Bringing Building Science to the Whole Team
Kala Style: Knowin' BS Since 2012
A few months back, we started something new at Kala. A company-wide building science session every other month. We gather the full team, field and office alike, to dig into the how and why behind what we build. These meetings have quickly become one of our favorite recurring events. They're a rare chance to get everyone, from invoicing and marketing to architecture, leadership, and field crews, in the same room to talk shop, share insights, and learn from each other.
The idea was inspired by BS & Beer, a national event series that brings tradespeople together over brews to talk building science. We loved the spirit of those gatherings but wanted to tailor it to our own company culture and team. Our goal was to create an internal space where everyone, not just the builders, could understand the principles that drive our work, and how those principles show up in each finished home.
We’ve been meeting at Stockyards Brewing Co. in the West Bottoms, an ideal backdrop with its old-school western feel and laid-back atmosphere. We rent out the back room and settle in for a few hours of learning, discussion, camaraderie, and a few pints of local beer. This session included about 200 wings from Wing Stop as well. No complaints all around.
The Kala Foundation
Our most recent session focused on a core element of every Kala home: the foundation. Griffin Katzenmeier, Technical Designer, and Levi Caraway, Certified Passive House Builder, led the conversation. They walked us through Passive House principles and explained how those concepts shape everything we do - from big-picture design decisions to everyday job site details.
Griffin and Levi also broke down what makes a “typical” basement and how our approach to foundations sets us apart. Every control layer, every detail in our process is intentional; designed to deliver comfort, durability, sustainability, and health. It was a great reminder that what we build is only as good as how we build it.
Understanding why we do things a certain way helps everyone on the team contribute to that standard.
Want to Learn More About Kala Foundations?
We've documented the early stages of our projects, highlighting many of the intricacies that go into the Kala foundation on our blog. Take a look at some of our past blog content to learn more about the early details and what set the Kala foundation and basement apart from a traditionally built home in the Kansas City area.
