Community-Centered Design: Michael Kennedy of KAI Design & Build

According to the Harvard Business Review, companies with higher-than-average diversity had 19% higher innovation revenues. Further, companies in the top quarter for racial/ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to surpass peers in terms of profitability.

In this episode, we hear from Michael Kennedy, CEO of KAI Design & Build, based in Saint Louis, Missouri. KAI provides all planning services for new construction including architecture, engineering, and interior design. Learn about how Michael's business has thrived by always prioritizing the local community, and emphasizing an inclusive company culture.

"When doing construction, you're obviously physically transforming communities. But we want to go beyond the building and make sure we're impacting the neighborhoods as well," says Michael. "And it starts with a social component, working with nonprofits and community organizations, and hiring in those neighborhoods. Ultimately, you want to make sure that people are part of the process of design and construction."