YEARS OF GROWING RESPECT
In 1895, Leo Oberwarth established his architectural practice in Frankfort. His son, C. Julian Oberwarth (1900 – 1983), joined him in 1924 and was the first registered architect in Kentucky.
In 1965, K. Norman Berry (1933-2021), Principal Emeritus, joined and then purchased Leo Oberwarth & Son with partners Jim Burris and Milton Thompson. KNBA is a direct successor of Leo Oberwarth & Son. In 1971, the partners reorganized and Mr. Berry opened K. Norman Berry Associates, moving the office to Louisville, Kentucky.
In 1995, Steve Eggers was named Principal. From 2006 to 2019 Steve served as Managing Principal. As Principal Emeritus, Steve currently supports firm leadership, participating in the firm’s civic engagement efforts, and mentoring the staff.
The firm has continued to follow the principles Norman Berry established for the firm; follow ethical standards, set high design expectations and provide exceptional service to our clients and profession.
The firm is now led by five principals that have over 100 years experience working together and 150 years cumulative experience in the profession. This level of experience is invaluable in producing the volume of work that has continued to grow in both project size and complexity.
Bob Haffermann and Ed Krebs have been Principals with KNBA since 2006. Bob currently serves as the Managing Principal and is responsible for oversight of the business operations and the financial management of KNBA. Ed takes a leadership role in the business development and civic engagement efforts of the firm. Christopher Fuller was named Principal in 2014 and contributes to the overall leadership of KNBA in concert with the management team. Carole Yocum and Tim Doelling mostly recently elevated to Principal in 2022, broaden, diversify and strengthen the firm’s leadership.
Pictured above left to right: Carole Yocum, Tim Doelling, Bob Haffermann, Christopher Fuller and Ed Krebs.