Licensed Architect
Emanuele Arguelles has over 20 years of architectural and construction experience. Beginning his career as a carpenter, Emanuele quickly fell in love with the design and construction process. Prior to co-founding KME Architects, Emanuele owned and operated a design-build construction company in Michigan before moving to Las Vegas in 2005. Emanuele has designed and managed various large scale architectural projects including, hospitality, casino /resort / hotels, restaurants and bars, educational, medical, high-end retail and residential. His strong work ethic and attention to detail are one of the factors that have translated to many successful projects.
Emanuele has the knowledge and experience to efficiently manage and monitor the coordination of architectural projects with other disciplines while providing architectural services that exemplify the client’s expectations. As a LEED accredited professional, Emanuele leads our sustainable design team with the latest environmentally friendly architectural designs, materials selections and construction methods.

LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION │LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
KME Architects, along with 3 other local firms, teamed up with TVS Design, from Atlanta, to participate in submitting a SOQ for the Las Vegas Convention Center Expansion of approximately 1.4 million square feet to be completed by December 2020. This team’s effort was carefully planned and organized to provide the best possible design team to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) for their significant expansion project. KME Architects, together with TSK, SCS, and CSD Architects, collectively make up the local team design efforts and have joined together under the collaborative name “Design Las Vegas.” The project is currently in the construction documents phase.
PORT OF SUBS – McCARRAN AIRPORT │LAS VEGAS, NV
The Port of Subs project in McCarran Airport is a good example of our exemplary service and willingness of our clients to have us provide continual services for their projects. The relationship with this client goes back over 12 years, when we designed the first store location for this client. This project represents the satisfaction, trust and appreciation from our clients who continue to seek out KME Architects to provide Architectural services for their projects.
DESERT ROSE CLUBHOUSE – THE CLUB AT SUNRISE │LAS VEGAS, NV
The Desert Rose Golf Course Clubhouse project consisted of providing a new building to take the place of two existing buildings that had previously housed the pro shop, offices, and restaurant/kitchen. KME Architects was commissioned to design a new Clubhouse Building that would help revitalize the area and attract patrons back to the golf course and restaurant.
MGM ARENA – T MOBILE ARENA
Project Architect for the pedestrian bridge and plaza escalator that connect the new arena to the existing New York New York parking garage. This project required extensive coordination with multiple design and engineering firms to ensure smooth transition to construction. Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents and Construction Administration.
ART OF MUSIC – MIRAGE HOTEL / CASINO │LAS VEGAS, NV
The Art of Music retail showroom is located within the Mirage Hotel Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The intent of the project was to re-brand the image of the store to bring a new fresh look to the space from the original style that had been in place since the store opened. The goal of this project was to create a design that captured the essence of the store and fit into the existing Mirage Hotel brand.
As shown in the design renderings on this page, an important part of the design was to open the entire storefront and maximize the opening which allowed customers to enter and exit the space freely while maximizing the display space at the window to capture the attention of walking traffic. One of the unique features of the storefront is the incorporation of real guitars into the design, as shown in the photos; the columns are used to hide the existing steel structure and display real guitars that customers are able to feel and touch. The renovations to the interior of the space included a complete re-design of the plan and finishes. The new layout required the demolition of many interior walls which allowed for a open new layout, allowing the customer to view many more art and sports memorabilia pieces from any given space in the store.
STARBUCKS @ MGM NATIONAL HARBOR
KME assisted the Starbucks team to create the design development set for the MGM National Harbor location. KME worked closely with Starbuck design team to create a well-defined and details set of drawings that could be handed off to the local architects of record. The high level of detail required for this project ensured that the local AOR would clearly understand the design intent. In most cases, many of the details had already been created by KME and Starbuck in order to ensure the final design was clear.
FT. SILL APACHE CASINO / HOTEL – LOFT BAR
This project involved the renovation of an underutilized existing bar and developed a focal point of the casino floor that help attract new customers. The new design created a gathering place for people to enjoy watching sports, listen to music, or just enjoyed counter top gaming right at the bar. The new design incorporated a small performance stage that provided a place for local band to play and attract their fans
NELLIS AFB, BLDG 42 TRAINING │LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
The addition to building #42 at Nellis AFB is the completion of a 4-building complex that houses office space, IT server room and open office space to be used for training. The new addition provided the much-needed space for the service men and women to conduct their training in a dedicated area. The 2,400-square foot addition was required to be a standalone building with an access corridor that connected to the existing building. Although the building appears to be quite simple in design, many of the features that were required are very specific.
