Our Beginnings
Don Hollis, Bob Hollis and Dave Miller are the names behind our firm. Just before World War II, brothers Don and Bob attended Kansas State University together. During that time they both enlisted in the Navy. While Don went into the Sea-Bee Construction Program, Bob enlisted in the Flight arm of the Navy. After WWII, Bob got additional schooling at USC and worked for a California engineering consulting firm while Don established Donald R. Hollis Architects in 1950. Bob moved back to Overland Park to join his brother when the firm was awarded the Shawnee Mission Meadowbrook Junior High School project.
The Founders Build On Quality
As engineering partner and designer of more than 500 projects in the next 27 years, Bob applied thoroughness and common sense to every project. Recognizing that building design is never really done, he was particularly interested in reviewing his design concepts as H+M’s clients settled into their buildings. Dave Miller joined the firm in 1955. In 1959, Donald R. Hollis Architects became Hollis & Miller Architects and Engineers. Miller became Chairman of the Board in 1982. That same year, Gene Davis took over as President. Don Hollis was killed in a plane crash while on a missionary trip in 1971; however, his spirit and legacy remain strong.
New Leadership Embraces Challenges
When Bob Hollis retired in 1982, Hollis & Miller became The Hollis & Miller Group, Architects and Engineers, Inc. through the combination of Hollis & Miller and the architectural firm of Roberts & Wisniewski.
Kirk Horner and John Southard became partners in 1993 and were both promoted in 2011: Kirk Horner became president of architectural operations and John Southard became president of business operations. John Wisniewski, former president, continues to serve the firm while he has reduced his responsibilities.
Ed Alexander was named partner in 2000, John Brown became a partner in 2003, Keegan Jackson was named partner in 2006 and Chris Heinz was named partner in 2010.
Celebrating Past Success And New Beginnings
In 2006, Hollis + Miller worked with an award-winning design firm to unveil a new logo, tag line, and version of our name. The new look reflects our culture, growth, and success. Hollis + Miller Architects continues to grow based off our great reputation and the reputation of the individuals who comprise this firm and the manner in which they carry themselves.