Our History — Since 1985

Since 1985, Kirkham Building System Inc. has been building durable, custom post-frame structures throughout Central Ohio. What began as a family-owned operation has grown into a trusted name in agricultural, residential, and commercial construction—built on decades of hands-on experience and a commitment to lasting quality.

Over the years, our team has worked closely with property owners, farmers, business leaders, and organizations to design and construct buildings that serve real-world needs. From functional agricultural buildings to custom residential and commercial structures, every project is approached with careful planning, quality materials, and proven construction methods.

Despite our growth, we remain grounded in the values that have guided us from the start: integrity, craftsmanship, and long-term performance.

Today, Kirkham Building System Inc. continues to honor its legacy while applying modern building techniques to deliver structures that stand the test of time.

Plaque recognizing a building, a modern black metal home with large windows and outdoor seating, awarded as the 2025 Building of the Year by the National Frame Building Association in the Experts Division, built by Kirkham Building System for Molly Drayer.
Award ribbon badge with laurel wreath, text indicating first place in NFBA Building of the Year, 2025 Residential Buildings, and a logo with 'KBSI'
Photo of a modern house with a large covered porch, surrounded by greenery and flowering bushes, awarded by the National Frame Building Association in 2018.
A badge or award ribbon with a red, white, and gold color scheme. It features the KBSI logo at the top, a gold laurel wreath around a red circle with the white number '1' and 'st' written beside it, and a maroon banner at the bottom with the text 'BUILDING OF THE YEAR' and the year 2018.

Awards & Recognition

In February 2026, Kirkham Building System Inc. was honored with industry recognition for excellence in post-frame construction, reflecting our long-standing commitment to quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and dependable performance.

While recognition is meaningful, it ultimately represents something deeper - the trust our clients place in us and the care we bring to every project. These awards acknowledge not just a single building, but decades of experience, proven construction methods, and a consistent focus on doing things the right way.

Our Team

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J. Alan Kirkham

Our Founder, President & Legacy

J. Alan Kirkham has dedicated more than 65 years to the post-frame building industry, beginning his career in 1960 with his grandfather’s company, the first pole building firm in Central Ohio. His experience spans every major aspect of construction, including field operations, design, quality control, and workforce training.

After earning his degree from The Ohio State University, Alan held leadership roles with the Umbaugh Pole Building Company, where he helped develop quality standards, training programs, and operational systems while overseeing regional expansion. In 1985, he founded Kirkham Building System Inc. in Delaware, Ohio, establishing a higher standard for post-frame construction, including a five-year workmanship warranty that remains in place today.

Now celebrating 40 years of KBSI, Alan continues to lead the company alongside multiple generations of the Kirkham family, carrying forward a legacy of integrity, craftsmanship, and accountability.

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Don Kirkham

General Manager

Donald Kirkham represents the fourth generation of the Kirkham family in the post-frame building industry. He began working with Kirkham Building System Inc. in 1991 as a crewman and gained hands-on experience across nearly every aspect of the business while working his way up through the field and office.

While attending The Ohio State University, Don served in planning and sales roles, later becoming Subcontractor Coordinator, General Foreman, and Safety Officer.

After expanding his customer service and leadership skills outside the industry, he returned to KBSI in 2012 to lead business development and operations alongside his father. Today, Don plays a key role in maintaining KBSI’s standards of quality, safety, and customer service.

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Nikole Nugent

Administrative Coordinator

Nikole Nugent has been part of Kirkham Building System Inc. for most of her life and brings both familiarity with the company and a creative background to her role. She began by assisting with drawings and marketing materials before transitioning into a full-time administrative position.

Today, Nikole serves as a key point of contact for the office and is often the first person customers speak with when calling KBSI. She supports daily operations by directing inquiries, coordinating communication, and helping ensure customers are connected with the appropriate team members.

In addition to her role at KBSI, Nikole operates a small calligraphy business and has a strong creative skill set that supports both administrative and design-related tasks. Her professionalism and friendly approach contribute to a positive customer experience.

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June Amrine

Office Administrator

June Amrine has been part of the Kirkham family business for three generations, beginning with Alan Kirkham’s father. Over the years, she has developed a strong working relationship with the family and has played an important role in the company’s long-term success.

She began her career with KBSI as a receptionist and typist, providing administrative and basic accounting support. As the company grew, June’s responsibilities expanded, and she assumed primary responsibility for the company’s accounting functions while continuing to support daily office operations. Throughout decades of change, June has successfully adapted from traditional ledger-based systems to modern computer-based processes.

