengthening our studio culture through her leadership, creativity, and thoughtful approach to design.

As an Associate Principal and Director of Emerging Professionals, Kiara continues to help shape the future of the profession both within the studio and beyond. She currently serves as Chair of the AIA Young Architects Forum and Secretary of AIA Arkansas, advocating for emerging professionals and helping guide the industry at both the national and state levels.

We’re grateful for her leadership, creativity, and the many ways she continues to shape modus.


AIA Arkansas AIA Young Architects Forum

June has brought several exciting updates to the modus team and studio.

We're proud to announce the elevation of five Associate Principals:
• Aaron Speaks, AIA
• Jody Verser, AIA
• Kiara Gilmore, AIA
• Michael Pope, AIA
• Philip Rusk, Assoc. AIA

We're also celebrating Jamie Gottlieb, NCIDQ, as our new Director of Marketing + Engagement and Angel Reyes as our new Director of Fabrication.

In addition, we've refreshed our branding to better reflect our focus on architecture and interior.

Congratulations to our team members and thank you to everyone who continues to shape the future of modus.

Breaking ground on the future of agricultural education in Searcy.

The new Searcy High School Ag-Tech Center represents an investment in hands-on learning and workforce development for the next generation of students. We’re proud to celebrate alongside district leaders, students, and other community partners as this exciting new chapter begins in Searcy, Arkansas.



Searcy Public Schools Searcy FFA Foundation Ecological Design Group HP Engineering, Inc.

We’re honored to be featured in Out There: Architecture Beyond Building alongside projects and ideas shaping thoughtful design across the world.

The book explores architecture that extends beyond buildings alone, work that responds to landscape, community, culture, and experience, making it especially meaningful to see several modus projects included in its pages.

So grateful to be part of this conversation alongside so many thoughtful practices across the country, and thankful to and everyone who helped bring this volume to life.

Out There: Architecture Beyond Buildings releases in store next Tuesday, June 2nd! Or you can pre-order on Amazon or Bookshop.org.


Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design Cathleen McGuigan

A few days well spent at Coler MTB Preserve with The Peel Compton Foundation and students from across Northwest Arkansas.

We were proud to join their Wetland & Woodland Expeditions, connecting with the next generation to explore architecture, teamwork, and the collaborative process behind projects like Coler. From navigating plywood planks to rope challenges, the students brought curiosity, creativity, and energy to every moment.

We’re always grateful for opportunities to connect with our community, spend time outdoors, and hopefully inspire the next generation of creative thinkers.

A closer look at how Via Emma came together in Downtown Springdale.
The bathroom units were prefabricated by Bathsystems USA, then delivered to site and set into place by crane. It’s not the typical approach, but it allowed the team to bring in really high-quality finishes and fixtures while still staying within market-rate costs.

Behind the scenes, getting these installed took a lot of coordination across teams, especially with the CLT structure.

The project is also part of a larger study comparing this semi-prefabricated approach to more traditional construction methods used on other buildings on site, looking at how each impacts cost, quality, and overall build.


Blue Crane Real Estate Downtown Springdale Via Emma BUF Studio

This past week, we joined the Congress for the New Urbanism conference to give the “Scaling up Housing” tour, highlighting a series of modus projects across Fayetteville.

The tour included visits to Adohi Hall, ECO Modern Flats, Cardinal Student Housing, Uptown Apartments and Shops, and South Yard Lofts, each offering a different perspective on housing, sustainability, and neighborhood context. Together, the projects explored how larger-scale housing can support everyday living while responding to the surrounding urban fabric.

It was meaningful to share these projects and to have conversations around housing, development, and growth happening across Northwest Arkansas.


Uptown Fayetteville - A SYNC Residential Community The Cardinal at West Center :: Apartments near the University of Arkansas