Homes in Kansas City’s close-in, historic neighborhoods are highly coveted for their unique architectural legacy and abundant charm. But they don’t always function the way today’s homeowners actually live in their homes, requiring at the very least a few updates and often a total renovation of the space.

When making updates to an older home, it’s best to seek out a team that understands how architecture, design, and history work together, and the delicate balance between preserving a home’s “old-world charm” and integrating modern functionality. Not just any contractor can handle these projects—historic homes require specialized knowledge of old construction methods and modern building codes. That’s where Architectural Craftsmen can help.

“At Architectural Craftsmen, we specialize in remodeling and renovating historic homes. For us, that’s any house built in the 1940s or earlier,” says Mary Thompson, who co-founded the company over 25 years ago with her husband Joe, a graduate of K-State’s School of Architecture. A carpenter at heart, he fell in love with fixing up older homes.

Mary is a third-generation artisan. Both her grandfather and great-grandfather were builders and worked with J.C. Nichols, who’s responsible for developing some of Kansas City’s most iconic architecture. She carries on their legacy and continues their traditions to this day.

As an award-winning design and remodeling firm, the team pays special attention to architectural detailing in historic homes. Architectural Craftsmen works to preserve and restore significant design elements. They also take care to incorporate existing architectural and structural elements into new spaces. In an older home, a remodel should highlight what’s special about it, not erase the house’s history.