Architect Michael McKinley designed the Kirk Applied Engineering Building at the University of Rhode Island in a joint venture with  . This multi-disciplinary complex linked together the historic quad and became the signature building of the campus.

Urbahn, the former president of the American Institute of Architects is best known for designing one of the world’s largest structures, the Vehicle Assembly Building at Cape Canaveral, FL. McKinley and Urbahn worked together in the late 1980’s on several projects including the 24,000 s.f. Kirk Engineering building at URI. The metal panel clad building houses numerous labs including the University’s Engineering Computer Center, an auditorium and a gallery.