Universal Construction

Building a Better Community Since 1931

A fifth generation family owned construction management firm rooted in relationships, craftsmanship, and community impact.


Led by owner Cynthia Smith, Universal Construction proudly operates as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) while continuing a long standing family legacy that remains actively involved in the company today.
 With multiple generations of the Smith family continuing to help lead and support daily operations, the company’s commitment to integrity, communication, and community focused construction remains at the center of everything we do.

Over the years, the clients, communities, and districts we serve have become an extension of the Universal Construction family and the legacy that continues to shape our company today.

Our History

Our firm's roots date back to 1887 when Archie Smith began A.W. Smith Masonry Construction in Kansas City. In the company’s earliest years, materials and supplies were transported by horse and wagon as the foundation of what would later become Universal Construction began to take shape. Universal Construction Company, Inc. (UCC) was officially founded in 1931 when Archie and his son, Norvel E. Smith, formed a partnership, expanded into Master Builder services, and changed the name to Universal Construction Company, Inc.


As the company continued to grow and pass from one generation of the Smith family to the next, Universal Construction evolved alongside the communities it served. Over the decades, the company completed a wide variety of projects across multiple industries while continuing to build on the relationships and reputation established by previous generations.
Under the leadership of owner Cynthia Smith, a former educator, the company’s focus gradually shifted toward education and community focused construction. Today, alongside fifth generation CEO Archie Smith V, Universal Construction continues to carry forward the family legacy while specializing primarily in school construction and serving municipalities, churches, and organizations that positively impact the communities around them.

What Guides Our Work

For generations, our work has been shaped by relationships, integrity, and a commitment to serving the communities around us.

Our Values

HONESTY • COMMITMENT • CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT • FAMILY

Our Mission

Creating spaces that support learning, connection, and long term community growth.

Our Work

For generations, Universal Construction has taken pride not only in the projects we build, but in the communities we help support along the way.

While the majority of our work is focused in education, our experience also includes municipal, church, civic, and community focused projects throughout the region. Having served more than 45 school districts, 12 counties, and numerous churches and worship spaces over the years, we understand the importance of creating environments that positively impact the people and communities who use them every day.

Beyond construction, our team values supporting the organizations and foundations we work alongside through volunteer efforts, sponsorships, student involvement, internships, and community partnerships that continue to strengthen the communities we serve both on and off the jobsite.

Building More Than Projects

While the industry continues to evolve, our commitment to serving the people behind every project remains at the center of everything we do.


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