Member & Firm Updates
New Hires at Draw Collective
DRAW Collective is excited to welcome three new staff members to their office.
Allison Swauger is DRAW Collective’s newest Interior Designer. Allison is a recent Kent State University graduate with a love for working with clients to create spaces that bring happiness and comfort, aligning her with the firm’s goal of designing places that matter, together.
Michelle Reese, SPHR, SHRM-SCP enjoys collaboration and teamwork, exploring new ideas and approaches, and connecting people. With more than 30 years of experience in enhancing work environments, she will support DRAW Collective through initiatives focused on processes, policies, retention, and both employee and leadership development.
Ryan Snodgrass has joined DRAW Collective as our new Construction Administrator. With 20 years of experience in project and facility management, including his recent role as Facility Director for Chartiers Valley School District and West Jefferson Hills School District, Ryan brings a wealth of expertise. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to safety will be invaluable to ensuring DRAW’s projects are completed on time, within budget, and true to design.
Staff Additions & Promotions at IKM
IKM Architecture Announces New Associates
IKM Architecture is thrilled to announce three new associates: Brian Karcher, Marissa Kohler, and Adam Yaracs, AIA. IKM is proud to acknowledge their leadership, dedication, and contributions to advancing the firm.
Brian Karcher is a seasoned Project Architect specializing in workplace design, healthcare, and education projects. As the lead architect of our workplace sector and a LEED Green Associate, he merges his diverse project experience with his commitment to sustainable design to develop innovative and impactful solutions.
Marissa Kohler has seven years of architectural experience in behavioral health, healthcare, and women’s health projects. She has focused her architectural career on behavioral health facilities and is the lead project architect on IKM Architecture’s Southwood Children’s Behavioral Healthcare, a state-of-the-art inpatient treatment center in Pittsburgh, PA. Marissa brings subject matter expertise and design excellence to each of her projects.
With 17 years of architecture and design experience, Adam Yaracs, AIA has focused his career on education, arts, and civic projects across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. He served as AIA Cleveland’s 2017 President and chairs their annual Design Awards. His accolades include the 2022 Midwest Top Young Professional by ENR Magazine, the 2020 AIA Ohio Emerging Professional Award, and the 2019 AIA National Young Architect Award.
IKM Welcomes New Director of Human Resources
IKM is pleased to have Nancy Gutierrez-Palochik join their team as their new Director of Human Resources. With extensive HR experience and a background in the design field, she is a great new addition to support the growing team.
Ridenour Promoted to Director Of Business Development
IKM’s Manager of Business Development, Kimberly Ridenour, MBA, CPSM, has been promoted to Director of Business Development. She was also recently appointed to a two-year term as Director At-Large on the National Society for Marketing Professionals (SMPS) Board of Directors.
Staff & Research Updates at Perkins Eastman
New Hire and Intern at Perkins Eastman’s Pittsburgh Studio
Elena Bresciani recently joined Perkins Eastman’s Pittsburgh studio as an associate principal, relocating from New York City to Lawrenceville. Growing up between Taiwan and Italy, she was inspired by the spirit of human ingenuity that she saw crafting a fast-changing urban environment and honing a slow-evolving historic landscape. Since starting her career in 2003, Elena has focused on solving complex design problems in equally thoughtful and creative ways. Elena’s has previously worked at firms including BIG, StudioGang, and SOM. Her work spans a wide range of building types, from high-rise and mixed-use to higher education and cultural projects, both domestic and international.
Justyn Grant recently completed his second internship with Perkins Eastman. Growing up in Jamaica and Florida, Justyn was exposed to a wide array of topography, ultimately piquing his interest in the field of architecture. Justyn is pursuing his Master of Architecture from Florida A&M University. Justyn had the opportunity to join our team through his participation last year in Carnegie Mellon University’s UDream program and (lucky us!) chose to return this summer. During his time with Perkins Eastman, he is making a positive impact on the studio culture and providing fresh design thinking.
New Research at Perkins Eastman
Perkins Eastman’s 2024 State of Sustainability was just published, which showcases the firm’s comprehensive sustainability efforts. Of note, the firm is now a carbon neutral business for its operations!
The firm also recently published the white paper, “Addressing a Multi-Million Dollar Challenge”, which is co-authored by Perkins Eastman’s Director of Design Research, Emily Chmielewski, EDAC, who is based in Perkins Eastman’s Pittsburgh studio. The report illustrates how high-quality school environments can boost educational outcomes, improve well-being, and strengthen communities. The culmination of a multi-year study, the research and publication are the result of a partnership with Drexel University and funded by American Institute of Architects College of Fellows Latrobe Prize and J+J Flooring.
The results of the Post Occupancy Evaluation of Perkins Eastman’s new Pittsburgh studio: “What’s Working in the New Workplace” were published earlier this summer. The report, with authors including Jeff Young, Emily Chmielewski, and Jennica Deely (all located in Pittsburgh), explores qualitative and quantitative data and feedback on the new free-address studio and work-from-anywhere-policies, which are serving as a living experiment for firm-wide workplace design and policy.
Local Firms Ranked in the Pittsburgh Business Times’ Fast 50
The Pittsburgh Business Times published the Fast 50, a list of the fastest-growing private companies from 2021 to 2023, based on revenue growth. Several AIA Pittsburgh firms and partners were ranked on this year’s list:
Rank 4: DRAW Collective, 233.33% revenue growth
Rank 18: Rycon Construction Inc., 94.73% revenue growth
Rank 29: Mascaro Construction Group, 79.10% revenue growth
Rank 42: Strada Architecture, 59.10% revenue growth
Rank 50: Larson Design Group, 53.03% revenue growth
View the full list here.
Firms and Partners Named Best Places to Work in Western PA
Congratulations to the following firms and Allied Members who were named to the Pittsburgh Business Times 2024 Best Places to Work list:
Allen + Shariff
LGA Partners
R3A Architecture
Partner News
MBA Board of Directors Welcomes Jennifer P. Landau of Landau Building Company
The Board of Directors of the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania (MBA) announced the appointment of Jennifer P. Landau to its Board of Directors. Jennifer will be replacing Jeffrey C. Landau on the board and completing his term.
Jennifer P. Landau is the president of Landau Building Company and brings 23 years of experience and leadership to her new role. She is the first woman to lead the organization in its 130-year legacy. Now in its sixth generation, the family-owned and operated company has developed a broad portfolio of institutional, commercial, and healthcare projects ranging from ground-up construction to major renovations and restorations. In 2006, Landau Building Company expanded its services to include the northern West Virginia area with the creation of the subsidiary Marks-Landau Construction.
Jennifer earned her B.S. in Civil Engineering and M.S. in Construction Management from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a LEED Green Associate and a Certified Healthcare Constructor. Her journey at Landau began in 1999 as a co-op student, transitioning to full-time in 2001. Starting as a project engineer, Jennifer’s roles evolved to include estimator, project manager, vice president, and currently president. In her current role, she focuses on expanding the company’s relationships while overseeing both preconstruction and construction projects.
Jennifer is eager to join the MBA Board of Directors, stating, “I am thrilled to be a part of the MBA Board, and look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of our association and our industry.”
“On behalf of everyone at Master Builders’ Association, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jeff Landau for seven years of service and dedication as a member of our Board of Directors,” said Raymond A. Volpatt, Jr., P.E., MBA president. “His commitment, insights, and leadership have been instrumental in guiding our association toward achieving our mission. We are pleased to welcome Jennifer Landau to the Board of Directors. She brings extensive industry experience, long term engagement on multiple MBA committees, and fresh perspectives that will undoubtedly enhance our board’s capabilities and advance our goals.”
Projects
Trinity Area School District Celebrates Grand Opening of New Intermediate School by DRAW Collective
Trinity Area School District recently celebrated the completion of their new Intermediate School building with a community open house, wrapping up over four years of planning and construction that began after the school board approved the project in 2021 to address a rapidly growing student population. Located on the Trinity Middle School campus, the new facility includes 30 classrooms, each designed to maximize natural light and provide views of the campus. The building features specialized learning support spaces and three project classrooms dedicated to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities.
Project Updates from IKM
IKM Wins Big at the IIDA PA, NJ, DE Design Awards
IKM’s Carnegie Mellon University Forbes Beeler Apartments submission won first place in the Living category, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Passavant Centers of Excellence won first place in the Healthcare category.
The New Southwood Children’s Behavioral Healthcare Facility is nearing Completion
This 64,900 SF, 108-bed facility will provide inpatient treatment for children and adolescents with behavioral health disorders. The project team recently gave a construction tour to their emerging professionals and the AIA Pittsburgh Healthcare Committee, highlighting safety, durability, design, and cost through unique interior details and furniture considerations. IKM is excited to see this building come to life and to be part of this important community resource.
CMU Robotics Innovation Center by Perkins Eastman Topping Out Ceremony
Carnegie Mellon University has reached a significant construction milestone for its forthcoming Robotics Innovation Center (RIC), a cutting-edge facility for research, development and testing of robotics technologies in Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood Green development. To mark the occasion of the completion of the structural phase of construction, the university held a traditional topping-off ceremony on July 19 for administrators, faculty, staff, students, supporters, civic and community leaders, and the construction and project management team. Read more here.