DAVID C. KUHLMAN, AIA, ALA, NCARB
Mr. Kuhlman has worked professionally in the architectural field since 1992. Prior to joining JNKA in 2005, he worked for award-winning architecture firms in Washington, D.C. and in Chicago where he was an Associate Principal at Nagle Hartray Architecture and worked for 7 years on award-winning senior living, affordable housing, and religious projects. David’s desire to specialize in religious architecture originated in his year of study in Rome while a student at the University of Notre Dame, and his respect for traditional architecture and contextualism are integral to his design process. Mr. Kuhlman served as a Liturgy Working Group Committee member for the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress, and he has spoken about JNKA’s work and Sacred Architecture at the Traditional Building Conference, The Catholic University of America, and on Relevant Radio. David has authored a number of articles about JNKA’s work and Sacred Architecture and has participated in design juries at the University of Notre Dame, Judson University, the Association of Licensed Architects, and the Brick Industry Association. He has also served on the Founders Board of Chicago’s Quiroga College, the Facilities Committee at St. Paul of the Cross Parish, and is currently serving as the Chair of the Facilities Domain for Resurrection College Prep High School’s Strategic Planning Process. Since 2006, David has shared his passion for Sacred Architecture by serving as the tour guide for St. Paul of the Cross Parish’s annual Architectural Tour of Chicagoland Churches. As a life-long tennis player, David played for the University of Notre Dame and coached the high school tennis team at Willows Academy.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Architecture
University of Notre Dame, 1992
Rome Studies Program, 1989-90
REGISTRATION
Licensed Architect (IL, IN, MI, WI, KS, IA, TX, BC/Canada)
Certificate Holder, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
BOARDS, AFFILIATIONS, ACTIVITIES
Facilities Domain Chair, Resurrection College Prep High School, Chicago
Founders Board, Quiroga College, Chicago
St. Paul of the Cross Parish Facilities Committee, Park Ridge
Conference for Catholic Facility Management (CCFM)
LeadingAge Illinois
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Association of Licensed Architects (ALA)
AIA Design for Aging Knowledge Community
University of Notre Dame Monogram Club (Tennis)
Willows Academy Tennis Coach (2021-2022)
2024 National Eucharistic Congress Liturgy Working Group, Committee Member
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
“The Profession of Architecture & the Work of JNKA Architects”, The Launch Professional Seminar, Sauganash Study Center, Chicago, 2014, 2022, 2023
“Proper Illumination is Important to Your Project”, Webinar Host with AKLD Lighting Design for the Conference for Catholic Facility Management (CCFM), 2020
“Reopening Places of Worship During Covid-19”, JNKA Webinar for international JNKA survey participants, 2020
“Reopening Our Churches During Covid-19”, Webinar for CCFM, 2020
“The Profession of Architecture & the Work of JNKA Architects”, Northridge Preparatory School Career Fair, 2018
“Master Planning: A Collaborative Approach”, Webinar for CCFM, 2017
“Where Faith Meets Work,” St. Paul of the Cross Parish Seminar Series, 2014
“Sacred Art & Architecture,” Relevant Radio’s Morning Air Program, 2013
“Five Must See Catholic Churches ,” Relevant Radio’s Drew Mariani Show, 2013
“Reserve Studies & Facility Assessments,” CCFM Convention, Covington, KY, 2012
“Historic Church Renovations & Planning – Archbishop Quigley Center St. James Chapel,” Traditional Building Conf., 2010
“A Case for Diversity in the Design of Catholic Churches,” A Living Presence Symposium, Catholic University of America, 2010
“Building Assessments for Churches,” Partners for Sacred Places New Dollars/New Partners Training Program, 2009-2012
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES AND CONFERENCES
Conference for Catholic Facility Management (CCFM) Conventions: 2024 (Nashville), 2019 (Minneapolis), 2014 (New Orleans), 2013 (Seattle), 2012 (Covington), 2011 (St. Louis),
LeadingAge Illinois, Re-Connect Annual Meeting & Expo, 2019
Beauty and the Restoration of the Sacred Conference, Catholic Art Institute, 2017
Design Juror, ALA Design Awards, 2015
Design Juror, Brick Industry Association, Brick in Architecture Awards, 2015
The Glory of Catholic Architecture Conference, The Liturgical Institute, University of St. Mary of the Lake, 2012
A Living Presence Symposium: Extending and Transforming the Tradition of Catholic Church Architecture, Catholic University, 2010
Traditional Building Conference, 2010
The Lost Language of Vatican II Conference, The Liturgical Institute, 2005