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From the Firms – 12.5.25

December 5, 2025

Post Category | From The Firms

Member & Firm Updates


Updates from AE Works

AE Works Welcomes Jose Galindo as Chief Technology Officer 

AE Works is excited to welcome Jose Galindo as Chief Technology Officer. With 20 years of AEC industry experience, Jose is a technology-driven leader known for advancing digital transformation through BIM, computational design, cloud-based workflows, automation, and data analytics. A 2022 Autodesk 40 Under 40 Champion of Construction and active lecturer on emerging technologies, he has led major enterprise software transitions, centralized data platforms, and AI-enabled design initiatives. As CTO, he will focus on applying technology in practical, impactful ways to enhance design quality, increase efficiency, and deliver greater value for our clients.

 

AE Works Named a Top Data Center Architecture Firm

AE Works is included in the 2025 Building Design + Construction Giants list as a Top Data Center Architecture Firm. This recognition highlights the firm’s commitment to mission critical design, delivering secure, resilient, and high-performance environments where uptime is everything. From data centers to essential infrastructure, AE Works is proud to help keep operations running 24/7.

 

DRAW Collective Announces Senior Associate and Associate Promotions

DRAW Collective is pleased to announce the promotions of Daniel Dillow, Tricia Monaco, Jessica Ondrusek, and Randy Riggans to Senior Associate:

Daniel Dillow, RA, Architect / Senior Associate, has 14 years of experience in education and healthcare projects.

Jessica Ondrusek, AIA, Architect / Senior Associate, has 14 years of experience in healthcare design.

Patricia (Tricia) Monaco, NCIDQ, Architectural / Interior Designer / Senior Associate, has 25 years of experience and focuses on K-12 educational projects.

Randall (Randy) Riggans, Sr. Designer/Production Specialist, has 38 years of experience. 

And the promotions of Kayla Benton, Amy George, Timothy Reidy, and Jennifer Skripac to Associate:

Kayla Benton, Interior Designer / Associate, has 9 years of experience focusing on K-12 educational projects.

Amy George, LEED AP, Interior Designer / Associate, has 19 years of experience in design for higher education and community spaces.

Timothy Reidy, AIA, LEED GA, Architect / Associate, has over 15 years of experience in design for healthcare, higher education, K-12, and community spaces.

Jennifer Skripac, IIDA, NCIDQ, Architectural / Interior Designer / Associate, has 28 years of design for higher education and community spaces.

 

HDG Staff Update

Neil Morea, RA, NCARB, Project Architect

HDG Architects is proud to announce that Neil Morea has received his RA, NCARB designation and is now a licensed Project Architect with the firm! Neil has been a key member of the HDG team, bringing strong design insight and technical expertise to a variety of projects – with a particular focus on healthcare environments. His background in healthcare design, paired with his commitment to detail and client-centered solutions, has made him an invaluable contributor to their work and clients. HDG is excited to celebrate this milestone with him and look forward to his continued impact at their firm.

 

mossArchitects Receives National “California Rebuilds Passive House Competition” Award

mossArchitects is honored to announce that their Casa Del Consuelo project, in collaboration with bldgtyp, has received First Place in the Spanish Colonial Revival category of the national California Rebuilds Passive House design competition organized by the Passive House Network in collaboration with Passive House California.

The competition invited architects and designers to envision high-performance, fire-resilient homes for communities rebuilding after the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Casa Del Consuelo “House of Comfort”  reimagines the Spanish Colonial Revival tradition through a contemporary and sustainable lens, demonstrating how Passive House principles can deliver exceptional comfort, energy efficiency, and resilience while maintaining regional authenticity.

mossArchitects is honored to have their work recognized among so many inspiring submissions. The firm believes that good design is resilient and seeks to challenge the status quo and create unique design solutions that will stand the test of time. They are proud to contribute to a more resilient future for Los Angeles communities and to their future projects. Read more here.

 

Pittsburgh EPiC Firms

At the 2025 AIA Pennsylvania Architectural Excellence Awards Broadcast Reveal, 13 Pittsburgh firms were recognized as 2025 EPiC Firms. The EPiC Firm Recognition, facilitated by the Emerging Professionals Committee (EPiC), recognizes firms for their commitment to the professional development of emerging professionals and young architects with an assessment of firm culture and support in four critical areas: (1) licensure, (2) leadership and professional development, (3) career advancement opportunity, and (4) commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Congratulations to the following Pittsburgh firms that received EPiC recognition:

  • AE Works
  • Cannon Design
  • DesignGroup
  • Desmone Architects
  • DRAW Collective
  • EvolveEA
  • HDG Architects
  • IKM Architecture
  • LGA Partners, LP
  • PWWG Architects
  • PVEDI
  • R3A Architecture
  • Rothschild Doyno Collaborative

 

Projects


Notable Projects from Building Performance Architecture

All of Building Performance Architecture’s projects are unusual for an architecture firm, since they have become a specialty firm focused on greatly increasing building energy efficiency and quality through expert, hands-on QA/QC in areas like building envelope commissioning, design reviews, and building energy & envelope testing.

