Scott Barton

Assistant Professor Scott Barton, AIA, IIDA, brings more than two decades of professional experience and design leadership to the College of Architecture, Planning & Design at Kansas State University. His work spans a wide range of scales and project types—from educational environments and community spaces to international hospitality and large-scale mixed-use developments—reflecting his belief that design has the power to shape how people learn, connect, and thrive.

Before joining APDesign, Barton served as Vice President and Senior Partner at Hollis + Miller Architects, where he led firm-wide design strategies and helped advance the firm’s integrated design approach. His leadership fostered collaboration across disciplines, emphasizing the connection between architecture, interior design, and human experience. Under his guidance, Hollis + Miller became known for its forward-thinking learning environments and innovative design processes.

A 1996 graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Architecture, Barton began his career in New York City and Kansas City, developing a strong foundation in craft, materiality, and interdisciplinary design. In 2019, he earned a Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology from Arizona State University, deepening his understanding of how people learn and how design can facilitate meaningful educational experiences.

An active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Barton received the IIDA Mid-America Vision Award in 2021. He has served on the Board of Directors for the KC Social Innovation Center and provided academic advisory leadership for the University of Missouri and Pittsburg State University.

His teaching and research explore integrated design, empathy, storytelling, and technology as catalysts for transformative design education and practice.