Baron Design & Associates, LLC

With the recent economic upturn, more people are turning to architects for help with their building projects. Rita Baron has led Baron Design & Associates to be one of the most recognized and respected architectural firms in Southwest Missouri. A 1999 graduate of Drury University, Baron has assembled a crack team of design professionals that value the entire design process, from initial concept to completed structure. 

Architects are trained to understand the design and construction process in its entirety. A professional architect works with clients to explore ideas and collaborate so a project becomes an ideal structure. Baron Design is highly regarded by clients and construction firms for their detailed construction projects. 

“Any building project begins with a well-prepared client who knows what they want and isn’t afraid to partner with the architect in the design process to develop the ideal structure both creatively and within budget.” says Rita Baron. 

Rita Baron launched Baron Design & Associates in 2003. The firm has experience in a diverse array of structures including, but not limited to, affordable housing, healthcare, government, financial, corporate and restaurant facilities, historic renovations, hospitality, and retail centers. They offer architectural services in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Colorado, Nebraska, Indiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, Georgia, and Florida. 

“We are committed to sustainability, the environment, and high performance buildings,” says Baron, “Environmental efficiency is a priority.”  Baron Design is an active participant in the green building movement. The Hilton Garden Inn in Springfield designed by Baron Design & Associates is the first LEED Gold Certified hotel in the United States. Attaining LEED Gold Certification brings a particular set of challenges in order to ensure sustainability and the Hilton Garden Inn is just one example of the commitment to detail, innovation, and passion for design and sustainability that are key tenets of Baron Design & Associates’ philosophy. 

In 2010 Baron also redesigned the oldest building on the campus of Drury University, Wallace Hall. Baron brought the building to 21st century standards while respectfully maintaining its historical look and charm. The project took only 90 days from start to finish. 

“Whether the intent is to adapt and reuse an existing facility or design an entirely new project, our design must make a strong, aesthetically pleasing statement,” says Baron. Baron Design & Associates is a member of the American Institutes of Architects (AIA), which requires members maintain a rigorous continuing education schedule and stay up-to-date on all the latest advances in technology and product development. Other professional memberships include Construction Specifiers Institute (CSI), U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.