Member & Firm Updates
GBBN Recognize Staff Promotion & Award
GBBN Architects is pleased to announce that Chris Guignon, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHD has been promoted to Associate. Chris is a trusted leader by clients thanks to his ability to build consensus toward a shared vision. His coaching of less experienced team members helps build confidence and gives them opportunities to own project decisions. Chris creates sustainable designs by extending these questions into the future to ensure the built environment continues to support the needs of its inhabitants. Chris is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and received a Master of Architecture degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
GBBN Architects is pleased to announce that Benita Nartey, WELL AP, has received the Associate Award from the American Institute of Architects, Pennsylvania. The award recognizes Benita’s outstanding leadership, creativity, and significant contributions to her communities, the profession of architecture, and the AIA. At GBBN, Benita synthesizes the words people use to describe their feelings with imagery that best evokes those emotions. She brings the voices of people to life through design by knowing what questions to ask so all relevant stakeholders are involved in a project’s conception. . Benita is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree.
Perkins Eastman Announces Staff Promotions & Recent Hires
Perkins Eastman is a global design firm founded on the belief that design can have a direct and positive impact on people’s lives. The award-winning practice draws on its 1,100+ professionals networked across 25 studios worldwide. Beyond their shared knowledge and talent, the Pittsburgh staff possesses a palpable empathy and compassion for clients, consultants, and one another. In recognition of these efforts, Perkins Eastman is delighted to announce the recent elevation of Jeff Young to the Executive Committee, the promotions of numerous staff members, as well as the recognition of our recent hires.
Promotion to Executive Committee
Jeff Young, AIA a Pittsburgh native and co-managing principal of the Pittsburgh studio, joined Perkins Eastman in 2014. With nearly three decades of experience, Jeff leads the workplace, commercial office, residential, and mixed-use practice areas in Pittsburgh, and supports firmwide efforts. The Pittsburgh Business Times names him among the “Top 20 Professionals to Know in Construction and Architecture” in 2023.
Promotions to Associate Principal
Emily Pierson-Brown, AIA, AICP, LEED Green Associate, balances more than 15 years of experience in community planning, neighborhood revitalization, and senior living projects with a fervent advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion in her multi-faceted role as an architect, planner, designer, and Perkins Eastman’s PEople Culture Manager.
Promotions to Senior Associate
Rick Rebottini: Architectural Designer
Promotions to Associate:
- Hannah Wilkerson-Hussing: Interior Designer
- Alex Culler: Architectural Designer
- Vince DeFazio, RA, LEED AP BD+C: Project Architect
- David Kolodziej: Architectural Designer
New Hires
- Mercedes Earnest Project Accountant
- Anna Hudgins: KRT (Knowledge Resource Team) Coordinator
- Leah Johnson: Interior Designer
- Anthony Loverher: Architectural Designer
- Megan Shrout, LEED GA, NC: Architectural Designer
- Ellis Vogt: Architectural Designer
- John Wimer, NCIDQ, LEED AP: Senior Interior Designer
- Xiaoyang Xu: Architectural Designer
- Anjali Gopalakrishnan, AIA: Architectural Designer
- Cem Ozdeniz: Project Designer
Firms on the Move
LGA Partners Office Relocation
LGA Partners will be relocating to a new office in Four Gateway Center in downtown Pittsburgh, effective January 5, 2024.
New Address:
LGA Partners
Four Gateway Center
444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1500
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
What to Expect during the move:
Moving Schedule: The moving team will begin the relocation process at the end of December, with LGA’s last day at the Forbes offices being January 5, 2024. At that point, LGA will be transitioning to WFH for a few weeks until the new office space in Four Gateway Center is complete and working diligently to minimize any disruption to daily operations.
Temporary Disruptions: During the moving process, there may be some minimal disruptions, such as mail/drawing delivery and locations for face-to-face meetings. LGA is working through all potential issues and genuinely appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time. Rest assured; you should see no interruption to any LGA projects.
Updated Contact Information: Please update your records with the new office address above. The office phone number (and direct phone numbers), email addresses, and website will remain unchanged.
If you have any questions or concerns about the office relocation, please do not hesitate to contact the LGA Partners Office Manager, Pam Volk, at pvolk@lga-partners.com or 412.224.6545.
SCHRADERGROUP Opens New Pittsburgh Regional Office
SCHRADERGROUP (SG) is excited to announce the opening of a new regional office in Pittsburgh to replace the office space the team has been using. The change will accommodate the substantial growth they have experienced recently. With the construction of this new office space, SG can better serve the Pittsburgh region while expanding their expertise. Their seasoned professionals are excited to share in the creation and future of architectural projects.
SG has hired Thomas Wippenbeck as Regional Manager to assist and serve clients in western PA. Thomas brings over twenty-six years of experience in his field, overseeing projects in areas from client interviews and presentations to construction administration. The Pittsburgh office is currently located on the North Shore.
SCHRADERGROUP is currently seeking a talented Architectural Project Manager to oversee building design and construction in the Pittsburgh area. If you have a passion for project design, the want to hear from you! Learn more about their openings here.
Projects
DLA+ Architecture and Interior Design Named Stadium Design Architect for Cheongna SSG Baseball Stadium
DLA+ Architecture and Interior Design (DLA+) has been selected by South Korean retail giant Shinsegae Group (SSG) as the Design Architect for the Cheongna SSG Baseball Stadium, a new home for the SSG Landers in the Korea Baseball Organization. The project is expected to be complete for the 2028 season.
Located just west of Seoul in Incheon, South Korea, Cheongna SSG Baseball Stadium and Commercial Complex will be the world’s first baseball stadium with an integrated shopping mall. It is also the first privately funded professional sporting venue in South Korea.
The covered/dome Stadium will seat 21,000 guests and connect to the Starfield shopping mall, a national retail brand recognized for its outstanding guest experiences. Operating year-round as a multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue, it will host various activities, including sports, concerts, and community and private events.
Before being awarded the design of the project, DLA+ assisted SSG with its Strategic Vision Planning and provided support throughout the project-enabling process. The Owner initially engaged DLA+ due to the firm’s sports and entertainment facility design expertise – and DLA+’s philosophy that every stadium design should create a positive personal experience that reflects the authenticity of the local market.
2023 Best Places to Work by the Pittsburgh Business Times
Congratulations to the following AIA Pittsburgh member firms and allied members that the Pittsburgh Business Times named as a few of the best places to work in Western PA:
See the full list here.