About

Richard retired in 2025 from the University of Missouri Department of Architectural Studies, Great Plains ADA Center as the Senior Program Coordinator, teacher, and PI researcher since 2008. He directed a five-year study researching 387 local governments analyzing community livability for persons with disabilities. He has a Master of Arts/Architecture and a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology in disability rehabilitation, leading to the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor designation.

Previously, Richard served 15 years as a Chief Building Official, garnering 13 code certifications and two ICBO leadership awards as the ICBO Western Kansas Chapter President.  Richard chaired the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) Contractor Licensing Committee, which led to the ICBO contractor licensing exams used in all 50 states.

Governor Finney appointed Richard to the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions, overseeing education, licensing, and discipline for architects, engineers, and surveyors. Rich recently completed service with the International Code Council Assisted Toileting and Bathing Task Force and the Texas TxA chapter of the American Institute of Architects Equity, Diversity, and Inclusiveness Commission. He is currently the Co-Chair of the ICC A118 Acoustics for the Built Environment Committee. Richard is the author and was Director of the Accessible Design Accreditation Initiative (ADAI), a program focused on elevating architectural educational criteria for Universities across the US.

He is a published author and consultant in accessible design, the Americans with Disabilities Act, multi-family housing, and more. Richard is a preferred provider of education with the ICC and with the American Institute of Architects for continuing licensure educational credits.