314.231.5700
info@kwkarchitects.com

319 North 4th Street
Saint Louis, MO 63102

 

Javier Esteban

AIA, LEED AP

Principal

When Javier was a child growing up in Spain, he had dreams of one day becoming a nuclear physicist, but quickly discovered that his brain “just wasn't wired for chemistry.” Inspired by an uncle and two cousins who were architects, one day “it just clicked” and Javier knew he wanted to be an architect.  

In 1990, Javier earned a Master of Architecture and Urban Planning from the Advanced School of Architecture in Madrid, Spain. He moved to the U.S. in 1992, and in 2000, earned a Master of Construction Management from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. 

Javier has been active in student life design for more than 20 years and has managed numerous new construction and renovation projects for universities across the country.

Javier has always enjoyed the social aspects of architecture; over the years he has developed a passion for accessible and barrier-free design. He remembers bringing a wheelchair to the office one day for his co-workers to experience the space and furniture from a disabled person's point-of-view. “It was an eye-opening experience that made me realize the importance of architecture’s effect on a person's quality of life.” 

Javier lives for design and construction, and also enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathy, and their two children. He also enjoys cooking, skiing, and riding his motorcycle across southern Missouri.

Favorite quote:

Treat others as you want to be treated. Always with respect.

Hidden talent:

I'm ambidextrous, and can write with both hands at the same time - one to the right and the other to left in a backwards/mirror image.

First job:

Drawing cartoons for an English children's book that teaches Japanese. At the time, I did not know English, and I've never learned Japanese.

Contact /

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  • 314-578-6221
  • Linkedin

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Representative Work

(Work performed while Principal at Mackey Mitchell Architects)

Student Housing

  • Governors State University
    • Prairie Residence Hall  

  • Indiana University

    • Rose Avenue Residence Hall – New 450 bed residence hall - View Image

  • Kansas State University

    • Jardine Apartments Phase 1 - View Image
    • Jardine Apartments Phase 2

  • Miami University of Ohio

    • Western Campus Housing
    • Anderson-McFarland Hall Renovation

  • Missouri University of Science & Technology

    • Residential College Phase I – New 250 bed residence hall with residential college support spaces
    • Residential College Phase II – New 300 bed residence hall

  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

    • Evergreen Residence Hall – New 550 bed residence hall with apartments and suites

  • University of Colorado

  • University of Kansas

    • GSP Residence Hall Renovation

  • University of Missouri Columbia

    • Southwest Campus Housing – Two new residence halls for 659 residents.  Suites and Semi-suites. Living-Learning Community - View Image

  • University of Notre Dame

    • Badin Residence Hall
    • Duncan Residence Hall - View Image
    • Ryle Residence Hall

  • University of Wisconsin – Madison

  • University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point

    • Suites at 201 Residence Hall

  • Washington University in St. Louis        

    • Eliot Residence Hall – New 150 bed residence hall.  Suites and semi-suites
    • Liggett/Koenig Residence Hall – New 300 bed residence hall.  Suites and semi-suites         
    • Village Residence Halls – Four new residence halls with 400 beds.  Two buildings designed for Greek life. - View Image

  • Western Illinois University

    • Corbin/Olson Residence Hall – Renovation of two residential towers with 900 Beds.
    • Residence Hall Lobby Renovations

Student Dining

  • University of Kansas
    • GSP Dining Hall

  • Western Illinois University

    • Corbin/Olson – Renovation of two old dining centers into a single new kitchen, servery, store, and dining hall.

Student Life Planning/ Pre-Design

  • Governors State University
    • Housing Master Plan

  • Kansas State University

    • Jardine Neighborhood Redevelopment
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