Gray Design Group, named one of the Best Architectural Firms by Small Business Monthly, recently hired a new architect and promoted several architectural team members as a result of continued firm growth.
Richard Canada, RA, CDT, joined Gray Design Group on April 30 and brings more than 30 years of industry expertise to the firm. He has worked on a wide variety of project types and excels in design development and detailing. Since joining Gray, Canada has already utilized his skills for several industrial addition projects. Outside of work, his time is spent with his children and four grandchildren or watching the latest blockbuster on the big screen.
‘Rich is an outstanding addition to our talented team of architects,’ said Steven Kuhlmann, Gray’s Vice President of Operations. ‘His history of exceptional attention to detail and creative problem-solving aligns well with our culture and will make a positive impact.’
Four architectural staff were recognized for their dedicated project management, innovative solutions and client-centered approach that have heavily influenced Gray’s success. Amanda Holguin, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CDT and Travis Smith, RA, NCARB were promoted to Architect. Dominick Johnson was promoted to Project Manager, and Dalton Webb, Associate AIA, LEED AP BD+C was promoted to Project Associate.
Holguin joined Gray in 2015 and is one of the firm’s leading Revit users. She brings a well-rounded methodology and thoughtful consideration of the end-user experience to each project. Holguin was a key component to the success of recently completed projects like Aloft St. Louis, the first hotel in the Cortex innovation district and a finalist in the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2021 Building St. Louis awards. She is an active member of AIA St. Louis and her church’s worship band.
During his seven-year tenure at Gray, Smith has added dozens of projects and long-term clients to his lengthy list of experience. Most recently, his passion of merging art and design formulated creative solutions for projects like icon Mechanical’s new 40,000 square foot headquarters, expansions at Forest Hills Country Club and multiple new large-scale industrial facilities.
Johnson joined Gray three years ago and is known for pairing his creativity with technical knowledge to meet challenging design and construction schedules. He was a critical team member for recently completed projects like Friendship Village Chesterfield and Sunset Hills campus expansions and is currently wrapping up the new Mark’s Appliance location in Edwardsville and the new Hampton Inn + Suites in Saint Charles. Johnson serves on the Ranken Technical College Architectural Advisory Board and as a Media Manager for Jubilee Church.
Webb has contributed heavily to Gray Design Group’s sustainable design approach and visualization capabilities since joining the firm in 2018. He has been vital to multiple project transformations within the senior living, multi-family and hospitality industries. Webb is heavily involved with professional and community organizations, including the USGBC Gateway Chapter, Urban Harvest STL Young Friends Board and is the Co-Founder of the nonprofit For the People.
‘We’re so grateful for the excellence and character that Amanda, Travis, Dominick and Dalton bring to Gray Design Group,’ Kuhlmann said. ‘These valued team members have made incredible contributions to the firm’s success. The promotions are well deserved and reflect their tireless efforts and commitment.’
Gray Design Group, founded in 1982, is one of the leading multi-disciplined architectural and interior design firms in the Midwest. With 39 years of experience, the Saint Louis-based firm specializes in creating dynamic commercial, hospitality, industrial, multi-family and senior living environments. Gray Design Group’s award-winning, sustainable work has received both national and regional acclaim. The WBE Certified firm is responsible for planning four million square feet of diverse commercial spaces annually. For more information, visit www.graydesigngroup.com or call 314.646.0400.