Kyle McKiness grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1995. While at UT and early in his career, Kyle studied and practiced architecture in Krakow, Poland – an experience which still influences the way he appreciates and deploys elements of the old and new worlds in some of his work today.
Kyle and partner/founder Brian Smallwood have history together. They both worked at one of the most prominent and innovative architecture firms in Nashville, Tuck Hinton, in the late 1990s. When Brian left the firm to work for IDS, Kyle joined acclaimed regional multi-family developer Southern Land Company in their residential and commercial divisions. But when Brian co-founded Smallwood Nickle, Kyle was one of the first architects hired by the firm. Except for a two-year gap in their respective careers, Brian and Kyle have worked together since 1996. Today, as Brian’s partner, Kyle shares Brian’s same sense of disciplined innovation, challenge and adventure represented by the firm’s 5.13 name. After all, he has five kids.
Kyle has participated in a number of high-profile award-winning designs, including the TSU Performing Arts Center, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Adventure Science Center. In addition to his commercial work, Kyle gained extensive experience with housing, mixed-use facilities and neighborhood developments while working with Southern Land Company – including their award-winning whole-town concept of Westhaven Development in Franklin, Tennessee. And his multi-dimensional appreciation for the aesthetics and performance needs of these various building applications has given Kyle an extensive understanding of technical design and building specifications. This knowledge allows him to effectively coordinate and communicate design solutions for residential owners and contractors alike. When not at work, Kyle and his wife stay busy with those five young children, including a set of triplets.
Education:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Bachelors of Architecture 1995