NELLIS AFB, BLDG 202 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
The major renovation of building #202 on Nellis AFB consisted of the re-design of portions of the existing offices and mission control rooms. In addition to the interior redesign, the addition and replacement of existing mechanical systems and electrical systems were required for this 46,706-sf building. This project posed very unique design and construction challenges, one of which was the high security level of the existing building that prohibited pictures or receding of any kind during the entire process. As such, extensive hand-written notes of the existing condition were required, since our usual picture documentation of existing conditions were not allowed.
SNRHA – ESPINOZA TERRACE MODERNIZATION
Architect / 56,921 SF / $12,000,000 / The Espinoza Terrace Modernization Project consists of 20 apartment buildings of varying unit numbers totaling 100 residential units, community center, and surrounding site. The lifespan of the existing structure had long been extended, apartment layouts were inefficient and small, existing utilities were outdated and no longer compliant with the local building code and contained the presence of asbestos and other hazardous materials.
SNRHA – ARCHIE GRANT MODERNIZATION
Architect / 93,579 SF / $9,160,000 / The existing Archie Grant development consist approximately 120 residential units, community building, recreational building, Administrative Building and Laundry buildings spread over two separate sites identified as the south and north site. Portions of the south site and buildings were renovated in 2004 leaving the entire north site buildings untouched. KME Architects was commissioned to assess the entire site and develop an overall master plan and scope of work to renovate the site and determine what elements should be renovated to give the overall appearance of a complete renovations.
SNRHA – BROWN HOMES MAINTENANCE FACILITY
Architect / 1,791 SF / The Brown Homes Maintenance Facility consisted of two existing adjoining structures, one of which had been damaged by fire. The existing roof, mechanical equipment and interior spaces of the existing building were damaged beyond repair. KME was commissioned to assess the extent of the damage and determine what components of the existing building could be salvaged. KME worked diligently with the Clark County Comprehensive Planning and Zoning to allow for this structure to exist as is, while removing the non-complying elements around it, and updating the site parking and layout to include new trash enclosures and proper ADA parking.
SNRHA – BROWN HOMES MASTER PLAN
Design Architect / 15 acres / The Brown Homes Development project is an existing housing development consisting of approximately 124 apartment units within approximately 67 building units located in the south eastern part of the Las Vegas valley. The existing buildings and site demonstrate a
development that is near the end of its’ lifespan. Portions of existing building show sighs of uneven settling or uplift due to nearby overgrown trees. And many residential units are no longer compliant with local building codes and ADA standards.
SNRHA – HAMPTON COURTS APARTMENTS MODERNIZATION
Architect/ 20,346 SF / $2,200,000 / The Hampton Courts Modernization Project consisted of 3 apartment buildings each containing 1O units. The existing structure had extended passed its lifespan, existing utilities were outdated and no longer compliant with the local building code and contained the presence of asbestos and other hazardous materials. KME Architects was asked to survey the existing buildings and determine whether the existing building could be reused or if the entire building should be demolished to make way for the construction of a new building.
HISTORIC WEST SIDE SCHOOL – 1923 BUILDING
LAS VEGAS, NV
HISTORIC WEST SIDE SCHOOL – 1948 BUILDING
LAS VEGAS, NV
ACELERO LEARNING CENTER
LAS VEGAS, NV
RAINBOW DREAMS ACADEMY – MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPANSION
LAS VEGAS, NV
NELLIS AFB, BLDG 42 TRAINING FACILITY
LAS VEGAS, NV
HISTORIC WEST SIDE SCHOOL – 1923 BUILDING
The Historic Westside school is the oldest school remaining in Las Vegas and is incredibly significant in the history of the city. First opened in 1923, the original school became the first to integrate students from the nearby Paiute Tribe and first school in Las Vegas to welcome African-American students in the 1940’s. KME Architects won the commission from the City of Las Vegas to design a masterplan for the 5-acre site and restore this important building to its original state, culminating with the design and restoration of the original building that now holds a LEED Gold Certification and is listed on the National Register of Historic places.
KME Architect’s design process started with community outreach in order to engage the public. KME’s local familiarity helped us to understand how important the community component would be to ultimate success of this project. KME Architects sponsored community charrettes and opportunities for the community to convey their needs and desires for the area. Our final design for the restoration of the school included open space that could be used as an attraction to the area and gathering spaces for the community.
The disciplines provided in this project included: Architectural, Interior Design, Historic Architectural Consulting, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Soils Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture consulting, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Engineering.
HISTORIC WEST SIDE SCHOOL – 1943 BUILDING
The 1943 Annex building at the Historic West Side School is an important part of Las Vegas History. As the need for educational space grew due the inclusion of students and a boom in population, the need for additional classroom facilities were required. Although not as old as the original school house structure, the Annex building played a role in the historical significant of the school’s campus.
KME Architects was commissioned thru the award of a competitive SOQ issued by the city of Las Vegas. The restoration of the Annex building plays an important role in the overall design and restoration of the original building and campus. KME Architects’ idea for the restored Annex building is to house small offices and retail spaces as well as include a small café to attract people to the area. The original courtyard was redesigned to provide pedestrians a gathering place with landscaping, shade trees and seating. The incorporation of these features would help develop a project that will maintain a sense of attraction in the community and establish a public presence.
The disciplines provided in this project included: Architectural, Interior Design, Historic Architectural Consulting, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Soils Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture consulting, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical Engineering.
ACELERO LEARNING CENTER │LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Acelero is a learning center for children that sits on a 2.8 acres. The existing 4 building complex was to be renovated to include classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, administration offices, full kitchen facilities, and board room.
RAINBOW DREAMS – MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Rainbow Dreams Academy middle school is the 3rd phase of expansion to take place at the existing campus. The new design for the middle school expansion includes new classrooms, labs, gymnasium and …. is a kindergarten through grade 5 charter school and has an enrollment of 100 at-risk youth. The phase one building which include Classrooms, Administrative offices, an Interactive Library, a Performance Stage located in the Playground Area, and a Multi-Purpose Room with video and audio equipment for screening presentations or movies.
HISTORIC WEST SIDE SCHOOL
This project represents the supreme of renovation projects. As a Historic Renovation / Rehabilitation, due diligence is of great importance. KME Architects, as part of this project has utilized proven process and procedures in order to make sure that every existing condition had been painstakingly documented. Originally built in 1923, existing documentation of the building is practically non-existent. KME Architects along with our team of consultants were successful in extensively documenting existing conditions to be used to restore the historic building to its former glory.
M RESORT│LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Master plan of site, Architectural Design, Construction Documents and Construction Administration of 700,000 sf of casino resort and 390 tower suites that make up an additional 300,000 sf of high rise tower space. *
Prior to becoming Principal Architect and co-founder of KME Architects, LLC., Emanuele Arguelles was a project manager at Marnell Corrao Associates, Architects of record for the M Resort. In this former position Emanuele was responsible for many of the design elements and documentation of the M Resort
HUGO BOSS
This Retail space with the McCarran International Airport required extensive coordination with the brand designer to maintain the “Hugo Boss” Corporate image, the DEA (Department of Aviation) in documenting and coordinated the endless amounts of existing mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems some of which were absolutely unable to relocate and others that were required to be used as part of the project.
HAMPTON COURT APARTMENTS
This project encompassed (3) 10 unit apartment buildings which required extensive renovation. Each apartment unit required the removal of hazardous material and much of the existing material were in need of removal and replacement. New Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems were designed and installed leaving the tenants with a close to new apartment building.
CLARK COUNTY DETENTION CENTER │ DIALYSIS CENTER
The Clark County Detention Center was in desperate need of a dialysis center capable of serving more than one patient at a time. KME was commissioned to provide the design of the construction documents, specifications, and research needed to covert an existing multipurpose space in the South Tower, into a medical needs space for inmates that are on dialysis and need immediate and long term care. We designed the space to accommodate two hospital size beds, two hemodialysis machines, a nurse’s station and a police officer station.
CLARK COUNTY GOVERNMENT BUILDING │RECORDERS OFFICE
Emanuele was the lead designer for the design for the remodel of the Clark County Recorder’s Office and supporting Staff. The idea was to convert the existing out of date conference rooms and kitchenette area to more modern conference rooms and IT offices. The remodel included offices, lab areas, mailroom, conference room and meeting rooms as well as IT room, kitchenettes and cubicle areas.
CLARK COUNTY GOVERNMENT BUILDING│SURVEYORS FACILITY
With the Clark County surveyors department running out of space and working out of inadequate space, we were tasked with designing an area for them to operate out of efficiently and effectively. Based on the budget and location of the units, we worked closely with the user and the county project manager to provide a product that embodied the ideals and provide the space for the on site surveyors.
CLARK COUNTY DETENTION CENTER│MODENIZATION
Emanuele lead the research effort to find the proven material that would coat the existing led based handrails and guardrails in the North Tower and the main holding area. He was part of preparation process of the construction documents that would assist the user in obtain the right contractor to complete the project. This overall project was in the North Tower, which has twelve floors of approximately 25,000 lf handrails and guardrails that run from the basement to the roof.
HAMPTON COURT APARTMENTS
This project encompassed (3) 10 unit apartment buildings which required extensive renovation. Each apartment unit required the removal of hazardous material and much of the existing material were in need of removal and replacement. New Mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems were designed and installed leaving the tenants with a close to new apartment building.
