David Heit, AIA, NCARB

Founding Principal

Education: Bachelor of Architecture, University of Notre Dame, School of Architecture, 1994

Rome Studies Program, University of Notre Dame, School of Architecture, 1991-92

Registrations: Kansas (since 2002), Missouri (since 2000)

Professional Affiliations:

  • American Institute of Architects (AIA), Member

  • AIA Kansas, Member (President 2009)

  • AIA Topeka, Member (President 2006-07)

  • National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Certificate Holder

  • Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, Member

Organizations:

  • City of Topeka Landmarks Commission, Commissioner (Chair 2020-21)

  • SLI Board of Directors (Chair 2023-24)

David Heit, AIA, NCARB, has practiced Architecture for 30 years, working throughout the Midwest. His project experience has been widely varied, but he has gained expertise in churches and church-related facilities, office planning and design, long-range master planning, and classical/traditional architecture. Significant projects David has led in his career include the New Immaculata Church for St. Mary's Academy & College, St. Marys, Kansas; the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library Facilities Master Plan-2016, Topeka, Kansas; and Advisors Excel Corporate Headquarters - Phases I and II, Topeka, Kansas.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, David is among a small group of contemporary architects educated in the tradition of classical architecture and urbanism. A year living and studying in Rome, Italy, profoundly shaped David's views on architecture and affirmed for him the value of tradition in design. He believes architecture and quality of place strongly impact people, and good design should seek to celebrate human endeavor and elevate community. While his education influences all of David's designs, he chooses to let each project reflect the client’s unique program and character and respond to its place.

Academically, David has shared his experiences in the contemporary practice of Traditional architecture with the next generation of rising architects as an Architect-In-Residence in the Architecture program at Benedictine College. There he has taught the senior capstone studio. David has also served as a guest critic at Benedictine College, Kansas State University, and his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame.

David is active in both his profession and community. He has previously served as President of both AIA Topeka and AIA Kansas, promoting the value of good architecture and planning to the broader community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for SLI, Inc. (formerly Sheltered Living) and the City of Topeka Landmarks Commission. In June 2017, David was named one of Downtown Topeka's "Rising Leaders," along with his wife, Kathleen, by the Topeka Capital Journal.

Significant Projects: