Wesley Kean, a 2010 graduate of the University of Miami School of Architecture, has quickly emerged as a leading voice in contemporary architecture. In 2024, he was recognized with the AIA Florida Merit Award of Excellence, the AIA Florida Citation Award for Professional Research, and the Young Architect Award, solidifying his reputation as an architect pushing the boundaries of design and environmental integration. His success reflects the impact of a U-SoA education and the power of mentorship, innovation, and hands-on experience.
For Kean, architecture was a natural extension of his upbringing. Growing up in New Hampshire with a builder father and mason brother, he developed an early appreciation for construction. Working alongside his father solidified his passion, leading him to architecture school. “My interest in architecture grew from my family’s hands-on work in construction,” Kean said. “I loved thinking through the process and drawing, which led me to architecture at UM. The school’s approach to fundamentals and hand drawing really resonated with me.”
His journey to UM was unconventional. After high school, he attended community college in Daytona Beach, balancing work as a server with his love of surfing. Initially planning to attend the University of Florida, a visit to Miami changed his course. “Miami was booming with construction, and the diversity of the city fascinated me,” Kean said. “I thought, ‘This is where I want to study architecture.’”
UM’s emphasis on drawing, critical thinking, and contextual design aligned with his ambitions. “It opened my eyes to how broad architecture could be,” he said. “It wasn’t just about designing buildings but also understanding urban planning, landscape design, and graphics.”
In 2009, Kean participated in the Rome Program, an experience that reshaped his understanding of architecture. “It was a game-changer,” he said. “We worked hard, drawing from 5 a.m., and fully immersed ourselves in the city. Rome introduced me to architecture as a lifestyle, not just a profession.” The program also fostered lasting relationships with his peers and professors, including mentor Jose Gelabert-Navia, who remains a close connection. “I learned a lot about architecture, but I also learned how to live as an architect—how to think critically and understand the depth of a city.”
After graduation, Kean gained experience working with landscape architect Raymond Jungles and architects Allan Shulman and Terry Riley. These opportunities shaped his growth as a designer and entrepreneur. In 2015, on his 30th birthday, Kean founded KoDA (Kean Office for Design and Architecture). “It was a big leap. I didn’t have my license yet, but I had a commission with DACRA in the Design District, and that motivated me to pass my final exams,” he said.
Today, KoDA is recognized for its sustainable approach to architecture, addressing challenges like sea-level rise. Kean’s design philosophy prioritizes collaboration—not just with clients but with the natural world. “We focus on understanding the environmental, cultural, and social context of each project,” he said. “Architecture should evolve collaboratively, not be driven by preconceived notions of style or form.”
Kean encourages students to develop relationships with faculty. “Get to know your professors, invite them for coffee, and learn about their practices,” he said. “Their connections can open doors for you in ways you can’t imagine.” His advice for students is simple: Don’t just present your work and leave. Stay and listen to critiques, even of others’ work.Those moments will teach you the most. Take full advantage of the opportunities around you.
Kean’s journey from UM student to award-winning architect exemplifies the power of mentorship, perseverance, and innovation. With a firm dedicated to sustainability and research-driven design, he continues to shape the future of architecture—one project at a time.
