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 Owned Business 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.
A Legacy Built Over Generations
Select a time period below to explore the people, projects, and milestones that shaped Universal Construction.
Our History
Our roots date back to 1887 when Archie Smith founded A.W. Smith Masonry Construction in Kansas City. In those early years, materials and supplies were transported by horse and wagon as the foundation of what would eventually become Universal Construction began to take shape..
In 1931, Archie and his son, Norvel E. Smith, expanded the business beyond masonry, forming Universal Construction Company, Inc. Over the decades, the company grew alongside the communities it served, completing projects across education, healthcare, civic, commercial, and industrial markets while building a reputation for quality, integrity, and long-term relationships.
Under the leadership of owner Cynthia Smith, a former educator, Universal strengthened its focus on educational and community-centered construction. Today, alongside fifth-generation CEO Archie Smith V, Universal continues to carry forward the family legacy while serving schools, municipalities, churches, and organizations dedicated to building stronger communities.
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.
Community Impact
For generations, Universal Construction has taken pride not only in the projects we build, but in the relationships we build along the way.
While education remains at the core of our work, our experience spans municipal, civic, faith-based, and community-focused projects throughout Kansas and Missouri. Having served more than 45 school districts and 12 counties, we understand the lasting impact well-designed facilities can have on the people who use them every day.
