Member & Partner Updates
Sean Sheffler Promoted to Senior Associate at LGA Partners
LGA Partners has elevated Sean Sheffler, RA, AIA, LEED AP to Senior Associate. As our Education Studio Leader, he has led high-profile projects at the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University, and the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Recently, Sean oversaw the award-winning renovation of the Barbour Library and restacked multiple floors within the iconic Cathedral of Learning. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for AIA Pittsburgh, the Board of the Pittsburgh Architecture Foundation, and oversees LGA’s internship and licensure programs.
Garfield-based mossArchitects Welcomes New Interior Designer
mossArchitects is proud to welcome a new Interior Designer, Annie DeArmit, to its team. Annie DeArmit graduated from La Roche University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and a minor in marketing. While in school, she studied photography and architecture in Chile and Argentina and was a student member of the American Society of Interior Designers. Annie is eager to bring her passion for good design to the city of Pittsburgh and beyond.
HDG Welcomes New Architectural Designer
Trent Krzysiak has joined Hayes Design Group Architects (HDG) as an Architectural Designer. Trent has a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Kent State University. In his role at HDG, Trent will participate in design, assemble and coordinate drawings, execute tasks from programming through construction administration, record and draft existing building conditions, and create renderings and other presentation material.
HDG’s Kayla Barko Becomes a Licensed Architect
Hayes Design Group Architects is proud to announce that Kayla Barko Architectural Designer, was promoted to the position of Architect. Kayla recently completed the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) and Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and is now licensed to practice architecture in Pennsylvania.
Kayla joined HDG in 2018 and has a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Kent State University. At HDG, Kayla is responsible for all phases of design work from programming through construction and project closeout, selecting finish materials, and performing construction administration duties. She is also responsible for coordinating design and production work of consultants.
Kayla has three years of experience working on projects such as CCAC’s Historic Chalfant Hall, Alterations to South Fayette Township Middle School, a new Water Treatment Plant for North Fayette County Municipal Authority, and a K-8 Feasibility Study for Bethel Park School District. She is also actively involved in the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Young Architect’s Forum (YAF) and Women in Design Pittsburgh.
“We applaud Kayla’s efforts to become certified. Her hard work and commitment to the profession has accelerated her into becoming a knowledgeable, thoughtful, and competent architect. Kayla’s awareness of potential design issues and her ability to employ creative solutions has helped her become a well-rounded architect, and her positive and caring attitude will go far in developing long-term relationships with clients, consultants, and vendors. We see Kayla becoming a strong mentor and future leader in our firm,” said Mark Duane, AIA, Principal.
Promotions at Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects
Charles O’Brien IV, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP and Loren Wright, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP promoted to Senior Vice Presidents.
In his 24 years at Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects, O’Brien has served in many roles including Vice President and Design Principal for many years. His leadership in the management of our practice has been noteworthy to our success. His design leadership experience spans across nearly all of our project areas of expertise. Chuck is a Registered Architect in thirteen states and holds certifications from the NCARB and LEED.
In his 21 years at Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects, Wright has served as a Vice President and Managing Principal of our Pittsburgh studio since its inception 15 years ago. Within these significant responsibilities, his achievements have been very important to our company’s success. Our areas of practice are enhanced by his leadership expertise. Loren is a Registered Architect in nine states and holds certifications from the NCARB and LEED.
David Howell, AIA, NCARB, CDT and Jeff Loman, AIA promoted to Studio Principals.
In his 20 years of experience (13 years with Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects), Howell has performed commendably in many roles including Associate Principal, Senior Associate, Associate and Senior Project Manager. Strong effort in these roles through the years have prepared him well for this next step to assume the leadership role of Studio Principal. David is a Registered Architect, holds certifications from the NCARB, LEED and is a Construction Document Technologist.
In his 30 years with Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects, Loman has served in many roles including Senior Associate, Associate and Senior Project Manager. Strong effort in these roles through the years have prepared him well for this next step to assume the leadership role of Studio Principal. Jeff is a Registered Architect and member of the American Institute of Architects.
Danielle Maritzer, AIA, Doug Postupack, and Kacey Price promoted to Associates.
With 17 years of experience including 6 years with Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects, Maritzer has performed impressively in her main role as a project designer. Danielle is a confident, team-oriented designer with a diverse array of project experience. Strong effort in this position and quality management committee effort have prepared her well for this next step to join our Associate team. Danielle is a Registered Architect and a member of the AIA.
In his 30 years of experience (14 years with Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects), Postupack has performed well as an effective team player with solid technical skills. Doug always strives to provide superior service to our clients through his impressive knowledge in architectural detailing with BIM and CADD. Doug is a solid behind the scenes contributor with sincere efforts on behalf of our office. These endeavors have prepared him well to succeed as an Associate.
In her 15 years of experience with Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects, Price has performed well in her role as an outgoing, positive graphic designer who always has the company’s best interest at heart. As our Social Media Strategist, her vision for social media has extended the digital footprint of Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects. Kacey’s strong effort while serving on key company committees have prepared her well for this next step on our Associate team.
Rothschild Doyno Collaborative Designs “Hot Property” in Oakmont
Dan J. Mancosh of Brooks & Blair Homes teamed up with Pittsburgh architecture and urban-design firm Rothschild Doyno Collaborative to develop the River’s Edge in Oakmont, an Allegheny riverfront property at the site of the former Edgewater Steel plant, which for years lay fallow. The site was featured in Pittsburgh Magazine.
Firms on the Move!
MCF Architecture moves into the Frick Building downtown
After leaving the Bank Tower last year, MCF has been gradually working to move into its new office of around 12,000 square feet to 14,000 square feet on the 16th floor of the Frick Building on Grant Street.
Perkins Eastman’s New Downtown Studio Demonstrates New Ways of Working in a Hybrid World
Fifteen months after Perkins Eastman co-Managing Principals Lee Pellegrino and Jeff Young gathered staff in their studio in the historic Pennsylvanian to outline the firm’s work-from-home pandemic response, Perkins Eastman’s Pittsburgh studio celebrates its relocation to the 25th floor of 525 William Penn Place. “More than just a long-awaited reunion,” says Pellegrino, “with our new studio, we are beginning a new chapter in how we work together, how we learn from each other, and how we grow in our mission of ‘Human by Design.’”
Perkins Eastman, a global architecture, design, and planning firm, was in the early stages of designing its new space when the coronavirus reached the United States in March of 2020. To accommodate evolving predictions of the post-pandemic “new normal”, the Pittsburgh studio’s workplace design team quickly pivoted, accelerating research and planning, while exploring additional options.
“The pandemic spurred us to reconsider how an architecture and design studio ought to work. First, we implemented free-address seating for all of our team members. There’s no sense in tying up so much of our real estate into individual workstations, when we know our folks will have the ability and desire to work outside of our studio at some interval,” Young says. “Instead, we’ve amped up the amount of ‘we’ seating, integrating counter-height spaces along the building perimeter, as well as sofas, booths, high-top tables, and banquettes to provide lots of choices.”
Projects
U.S. Steel Tower One of the Largest Office Buildings to Earn the WELL Health-Safety Rating
Winthrop Management and evolveEA are pleased to announce that the 64-story U.S. Steel Tower in downtown Pittsburgh, PA has achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating, making it the largest building in the Pittsburgh region to do so. The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement, and emergency plans to address a post-COVID-19 environment now and into the future.
Winthrop Management’s pursuit of the WELL Health-Safety Rating helped guide their efforts to prioritize the health and safety of building tenants, visitors, and their direct staff. Improvements to the U.S. Steel Tower’s operations have helped prepare the building for re-entry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, instilling confidence in those who come through the building as well as the broader community.
“We are honored to have received this designation, which recognizes our ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of our tenants, guests and the community,” said Ramona Cain, Property Manager. “We take great pride in the leadership role we have achieved in the areas of sustainability, health and safety among the country’s flagship commercial buildings.”
“We are very proud to have helped the U.S. Steel Tower achieve this momentous and timely certification,” says Marc Mondor, AIA, Principal of evolveEA. “After years of ground-breaking initiatives with this signature skyscraper, such as ENERGY STAR, LEED EB O&M, BOMA 360 and the ongoing Tenant Sustainability Committee, we are so pleased to see the building continue to lead our region.”
Anna Rosenblum, Senior Project Manager from evolveEA adds, “Through the exercise of assessing systems and developing policies and plans, Winthrop used this opportunity to not only reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the short-term, but to identify opportunities to create a better, healthier building for years to come.”
Brewers Block: A true neighborhood development bringing the unique characteristics of Polish Hill, Lawrenceville, Strip District and Bloomfield together
Designed by Desmone Architects, Brewers Block will consist of 377 units across three residential buildings, 2,300 SF of ground-floor retail space on Liberty Avenue, over 100 bicycle storage units and 40,000 SF of indoor/outdoor amenity space. Brewers Block is a true neighborhood development and will feature unique characteristics of Polish Hill, Lawrenceville, Strip District and Bloomfield within the development. Brewers Block blends the new with the old renovating the former warehouse building into loft style units and reusing timbers and materials from the buildings that were once located on the site within the project.
The project will create over 600 construction jobs, has employed over 12 local Design, Legal, and construction consultants and over 80% of the construction dollars are being spent by local subcontractors. Community partnerships also include a neighborhood source center for local artists and craftsman as well a job fair to hire local residents. Brewers Block is 100% privately financed.
“We are very excited to welcome everyone to Brewers Block and this historic block which is located at the convergence of four of Pittsburgh’s hippest neighborhoods: Polish Hill, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield and the Strip District,” said RDC, Inc. CEO John Deklewa. “The Block offers fun seekers and creators’ a residential experience unlike any other in the Pittsburgh community.”
“The Brewers Block project is a really innovative use of this property that respects its history while still being focused on providing the amenities that residents and businesses are both seeking,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “The work done by RDC will attract technology and innovation to these neighborhoods and support those industries that make up the ever-growing economy in our region.”
“I’m excited for this historic site to once again be a vibrant part of the City of Pittsburgh,” said Mayor William Peduto. “Housing like this —transit-oriented, walkable and infilling vacant land — is a great puzzle piece that adds to the city’s tax base and will attract the talented workers we need to bolster the new Pittsburgh economy.”