Some notable current and recent projects are:

  • Bedford Dwellings Phase 1 project in the Hill District: Obtained Zero Energy Ready Home certification for 123 dwelling units (townhomes and apartments) 
  • 51-unit Standard on Fifth apartment building in Uptown: Working on Phius (passive building) verification
  • Goldfinch Lofts, a 28-unit apartment building in Des Moines, IA: Working on Phius verification
  • U.S. Navy Submarine Base New London in Groton, CT: Conducting envelope air leakage (blower door) testing and infrared thermography on an existing, fully-occupied 260-room / 780-occupant dormitory building
  • Pittsburgh International Airport: Finishing the building envelope commissioning of the new terminal
  • Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital: Conducting building envelope commissioning and testing 

Building Performance Architecture is available to help other architects and building professionals adjust to the updated energy efficiency requirements of the new PA UCC that takes effect on January 1, 2026.

 

DRAW Collective Completes Knoch School District High School Additions and Renovations

Ed Massery / Adam Warner

Knoch High School additions and renovations were recently completed just in time for the 2025-26 school year. DRAW Collective’s design introduces a bright, distinct new entrance and a major expansion that includes an extensive, multi-purpose student commons with collaborative learning areas and relocated cafeteria seating.

The multi-phased project added a new STEM wing with tech-ed classrooms equipped for wood shop, high-tech tools, 3D printing, robotics, and more.  Building renovations also included science classrooms and labs, an updated performing arts center/auditorium, and a new wellness center that offers an indoor running track, several weight and cardio areas, athletic conditioning, and a stretching and strengthening room.

 

New, State-of-the-art Pittsburgh International Airport Terminal by Gensler Opens to the Public

Like many aging U.S. airports, Pittsburgh International Airport required an upgrade to meet modern standards. Originally designed to connect the landside and airside terminals by an automated people mover, the airport no longer reflected the expectations of modern travelers — or the identity of the region it serves. With nearly 10 million passengers in 2024 — the highest since 2006 — the terminal transformation offered a timely opportunity to modernize operations and express Pittsburgh’s growing national and international relevance.

Gensler + HDR, in association with luis vidal + architects, designed a new 811,000-square-foot terminal that brings together all major airport functions within a single, streamlined structure. The terminal reflects Pittsburgh’s unique landscape and character through biophilic design, regional materials, and public art. Four outdoor terraces — two pre-security and two post-security — feature native plants, walkways, and benches. Undulating wood ceilings, tree-like columns, and a roofline inspired by rolling hills create a passenger experience that feels efficient and deeply local.

The new terminal redefines the passenger journey at PIT — cutting walk times, easing congestion, and eliminating the need for an automated people mover. The design enhances operational efficiency and speeds the security and check-in processes, while creating a welcoming civic space that celebrates Pittsburgh’s identity. With thoughtful waiting areas, seamless curb-to-gate connectivity, and terraces offering moments of pause and respite, the airport becomes more than a gateway; it becomes part of the region’s story. Learn more here.

 

HDG Project Announcements

HDG Architects is proud to announce the completion of the new administrative building for the Western Butler County Authority (WBCA). Designed to support the Authority’s growing operational needs, the facility features a modern, efficient layout and several sustainability-driven enhancements, including a living green roof and rooftop solar panels that will help reduce long-term energy consumption.

Throughout the project, HDG worked closely with WBCA and the full consultant team to bring a forward-thinking, resilient design to life. The completed building reflects WBCA’s commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and community service. Construction is now complete, and the facility is ready to serve WBCA staff and the residents of Western Butler County for years to come.

 

HDG Architects recently completed the renovation of Bethel Park School Districts’ Independence Middle School. The project included a full building upgrade with new classroom wings, larger and brighter Cafeteria, refreshed Auditorium and Gym, and expanded administration suite. The work also features new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, along with refreshed finishes that enhance the building’s aesthetics, comfort, and acoustics.

To celebrate the completion, Bethel Park School District hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in September. Reflecting on the transformation, Bethel Park Superintendent, Dr. Walsh shared, “You have transformed the dark, dismal, drab, and decrepit to warm, bright, new, and hopeful. It is such an amazing, extreme makeover. You have proved artistry in the visuals and a mastery of the creative and effective use of space.”

HDG Architects is proud to have partnered with Bethel Park School District in delivering a renewed, future-ready learning environment for the community.

 

SCHRADERGROUP Completes West View Elementary School

SCHRADERGROUP is very excited to share images of the recently completed West View Elementary School! SG, in conjunction with North Hills School District and SitelogIQ, reimagined the century-old school into a modern learning environment that preserves its character and introduces new technology and flexible spaces. West View is a prime example of a school that captures the heart of our work in western Pennsylvania.

The building originally opened as a high school 100 years ago and has long stood as a pillar in the community. Over the years, the building was converted into an elementary school to meet the District’s evolving needs. When the District recently set out to transform the elementary school, SG embraced the challenge of honoring the past while designing for the future. Throughout the school, custom graphics celebrate the school and town’s rich heritage, connecting students to their roots and reminding them they are part of a proud, evolving community story.

The revitalized school feels both familiar and forward-thinking. It reflects SG’s commitment to designing next-generation learning environments that are grounded in a sense of place and purpose.

As the SG team continues to expand our state-wide reach, projects like West View Elementary School represent more than design success; they reflect our dedication to creating spaces that empower learning, celebrate community, and endure for generations.

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