Today, she supports both customers and staff by managing administrative and accounting tasks and is often the first point of contact when calling KBSI. Her professionalism and dedication help ensure each customer experience is handled with care and accuracy.

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Brian Kirkham

Sales Representative 

Brian Kirkham brings both field experience and customer-focused insight to his role at Kirkham Building System Inc. He began working with KBSI after school as part of the construction crew, gaining firsthand knowledge of the building process before pursuing experience in other industries.

After returning to the family business, Brian transitioned into sales, where he works directly with customers to guide them through planning and material selections. His background in both construction and client service allows him to provide practical guidance throughout the project planning phase.

Brian’s approach emphasizes clear communication and helping customers make informed decisions that best fit their needs. His experience across multiple roles within the company supports KBSI’s commitment to quality, service, and long-term relationships.

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Ethan Kirkham

Office Coordinator & General Foreman

Ethan Kirkham has been part of Kirkham Building System Inc. from an early age, gaining hands-on experience across job sites before officially joining the construction crew in 2014. His early exposure to the field helped build a strong foundation in post-frame construction and project operations.

After graduating high school, Ethan served with the Ohio Army National Guard as a truck driver, strengthening his skills in logistics, responsibility, and teamwork. He now supports both field and office operations at KBSI, preparing material lists, coordinating orders, and assisting with administrative and operational tasks.

Ethan’s combined construction and coordination experience allows him to help ensure projects run efficiently from planning through completion. His long-standing involvement with KBSI reflects the company’s commitment to developing talent from within and maintaining a deep understanding of every phase of the building process.

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Sam Ashworth

Subcontract Coordinator

Sam Ashworth plays an important role at Kirkham Building System Inc. as Subcontract Coordinator, supporting the scheduling and coordination of subcontracted crews to help keep projects running smoothly.

He is known for his reliability, efficiency, and attention to detail, working closely with both management and field teams to ensure construction activities are properly organized and communicated.

Sam’s consistent performance and strong work ethic contribute to KBSI’s ability to deliver high-quality projects while maintaining dependable timelines and standards.

OUR PROCESS, OUR SYSTEM

Kirkham Building System, Inc. is just that, a system that works for you from beginning to end. From initial contact to building completion and warranty, the way we do things keeps focus on giving you the best product at a fair price.

We want to briefly describe what to expect at each step:

  • However you found us, we're glad you did! We appreciate the opportunity to share our story and expertise with you and look forward to helping you plan your new project. Simply call, email, or submit on our website for a free consultation. We'll set up a time to get together at your site and start planning. 

  • KBSI takes a collaborative, consultative approach to design — their experienced planners work closely with clients to understand the full scope of their needs, asking the right questions to ensure the building is sized, configured, and equipped perfectly for its intended use. This in-depth planning process applies to all project types, from personal storage and farm buildings to commercial spaces and churches, eliminating the need for a separate architect on most projects. To get a head start, clients can download KBSI's preliminary floor plan and begin thinking through the many versatile options available for their post frame build.

  • Once an agreement is signed, KBSI handles engineered drawings and permit submissions, while the client is responsible for zoning permits and any other locally required approvals — with construction scheduled as soon as all permits are in place. Site work is coordinated as the first step, and clients who handle their own site prep should plan to have it completed at least two weeks before construction begins. From there, KBSI manages all contracted construction from start to finish, keeping clients informed throughout while delivering professional, high-quality workmanship.

  • KBSI takes pricing seriously by providing accurate, detailed proposals that account for all costs — including materials, labor (calculated to 1/10 of a minute per piece), taxes, and insurance — rather than relying on vague ballpark or per-square-foot estimates. Each written proposal includes a scaled floor plan, transparent terms, total project cost, payment schedule, and warranty details, all presented in clear, straightforward language. Proposals are typically valid for 30 days, and KBSI always reviews them with the client to ensure everything is accurate and meets their needs.

  • Upon project completion, your KBSI planner will walk through the building with you to review features and door operation, at which point final payment is typically due. KBSI backs their work with a 5-year material and workmanship warranty, and additional manufacturer warranties may apply to specific products like roofing, siding, or overhead doors. With over 34 years in the Delaware, OH area, KBSI has the established presence and commitment to ensure they'll be there for any warranty needs that may arise.

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