By Kevin Mills with Paul Lane
In the early 1980s, when architects across the U.S.A. started designing bowling centers that would eventually change the image of the entire industry, one stood out as an industry pioneer and leader. His name: Kevin P. Mills. The company he founded was Architectural Concepts. Kevin's business provided architectural services to more centers than most other firms combined and won many awards in the process.
After graduating from the University of Michigan School of Architecture in 1979, Kevin relocated to Denver, where opportunities were plentiful, and he founded Architectural Concepts in the early 1980s. He got his big break when an old client decided to build a new bowling center. Kevin became intrigued with the project type, particularly fascinated by the complexity of design that required knowledge of food and beverage operations, arcades, retail spaces, and bowling operations. Kevin saw each facility as "a small city, bowling on one side of the street and numerous ancillary functions on the other."
Kevin was convinced that traditional bowling alleys were going extinct, while Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) represented the industry's future. "We are very proud to have had the foresight to see the future trends of an industry needing a change, and to have been an important contributor to improving the image of bowling through our design work," says Kevin.
As his work became more focused on the family entertainment business, Kevin recognized that proprietors needed direction for transitioning their facilities. In response, Architectural Concepts developed "The Master Plan," a service providing conceptual options for space utilization, construction cost estimates, and income-producing strategies. This became a crucial step in remodeling existing centers or building new ones.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Architectural Concepts expanded its scope internationally, executing significant projects in China, Lebanon, Turkey, Dubai (UAE), Egypt, Mexico, Costa Rica, Canada, Germany, Japan, Guam, and Korea. In the U.S., standout projects included the Ross Cottom Family Entertainment Center in Harrisburg, IL; Franklin Entertainment Center in Franklin, TN; Boston Bowl; and Celebrity Entertainment Complex in Denver, CO. The firm also became the specialized consultant for military bowling centers, developing guidelines for remodeling and constructing new centers.
In January 2012, Kevin experienced a life-changing skiing accident in Vail, fracturing his spine at C-1, suffering a traumatic brain injury, and respiratory failure. His recovery included two months in intensive care at Denver Health Hospital and two additional months at Craig Hospital, learning to walk and talk again.
Although the accident accelerated his retirement and led to the closing of Architectural Concepts, Kevin remains busy enjoying life with his wife, Rebekah, focusing on golfing, skiing, traveling, and fine dining. They have traveled extensively, enjoying golf worldwide, notably in Mexico, Hawaii, Japan, and Scotland's St. Andrews.
Kevin has also discovered a passion for abstract acrylic painting, a pursuit he embraced post-accident. His artwork expresses emotions through color, texture, and movement, providing an outlet for his creativity in retirement.
Reflecting on his career and current life, Kevin Mills expresses deep gratitude for the industry's support and cherishes the many friendships developed over the years.