Philosophy

Our Mission

At KPN Architects, we do not design to showcase our abilities but to highlight and promote our clients’ vision. We are passionate about creativity, about quality, and about service.  We define our success by how well we bridge the gap between vision and realization with thoughtful and responsible solutions. We believe in cultivating relationships that go beyond the completion of a project. To us, a handshake means more than a friendly gesture – it is a symbol of our promise to serve you with diligence and integrity.

President | Principal

JACOB PANIKAR

Within the last 32 years, Mr. Panikar has worked as Principal-in-Charge, Project Manager, and Lead Project Designer on a considerable number of projects, including educational + institutional facilities, senior living communities, and mixed-use developments. His vast experience also includes extensive knowledge of the FF+E process and working with Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE), the Design Team, and End Users.

Since earning his degree from the University of Bombay in 1985 and later on, a Master of Architecture degree in 1995 from Morgan State University, Mr. Panikar has compiled an exceptional portfolio of completed projects ranging from residential communities to complex institutional facilities. A former Vice President and Principal at CSD Architects, Inc. in Baltimore, his extensive experience in planning and project management is reflected in an impressive history of delivering successful projects on time and within budget. He has established continuing relationships with his clients through his devotion and personal commitment to the achievement of their goals.

In 2009, Mr. Panikar co-founded KPN Architects and currently serves as its President. Along with his duties as President of KPN Architects, Mr. Panikar oversees the design + project management of several of the company’s ongoing commissions.

Vice President | Principal

Sotero Nieves

Mr. Nieves has served as Architect, Design Principal, and Lead Designer on a wide variety of project types located all over the United States and abroad.

With over 30 years of project experience in planning, design, and project management, Mr. Nieves has compiled an impressive portfolio of architectural work that includes Civic, Higher Education, Institutional Campuses, Retail, and Commercial Mixed-Use Developments, as well as Multifamily and Senior Living Communities.

A 1983 graduate from the University of Santo Tomas with a BS in Architecture, Mr. Nieves went on to train and work as Architect and Lead Designer for several leading Baltimore architectural studios such as BCT-DDG, Inc., CSD Architects, Inc., and CI Design, Inc.. During this time, Mr. Nieves became heavily involved in multiple large-scale civic, retail, and commercial mixed-use projects located locally and around the world. Through his experience and exposure to complex design challenges and methodologies, Mr. Nieves has learned to master the process of blending the disciplines of architecture, graphics, and place-making, thus enabling him to create truly unique and inspiring projects.

In 2009, Mr. Nieves co-founded KPN Architects, LLC and currently serves as its Vice President, responsible for all aspects of the company’s operation while also serving as Design Principal and Lead Designer on a number of the firm’s special projects.

Principal

GORDON INGERSON

After earning his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati in 1983, Mr. Ingerson served as Principal-in-Charge, Project Designer, Project Manager, and Project Architect for several leading architectural studios including Gould Architects, CHK Architects, and Grant Architects. Mr. Ingerson has served as President of the American Institute of Architects, Baltimore Chapter, and as a design expert for numerous local, and regional committees, including as past Chair of the Baltimore Urban Design Committee.

Mr. Ingerson has built a reputation for managing large teams on technically complex projects, with budgets in excess of $130 million. As an Architect, Gordon brings with him a unique ability to integrate quality building + urban design with well-executed technical solutions. His strong commitment to successful constructability outcomes makes him a valuable team member for projects of any size, scope, or type. Mr. Ingerson’s architectural experience includes master planning, concept planning, building design, agency + community presentation, production of construction documents + specifications, and contract administration during construction.

Mr. Ingerson has been with KPN Architects, LLC since its inception in 2009 and serves as one of the firm's three senior partners. Gordon's exceptional portfolio includes award-winning design for higher education, research, historic preservation, mixed-use development, and housing for student, multifamily + senior communities.  As Principal for KPN Architects, he manages the process of design and construction administration for several of the firm’s major projects as well as assists in developing and promoting KPN Architects’ various marketing initiatives.