ABOUT US

We are architects, planners, and interior designers who are committed to contextual solutions.

Celebrating more than a half-century of building community.

As one of the first minority-owned businesses in the A/E/C industry, KMA has been providing services in Philadelphia and the region since 1976.

From the beginning, our goal has been to create outstanding places that reflect our clients’ vision implemented within their program requirements.

The practice has evolved over the years, embracing new clients, technologies, materials, and building types.

1976
Kelly Maiello Architects founded
1978
First public-sector commission secured
1979
Relocated to new office at 20th & Chestnut Street
Early 1980s
Became one of Philadelphia’s early certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) architecture firms
1984
Commission for the award-winning renovation of historic Regent Terrace Housing
1986
A fax machine accelerated communications with clients and consultants
1988
KMA’s first on-call contract with Philadelphia International Airport
1991
Adoption of CAD to augment hand drafting
1993
KMA's first major historic preservation project wraps up at City Hall
1997
Moved to current address on Walnut Street
Early 2000s
Public-sector, education, and community facilities become core practice areas
2000
Pennsylvania Convention Center wins AIA National Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design
2007
Philadelphia Zoo Big Cat Falls wins Exhibit of the Year, Association of Zoos and Aquariums
2008–2009
Navigated the Great Recession while maintaining staff and public-sector work
2012
Firm leadership expanded with new principals and associates
2014
Adoption of BIM workflows and digital collaboration tools
2016
Major partnership transition and launch of a new firm website
2020
Transitioned to remote and hybrid work during the COVID-19 pandemic
2024
Passing of KMA co-founder, Emanuel Kelly, FAIA
2026
Website redevelopment to reflect the firm’s history, people, and future

Our People

As a generalist practice, KMA staff possess the education, training, and collective expertise to tackle many different types of projects.