Ken Rich’s career in architecture spans over twenty years in commercial and residential architecture. He spent four years learning craftsmanship from some of the most respected commercial firms in the southeast. The most vivid lesson of those years, however, was that no commercial building could ever move him in the way residential architecture did. For that reason, Rich became a partner in what is now one of the country’s largest residential and portfolio design firms -- Atlanta’s Design Traditions.
While at Design Traditions, Rich held primary responsibility for the business itself, including design supervision. He was instrumental in developing new portfolio marketing channels through publishing relationships with major industry publications such as Southern Living, Home, and Colonial Home magazines. He also directed Design Traditions’ launch of home designs and licensed products created in partnership with the nationally respected artist Bob Timberlake.
Rich co-founded Kenward Architectural Studio in 1999 specifically to get back to the hand-on residential design work he loves. “Hands-on” describes the firm’s approach perfectly. Kenward is committed to offering higher levels of service to fewer clients. Outside the business, Rich serves as Executive Director for P.A.L.S. (Pets Are Loving Support, Inc.), a charitable non-profit organization providing pet care to people with life threatening illnesses.
Credentials: Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1981. Bachelor of Architecture, University of Tennessee, 1984. Member Organizations: American Institute of Architects (1995, Board of Directors). National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Architectural Registration in: Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Massachusetts.
Eddie Pitts has spent his whole career – almost twenty years -- in residential architecture. He worked first in Pensacola, Florida, during the height of that city’s residential growth in the mid-1980s. Pitts joined Design Traditions, Atlanta, in 1989 where he held detail-intensive studio positions culminating first in his appointment as Special Projects Director and ultimately, as Studio Director.
Signature projects under Pitts’ direction include the 1991 Southern Living Chickering Country House (Atlanta); the 1994 Southern Living Cumberland River Cottage (Opryland); the 1997 Better Homes and Gardens 75th Anniversary House (Atlanta); and the 1999 Bob Timberlake Show Home (High Point).
Pitts also contributed to nine portfolio collection plan books published by Design Traditions.
Like colleague Ken Rich, Pitts wanted to be fully involved in every aspect of the design and building process for his clients. Kenward Architectural Studio gives him the opportunity to do just that.
Credentials: Associate of Science in Architecture, Tampa Technical Institute, 1983. Member Organizations: AIBD, American Institute of Building Design.