KME Architects has partnered with Starbucks on multiple locations throughout Southern Nevada, including high-profile projects on the Las Vegas Strip and at McCarran International Airport. Leveraging a successful history of work with both Starbucks and MGM Resorts, KME was commissioned to design and implement a new Starbucks location within an existing resort environment, transforming a former gelato and beverage kiosk into a fully operational Starbucks store.
The project required extensive field verification, documentation of existing conditions and utilities, and careful coordination to ensure the space could accommodate Starbucks’ operational and brand requirements. Despite challenges presented by the existing structure and site constraints, KME successfully developed an efficient and effective layout that met all programmatic needs while enhancing the customer experience. The completed location became one of the most visited and utilized Starbucks stores on the Las Vegas Strip.
In addition to resort-based locations, KME Architects has collaborated with Starbucks on modernization efforts and new store concepts within McCarran International Airport. Services included architectural design, branding implementation, construction documentation, permitting coordination, and construction administration. These projects incorporated Starbucks’ evolving brand standards, featuring clean lines, sustainable design elements, warm finishes, and an updated customer-focused experience.
KME Architects approaches each project through a structured and systematic process designed to ensure a seamless transition from design through construction. The project will advance through carefully planned design and construction phases, with defined milestones that support timely project delivery.
During the Design Development phase, significant emphasis is placed on refining the building envelope, structural systems, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) infrastructure. Building plans, elevations, cores, and other key elements will be refined and coordinated.
Specialty consultants including acoustical, lighting, sustainability, and other technical experts work closely with the design team to integrate their disciplines into a cohesive design solution.
The KME team provides ongoing cost verification, value analysis, and constructability reviews to ensure that design decisions remain aligned with project goals, budget expectations, and operational requirements.
Maintaining a high level of collaboration and communication among all team members is critical during Design Development. Frequent design reviews and the distribution of work-in-progress drawings help identify and resolve potential conflicts before they become issues.
This coordination process helps pinpoint areas of concern before conflicts arise. Associate team members will utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) to further refine this process. This approach promotes ownership of design solutions by all team members and provides a method for tracking design rationale.
A key part of the design team will be a dedicated Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Director for the duration of the project. This individual will be a senior, highly experienced project architect with the expertise and leadership necessary to comprehensively and meticulously address all issues. Ensuring that the QA/QC Director reviews all drawings and actively participates in the decision-making process will contribute significantly to the successful completion of the project.
The Design Development package will undergo a comprehensive review and life-cycle analysis to ensure long-term operational performance, maintainability, and cost-effectiveness.
Contract documents will be developed by augmenting the approved Design Development drawings with additional detail and coordination. Full system sheets will be developed, construction packages determined, and constructability issues resolved.
AIAIA, NCARB, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C
Principal
Registered Architect: NV, AZ, MI, OK, UT NCARB
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
American Institute of Architects National Organization of Minority Architects
Master of Architecture, Lawrence Technology University, 2005
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Lawrence Technology University, 2002
* Experience prior to founding KME Architects
AIA, NCARB, NOMA, APEC
Principal
Melvin Green is co-founder and Principal-in-Charge of KME Architects, with over 40 years of experience in architectural design and project management. A respected leader in the Las Vegas community since the mid-1990s, he is recognized for both his professional work and civic contributions. In 2021, he received the AIA Nevada Distinguished Service Award, including the Citizen Architect Award, honoring his impact on the community. Melvin has led numerous master planning efforts across a broad range of project types, including housing, public works, commercial, religious, educational, hospitality, and healthcare developments throughout the greater Las Vegas area.
Registered Architect: NV, FL, GA, LA, TN, TX, Guam
American Institute of Architects National Organization of Minority Architects
National Associations of Minority
Contractors
Bachelor of Architecture, Louisiana Technological University, 1980