Korb Architecture Has Moved to Employee Ownership
The Milwaukee firm transitioned to full employee control through a new stock ownership plan.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
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Milwaukee-based Korb Architecture has transitioned to 100% employee ownership. Jason Korb serves as CEO and Kathleen Laird acts as president of the firm.
Why it matters
The transition was enacted to acknowledge the contributions of the staff to the success of the architecture firm. It also ensures that employees can share in the long-term value generated by the company.
The architecture firm, founded in 2006, now operates as a 100% employee-owned entity. The firm is currently overseeing multiple mass timber projects across the United States.
The players
Jason Korb
He is the chief executive officer of Korb Architecture and a founding partner of the firm.
Kathleen Laird
She serves as the president of Korb Architecture.
City Plan Commission
This Milwaukee municipal body evaluates and provides recommendations on urban development and zoning requests.
The details
The firm, which operates out of the Enerpac Center, previously gained prominence for its work on the 25-story Ascent tower in Milwaukee. The company is now navigating growth and planning for its 20th anniversary following this structural change.
Timeline
The firm was founded in 2006.
Jeff Tredo departed from the company in 2015.
The 284-foot Ascent tower reached completion in 2022.
The City Plan Commission recommended zoning approval for the Zenith tower on September 28, 2026.
The firm will celebrate its 20th anniversary in November 2026.
Market Landscape
The firm’s move to an ESOP structure aligns with a broader industry trend of architectural practices adopting broad-based equity to manage succession and talent retention. This transition distinguishes the firm from competitors that rely on traditional partnership or external private equity structures.
Clients and partners working with the firm can expect business operations to continue under the existing management structure. This change primarily affects internal compensation and long-term equity benefits for the current staff.
The takeaway
Employee-owned structures can serve as an effective mechanism for firm longevity and team alignment. Business owners looking to transition often view these plans as a way to preserve company culture while rewarding the employees who build the business.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry leadership in the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Urban Milwaukee.
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