School of Architecture & Design mourns the passing of Todd Achelpohl

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas community is mourning the death of James “Todd” Achelpohl, 64, lecturer in the School of Architecture & Design.

Achelpohl, of Kansas City, Missouri, died Dec. 29, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. He received degrees in architecture from KU and Columbia University. At KU, he was a Ewart Scholar at University College London.

Achelpohl began his career at Hollis + Miller Architects while he was attending Shawnee Mission South High School. He then practiced architecture in New York City in the office of Edward Larrabee Barnes, where he worked on the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building in Washington, D.C. In Kansas City, he worked with Abend/Singleton Associates on the Charles E. Whittaker U.S. Courthouse and then at HNTB on projects including the Kay Barnes Grand Ballroom at the Convention Center and the Kansas City Public Library’s Central Library. He spent 15 years practicing with HNTB, where he served as director of design, convention center practice leader and Eastern District business development director.

Achelpohl was known for his design leadership and love of teaching and mentorship. In 2014, he joined the faculty at the KU School of Architecture & Design, where he taught Design Studio. 

Achelpohl is survived by his wife, Kathy (Webb) Achelpohl; daughter Emily Webb Achelpohl; brother Scott Barnes Achelpohl; and 12 nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life will take place at 10 a.m. Feb. 15 at the South Lobby of the Kansas City Convention Center’s Kay Barnes Grand Ballroom.