HUDSON GROUP
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NELLIS, BLDG 459, LIQUID OXYGEN SUPPORT BUILDING
Building #459 is located on Nellis Air Force base. The base needed a new building to facilitate e the growing support of the existing liquid oxygen building which was set as a temporary building. The new building allowed for removal of the temporary building and provided 3 times more space that they originally had.
FORTUNE HOTEL
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ART OF MUSIC
The Art of Music showroom is located within the Mirage Hotel Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The intent of the project was to re-brand the image of the stores to bring a new fresh look to the space from the original style that had been in place since the store opened. The goal of this project was to create a design that captured the essence of the store and fit into the existing Mirage Hotel brand. As shown in the design renderings on this page, an important part of the design was to open the entire storefront and maximize the opening which allowed customers to enter and exit the space freely while maximizing the display space at the window to capture the attention of walking traffic. One of the unique features of the storefront is the incorporation of real guitars into the design, as shown in the photos; the columns are used to hide the existing steel structure and display real guitars that customers are able to feel and touch. The renovations to the interior of the space included a complete re-design of the plan and finishes. The new layout required the demolition of many interior walls which allowed for a open new layout, allowing the customer to view many more art and sports memorabilia pieces from any given space in the store.
LTACH │HENDERSON, NEVADA
Site & Architectural design of a 35 bed, 35,000 sf long term acute care hospital. The facility included an intensive care ward, indoor garden, meeting rooms and professional office.
BRIDGEWATER RECREATION CENTER│PLYMOUTH, MICHIGAN
Site & Architectural design of a 16,000 sf recreation building for a private residential development. The facility included an indoor swimming pool, gym, locker rooms, commercial kitchen and meeting rooms.
MCCARRAN MARKETPLACE│LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Master plan of a 75 acre, planned community retail center. Architectural Design and Construction Administration for multiple retail buildings that account for 600,000sf of retail space within the development. *
1 WORLD MEDICAL│LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Site & Architectural design of a 2 acre medical campus. Multiple buildings included Urgent Care facility, holistic medical care, exercise studios and extreme sports training.
ACELERO LEARNING CENTER │LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Acelero is a learning center for children that sits on a 2.8 acres. The existing 4 building complex was to be renovated to include classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, administration offices, full kitchen facilities, and board room.
NELLIS AFB, BLDG 42 TRAINING │LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Building #42 at Nellis Air Force base consisted of an expansion to the existing facility. The new building included office space, IT room and open office space to be used for training. The addition completes a four building complex that is situated with the air force base.
HISTORIC WEST SIDE SCHOOL
This project represents the supreme of renovation projects. As a Historic Renovation / Rehabilitation, due diligence is of great importance. KME Architects, as part of this project has utilized proven process and procedures in order to make sure that every existing condition had been painstakingly documented. Originally built in 1923, existing documentation of the building is practically non-existent. KME Architects along with our team of consultants were successful in extensively documenting existing conditions to be used to restore the historic building to its former glory.
LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION
KME Architects along with 3 other local firms teamed up with TVS Design from Atlanta to participate in submitting a Statement of Qualifications for the Las Vegas Convention Center Expansion to be completed by 2020. This team’s effort was carefully planned and organized to provide the best possible design team to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for their expansion project. KME Architects together with TSK Architects, Simpson Coulter Studio and Carpenter Seller Del Gatto Architects collectively make up the local team design efforts, and have joined together under the collaborative name “Design Las Vegas”.
The original requested of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority was open to any architect and design team wishing to participate. Of the many firms that submitted SOQ’s, Design Las Vegas + TVS Design were selected as 1 of 3 finalist to present a conceptual design package for the selection committee. After a successful presentation of our team’s design, qualifications, experience and creative ingenuity TVS Design + Design Las Vegas were recommended by the selection committee to be the architects for the new Las Vegas Convention Center Expansion. Our team is currently in contract negotiations to potentially start work in January 2018.
MCC-5│LAS VEGAS, NEVADA*
Master plan of site, Architectural Design, Construction Documents and Construction Administration of 110,000 sf 5- story office building. Prior to becoming Principal Architect and co-founder of KME Architects, LLC., Emanuele Arguelles was a project manager at Marnell Corrao Associates, Architects of record for the MCC-5 office building project. In this former position Emanuele was responsible for many of the design elements and documentation of the project.
MAC-5│LAS VEGAS, NEVADA*
McCarran Airport Center office building is a 3 story 60,000 sf office building that houses many of the airport offices. In his former role as project Manager Emanuele was responsible for QA / QC and construction administration for this project.