RATIO Design and Helix Architecture + Design Merge

Expanding Design Resources Across the Midwest

RATIO Design, an interdisciplinary practice with multiple studios serving projects throughout the world, and Helix Architecture + Design, a Kansas City-based architecture and interior design firm, today announce their merger, bringing together complementary strengths to expand their collective impact across the Midwest and beyond. Initially, the combined firm will operate as RATIO | Helix in Kansas City. RATIO’s existing studios will continue operating under the RATIO name. The merger was supported by Hennick & Company, a trusted long-term partner to the world’s leading professional services firms, which made a strategic investment in RATIO Design in 2021.

The merger brings together two firms grounded in design excellence and a shared belief in the power of interdisciplinary design, and a desire to strengthen communities, support clients, and create meaningful places. Together, RATIO | Helix will deliver expanded expertise at greater scale, while preserving the local relationships, collaborative spirit, and commitment to the communities they serve that have shaped both firms’ work. The merger reflects a proactive, shared approach to growth, with both firms intentionally choosing to combine strengths rather than pursue a traditional acquisition structure.

Their style of work meshes very well with ours,” said Bill Browne, Jr., FAIA, LEED AP, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of RATIO Design. “Helix’s work has a big impact on people and communities. Together, we see opportunities to create purposeful work across Missouri and Kansas while expanding into nearby regional markets that naturally align with our studios and our clients.

RATIO | Helix will operate as a single business unit, integrating resources across studios, disciplines, and project teams, so clients benefit from the right people and perspectives for each project. The combined team will work side-by-side on expanded opportunities across key markets, including housing, higher education, workplace, civic and cultural, mixed-use, health sciences, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse projects.

The Kansas City team will continue serving clients with the same leadership, staff, and design approach, now backed by the added depth of a larger practice and a network of colleagues who share a hands-on, collaborative way of working. Clients will continue working with the same teams, with no disruption to existing projects.

We share that same culture, work ethic, and people-first approach as RATIO,” said Erika Moody, FIIDA, Principal, President at Helix Architecture + Design. “We know their work, and over time, came to see how seamlessly our firms could work together, grow thoughtfully, and increase opportunities for our teams. We share a similar commitment to design, collaboration, and community impact.

As a Vice President and member of RATIO’s executive leadership team, Moody will support firmwide strategic vision and growth while also leading business development for interior design across the organization.

In addition to Moody’s continued leadership role, Helix’s senior leadership team will remain in place in Kansas City, with Doug Stockman serving as Principal leading design across the region and Alissa Wehmueller serving as Principal and Kansas City Studio Leader.

Together, the firms bring a portfolio of notable work across the region and beyond, including The Signia by Hilton Hotel and the IU Health new downtown hospital in Indianapolis, Raleigh City Hall in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Wichita Biomedical Campus and UMKC Olson Performing Arts Center renovation, both currently in progress, as well as the recently completed JE Dunn Headquarters renovation. The firms’ work has earned recognition from organizations including the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Mid-America Design Awards, AIA Central States, and ULI Kansas City.

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Expanding Design Resources Across the Midwest

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