Our Team
Keith Barnes, AIA, LEED AP
Our team is comprised of experienced professionals led by founder Keith Barnes. Keith brings over twenty years of professional experience leading all phases of projects, from initial site-feasibility studies through design, construction and to project completion. His hands-on working experience as a practicing architect, a director with a real estate development company, and a project manager with a construction company provide the foundation for the integrated practice of KCB Buildings. Keith’s past completed project experience is immense and varies widely from single family residences in rural Wisconsin to world-class high-rise condominium towers in New York, NY.
Keith is a registered architect in the States of Wisconsin and New York. Keith is also a licensed general contractor, a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Accredited Professional, and a member of the International Code Council.
Carol Alexander, Managing Partner
Carol Alexander is the Managing Partner at KCB Buildings Architecture Firm, bringing over 20 years of experience in the arts to her role. A co-owner since 2022, Carol has been instrumental in the firm’s journey since its inception four years ago.
Carol earned a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, with a major in Fine Arts specializing in Metalsmithing and the Concept of Jewelry Design, and her B.S from Brooklyn College with a major in Business Management.
Carol resides in Milwaukee’s Eastside neighborhood with her husband and business partner, Keith Barnes, and their two children. Outside of work, she is an active member of the Milwaukee Rotary Club and is a board member of the Friends of the Central Library and Art Intersection MKE. Interests of Carol include exceptional taxidermy, vintage fashion, and frequenting museums.
Josh Gradman, Architectural Designer
Josh is an architectural designer with over 5 years of experience in commercial, residential, and healthcare architecture. Ever since he developed a passion for architecture, Josh has enjoyed observing the relationship between architecture and people. He is motivated to design spaces that are not only beautiful but also improve the well-being of those who utilize them. Josh considers the architecture profession a "jack of all trades" because it combines numerous skillsets, including design, communication, listening, education, mathematics, and technology. He enjoys every aspect of the profession, but believes the foundation of a successful design project is communication.
Josh earned his B.S. with a major in Architectural Studies, and his M.Arch from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While pursuing his B.S. Josh had the opportunity to study abroad for a full school year in Barcelona, Spain, with the freedom to travel throughout Europe.
Josh lives in the Milwaukee area with his partner and cat. When he is not at the office, you can find Josh at the movie theater, with his nose in a book, or on an airplane to his next dream destination.
Audry Grill, Project Architect, AIA
Audry is a licensed architect with over 14 years of experience in commercial and residential architecture, along with prior professional experience in higher education development. She is driven by her passion to create spaces of beauty and function that elevate the everyday experience of those who live, work, and play in them. She believes that engaged listening, thoughtful communication, and an attitude of curiosity and are the basis of a truly collaborative and enjoyable design process that yields successful projects. She has designed and led projects of varying scope and complexity, from single-family homes to community gathering places - including the AIA-award winning Milwaukee Bucks Deer District.
Audry earned her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with a major in Fine Arts, and her M.Arch from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She draws inspiration from her extensive travels as well as the many places she has been lucky to call home, including New England, Philadelphia, and Chicago
Audry lives in the Milwaukee area with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, clay sculpting, watching films, and exploring Wisconsin.
Oona Bruss, Administrative Coordinator
In her role as Administrative Coordinator, Oona combines strong organizational skills with a creative mindset shaped by her work as a professional artist. Her artistic background has sharpened her attention to detail, adaptability, and ability to see both the big picture and the finer points—qualities that are essential in effective problem-solving and coordination. Oona thrives in environments where precision and creativity intersect, and she enjoys finding thoughtful, efficient solutions that keep operations running smoothly.
Oona earned her B.A. from Tulane University, with a major in Design and a minor in Studio Art.
Oona recently relocated to Milwaukee from Southern California. Outside of work, you’ll find her in the print studio working on new pieces or at by the lake going for a run.
Work Culture
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Keith, the founder of KCB Architects, and his wife Carol have cultivated a lively workplace that prioritizes its clients and employees.
Their shared vision extends beyond exceptional architectural solutions; they have established a nurturing environment where every employee feels valued and empowered. By fostering open communication and collaboration, Keith and Carol ensure that their team can thrive, bringing innovative ideas to life in a supportive atmosphere.
This commitment to a welcoming workplace not only enhances employee satisfaction but also enriches the creative process, resulting in designs that resonate with the unique stories of each client.
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At KCB, we believe that a harmonious work-life balance fuels creativity and innovation.
We celebrate flexibility, understanding that our best work stems from individuals who feel fulfilled both in and out of the office. By fostering an environment that values personal time alongside professional commitments, we empower our employees to bring their best selves to work.
This balanced approach not only enhances the quality of our designs but also cultivates a culture of collaboration and support, enabling us to deliver exceptional results tailored to our clients’ unique visions.
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At KCB, we believe that a harmonious work-life balance fuels creativity and innovation.
We celebrate flexibility, understanding that our best work stems from individuals who feel fulfilled both in and out of the office. By fostering an environment that values personal time alongside professional commitments, we empower our employees to bring their best selves to work.
This balanced approach not only enhances the quality of our designs but also cultivates a culture of collaboration and support, enabling us to deliver exceptional results tailored to our clients’ unique visions.
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Located in a central area that encourages connectivity and engagement, we foster a sense of community both within our walls and in the surrounding neighborhood.
Engaging with our surroundings inspires our designs, ensuring that each project reflects the unique essence of the neighborhoods we serve. We believe that great architecture begins with great conversations, and our downtown location enables us to cultivate meaningful relationships that enhance our creative journey.