
Interview with Megan Kaufmann of KC Studio Architecture in Raleigh, NC
08/01/24 • 69 min
Summary: Megan and I talk all about the process of permitting space for a tenant.
________________________________________________________
Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!________________________________________________________
Big Take Aways:
- How a client prompted Megan to relocate her life and business to NC.
- The start to finish process for permitting a space in Raleigh.
- Megan’s advice to “swallow the worst case scenario.”
________________________________________________________
About Megan:
Megan Kaufmann is the Founder and Principal of KC Studio Inc., an architecture firm specializing in commercial projects. Megan seamlessly manages all facets of the business, including client acquisition, financial oversight, and firm marketing, while leading the design process and providing guidance to her team of architects and designers. Presently licensed in a dozen states, Megan continues to cultivate an impressive portfolio, catering to esteemed clients that include Fortune 500 companies and several major healthcare providers.
Actively engaged in various industry-related organizations, Megan's dedication extends beyond professional endeavors. Her significant contributions to the community have garnered recognition from the Triangle Business Journal, American Institute of Architect’s, and NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association. She is an active member of the American Institute of Architects, past-Chair for the AIA Triangle’s Women in Architecture, member of NAIOP, TCREW, and serves on the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department Citizen Advisory Group for John Chavis, John P. Top Greene, and South Park Heritage Walk projects.
Connect with Megan: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Mentioned in the show:
NCARB - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Triangle - Women in Architecture Task Force
________________________________________________________
Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!
Show Notes:
Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.
Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.
With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.
As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments/questions/s
Summary: Megan and I talk all about the process of permitting space for a tenant.
________________________________________________________
Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!________________________________________________________
Big Take Aways:
- How a client prompted Megan to relocate her life and business to NC.
- The start to finish process for permitting a space in Raleigh.
- Megan’s advice to “swallow the worst case scenario.”
________________________________________________________
About Megan:
Megan Kaufmann is the Founder and Principal of KC Studio Inc., an architecture firm specializing in commercial projects. Megan seamlessly manages all facets of the business, including client acquisition, financial oversight, and firm marketing, while leading the design process and providing guidance to her team of architects and designers. Presently licensed in a dozen states, Megan continues to cultivate an impressive portfolio, catering to esteemed clients that include Fortune 500 companies and several major healthcare providers.
Actively engaged in various industry-related organizations, Megan's dedication extends beyond professional endeavors. Her significant contributions to the community have garnered recognition from the Triangle Business Journal, American Institute of Architect’s, and NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association. She is an active member of the American Institute of Architects, past-Chair for the AIA Triangle’s Women in Architecture, member of NAIOP, TCREW, and serves on the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department Citizen Advisory Group for John Chavis, John P. Top Greene, and South Park Heritage Walk projects.
Connect with Megan: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Mentioned in the show:
NCARB - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Triangle - Women in Architecture Task Force
________________________________________________________
Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!
Show Notes:
Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.
Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.
With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.
As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments/questions/s
Previous Episode

Interview with Janet Cowell of Dix Park Conservancy in Raleigh, NC
Summary: Janet and I talk all about what the Conservancy is and what they do!
________________________________________________________
Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!
________________________________________________________
Big Take Aways:
- The difference between the structure of Dix Park and a typical City Park.
- Janet’s career journey and how it corresponds with the Dix Park timeline.
- The current state of the park and upcoming milestones.
________________________________________________________
About Janet:
Janet Cowell is CEO/President of Dix Park Conservancy and a corporate director. She was North Carolina State Treasurer from 2009-2016.
Dix Park Conservancy is a non-profit that works in partnership with the City of Raleigh to create Dorothea Dix Park, a 308-acre site with a dramatic landscape and complex historical legacy one mile from downtown. The Conservancy has raised ~$40 million during her tenure and ~$70 million since inception.
Cowell serves as Lead Independent Director for New Republic Partners, Chair of IFM’s Global Infrastructure Fund Investor Advisory Committee, Chair of Wharton’s Executive Education Board, and Chair of the NC Board of Science, Technology, and Innovation. She helped to found OnBoardNC, a non-profit organization promoting women on boards.
Cowell held publicly elected office in North Carolina for fifteen years, including eight as State Treasurer. The first woman elected Treasurer, she managed over $100 billion in assets, and health and retirement benefits, for over 900,000 members.
Cowell is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and earned her MBA and MA in International Studies from the Wharton School of Business and the Lauder Institute.
Connect with Janet: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter
Mentioned in the show:
Dix Park Webcam
Stone Houses
Get Involved at Dix Park
Art at Dix - Attun
Email Janet - [email protected]
Email Nick - [email protected]
________________________________________________________
Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!
Show Notes:
Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.
Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as w
Next Episode

Interview with Brooke Conn of Regency Centers in Raleigh, NC
Summary: Brooke and I talk all about Village District and shopping center management and leasing!
________________________________________________________
Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!________________________________________________________
Big Take Aways:
- Brooke’s journey into the real estate profession.
- Regency’s 33/33/33 “rule” for tenant mix.
- The process for a local tenant leasing space and how they can find success in a shopping center.
________________________________________________________
About Brooke:
Experienced real estate professional with a background in both property management and leasing transactions. As the General Manager at Village District with Regency Centers, she currently oversee a 550k sf. premier asset in the heart of Raleigh. By drawing patrons in, maximizing ancillary revenue sources, and leveraging contracts she's able to add value for all parties involved. She has a decade in the industry with a background in both leasing and property management as well as concentrations in real estate with my BSBA and MBA. She currently holds an active salesperson license in the commonwealth of Virginia and a real estate broker’s license in the state of North Carolina. She is a member of CREW/TCREW/PTCREW, ICSC, IREM (ACoM accreditation), The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Young Professionals Network.
In her spare time she enjoys playing volleyball, running, volunteering as a Big Buddy with Comfort Zone Camp and at CPO Food Bank, reading, and cooking.
Connect with Brooke: Website | LinkedIn | Village District Website
Mentioned in the show:
- Longwood University MBA
- Village District 75th Anniversary
- Regency Center’s Maxi Awards at ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers)
________________________________________________________
Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!
Show Notes:
Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.
Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.
With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.
As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/dirt-nc-314303/interview-with-megan-kaufmann-of-kc-studio-architecture-in-raleigh-nc-65727517"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to interview with megan kaufmann of kc studio architecture in raleigh, nc on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy