As the Director of Architecture, Allen provides strategic leadership to the architectural staff in KAI’s Dallas-Fort Worth office, which includes quality control, mentoring, design collaboration, and constructability.
“Will plays a vital role in influencing, motivating, and challenging the design staff in their professional development,” said KAI President Darren L. James. “He also works with the executive staff to develop project workplans as well as maintain budgets and profitability goals. We welcome his extensive experience and congratulate him on joining our team.”
Prior to KAI, Allen worked as a Project Manager for two years at D2 Architecture in Dallas and as a Program Manager for nearly 15 years at RHA Architects, also in Dallas. He has a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma and is a member of the American Institute of Architects, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.
In her new position, Zilic will be responsible for developing and supervising the interior design team and guiding them through all stages of the design and construction process, which includes interpreting program requirements, surveying building interiors, developing working plans, making material and furniture selections, and reviewing specifications and contracts for services and sustainable design.
“My main goal is to provide mentorship to the interior design team by encouraging a fun and collaborative atmosphere by promoting innovative design strategies and sustainability with communities in mind,” Zilic said. “As a team member, I work to exceed client expectations through precision and excellence.”
Zilic has eight years of industry experience. Prior to KAI, she worked as an Interior Designer II for Perkins + Will in Dallas and as a Junior Designer with Planning Design Research in Houston.
She has a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Houston College of Architecture, and she is LEED AP BD+C certified.
“We are keen to have Sanja Zilic join our KAI Design team in our Dallas-Fort Worth studio as a Senior Interior Designer. Sanja is driven to create thoughtful, well-articulated designs that exceed her clients’ program and design aspirations,” said KAI Managing Partner Brad Simmons. “Her portfolio spans a range of markets and project types. As an Interior Designer, she has shown the ability to fluidly move between diverse design challenges with a restrained clarity in her approach and outcome. Sanja brings a collaborative energy and attitude to our team and is well aligned with the KAI culture, values, and mission.”
Established in St. Louis in 1980, KAI Enterprises has grown into a leading design and build firm. The company provides delivery-oriented building solutions nationwide with a diverse portfolio of experience, over 100 in-house multi-discipline professionals, and expertise in both design and construction delivery.
