Matt Cross, PE, graduates from AIA-KC Pillars Program
Matt Cross, PE, Project Manager in our Kansas City, Missouri office, recently graduated from the AIA-KC Pillars program.
“The Kansas City office director, Marty, introduced me to the program,” Matt said. “I realized what a great opportunity Pillars presented for professional growth.”
The AIA-KC and Pillars Program
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is an organization focused on bringing together architects and affiliates to better the communities they serve. The Pillars program is one example of this focus at work. This highly sought after program prepares the Kansas City Chapter’s emerging leaders for success in the industry and community. Focusing on team performance, community leadership, economic development and more, the graduates completing this program are better prepared to serve their companies and communities.
“I believe Pillars provides an exceptional service to the community,” Matt commented. “I can’t imagine a participant leaving this program without a strong sense of pride in Kansas City and a knowledge of how they can use their skill set to benefit others.”
While the Pillars program is part of the AIA, an architect’s organization, it opens its doors to non-architects. The diverse backgrounds of the participants allow graduates to understand different perspectives.
Matt explained how the diverse backgrounds helped his understanding of other perspectives, “This gave me a greater understanding of not only how different professionals approach a project, but also the impact their decisions can make.”
Matt Cross, PE, Project Manager
As a lifelong Kansas Citian, Matt attended University of Missouri, Kansas City and in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Working his way through the ranks over 15 years, Matt earned his current role as Project Manager at Kaw Valley Engineering. In the last three years under his leadership, several projects in the Greater Kansas City Metro have been successfully completed.
Matt earned his Professional Engineers License in Kansas (2019), Missouri (2020), and Idaho (2023). In addition to being a member of the AIA-KC, Matt also enjoys a membership with the American Public Works Association (APWA).
Marty Arling, PE, Office Director of Kansas City, has nothing but great things to say about Matt. He states, “Matt has been a great addition to our firm. He is an extremely competent engineer and a great individual.”
When discussing Matt’s graduation from the Pillars program and Matt’s involvement in the community, Marty only sees the upside. Marty explains, “Matt came into this company with a desire to better the community. I believe this will be further realized after his involvement in Pillars.”
Graduating from the Pillars Program
In the evening of July 26, 2023, Matt officially completed the Pillars program with the AIA. Completing the program has helped Matt collaborate with other stakeholders on projects.
“I was fortunate to be one of the four non-architects chosen for this year’s class,” Matt said. “Civil engineers, architects, and contractors work together at our jobs daily. Pillars has given me the opportunity to collaborate with these other fields outside of the normal confines of the office environment.”
When looking back at his time with the Pillars program, Matt looks forward to putting his newfound knowledge to work, “I hope to bring some of this knowledge and open-mindedness into my decision-making.”
Kaw Valley Engineering would like to congratulate Matt Cross on graduating from the American Institute of Architects – Kansas City Pillars Leadership Program. We look forward to all the great projects Matt will manage for our communities.
Kaw Valley Engineering, established in 1982, is known as a team of experts who guide projects from inception to completion. With a comprehensive range of services in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, surveying, construction observation, and materials testing, they cater to clients throughout the Midwest. Kaw Valley Engineering has offices in Junction City, Lenexa, Salina, Emporia, Wichita and Garden City, Kansas, as well as Kansas City, Missouri, strategically positioning themselves to serve their clients effectively.