Kelly M. Farrell, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, isn’t the kind of leader who arrives at the top. She has been on a steady, determined climb through CallisonRTKL, one of the world’s leading architecture and urban design practices. When she joined the firm back in 2004, fresh and eager, she stepped into a vast ocean of creative challenges. Over the years, she embraced roles of growing responsibility, Workplace Global Practice Group Leader, Executive Vice President for Projects and Partnerships, and joined the firm’s Executive Committee in 2016.
Her journey reads like a story of steady ascent through hard work, vision, and connection to both people and ideas. Then, in May 2019, she reached a milestone: being named President and CEO of CallisonRTKL. It was a move that brought both stability and optimism to the firm amid a period of leadership shifts. Mary Ann Hopkins of Arcadis described Kelly as “a proven leader who brings a strong business sense and the ability to unite people under a common vision.” That duality, being both a practitioner and strategist, was seen as exactly what the firm needed to navigate the changing currents of the industry.
Someone Who Looks Ahead
Kelly’s leadership isn’t about resting on past accomplishments. She says, “I’ve worked my way up through the years, and remain excited by what the future holds, what’s over the next hill.” That sense of curiosity, that sparkle of anticipation, shines through her vision for the firm’s next 50 years. She trusts deeply in the creative power of her teams across cities, believing strongly that the core of any great firm is its people.
Her experience spans multi-family developments, mixed-use districts, and workplace design. She guided the firm through a wave of industry shifts, ranging from consolidation to the rise of new technologies. As CEO, she has made it her mission to nurture diverse talent and sharpen the firm’s profile in an increasingly intense architectural landscape. “The beating heart of any creative organization is the range and agility of its talent,” she reminds everyone. That’s the real turf for leadership today.
Grounded in Roots
Kelly’s foundation is not accidental. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Architecture and her Master of Architecture from The Catholic University of America. Those formative years kindled her love for the craft and the drive toward excellence.
She’s based in Los Angeles, where she’s built both a family and a career. Her husband, Ken, is also an architect, and together they’ve raised their son, Keegan. That balance of a creative partnership at home and a demanding leadership role at work speaks to her grounded nature and steady focus.
Her Story Resonates
- Deep roots, steady growth. Kelly’s story shows what patience, big-picture thinking, and humanity can yield in a demanding field.
- At the frontlines of change. Facing consolidation and tech transformations, she’s not just adapting, she’s shaping the firm’s next chapter.
- Leadership that trusts. She values the creative forces within the company more than hierarchy, trusting that shared insight will propel the firm forward.
- A real person behind the title. With a loving family, strong educational background, and no-nonsense dedication, she remains relatable even in her elevated role.
In Kelly’s Own Words
- “I’ve worked my way up through the years, and remain excited by what the future holds, what’s over the next hill.”
- “This firm’s greatness has always been the talented, creative people in every office in every city”.
- “The beating heart of any creative organization is the range and agility of its talent.”
Here’s someone whose leadership feels both earned and spirited. Kelly M. Farrell is more than a powerful title; she’s a steady architect of the future, someone who bridges vision with everyday reality and who holds tight to the creative spirit that first drew her to architecture. She reminds us that strong leadership and design both grow from connection, conviction, and an unwavering belief in the people around us.
