The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
New Hires at Oculus, Inc.
Oculus Inc., a full-service architecture and interior design firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Josh West to its professional staff as an Intern Architect, Kaitlin McCormick from intern to Interior Designer and Zachary Mette to its professional staff as an Intern Architect.
Mt. West will be working with project and programming data, synthesizing information into floor plans and space layouts, developing approved layouts into developed designs, assisting with the preparation of construction details and drawings for permit. He brings experience working with community improvement, museum design, healthcare facilities, and transportation centers. In addition, he also worked as a Teaching Assistant where he mentored multiple groups of students working on design and constructions projects. His software skills include Auto Cad, Revit, SketchUp, Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop. In addition to Mr. West’s experience, he holds a Masters of Architecture and a Bachelors of Architecture with a minor in Landscape Design from Southern Illinois University. “We are so pleased to have Josh join Oculus,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, Oculus Inc. President. “We look forward to working with him; his strong background in working with community based projects will be of great service to our federal work.”
Ms. McCormick comes to Oculus to help with creating design concepts, finish selections, developing furniture budgets, preparing finish plans, designing signage, assisting with the preparation of construction drawings for permits, preparing client presentations, and managing the product library. She has been involved with projects for the Girl Scouts of America and multiple school and retail projects. In addition to her experience, Ms. McCormick holds a Bachelor of Human Environmental Studies/interior Design/Architectural Design from Southeast Missouri State University and is pursuing her NCIDQ. “We got to know Kaitlin very well as she worked for us an interior design intern,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, Oculus Inc. President. “Based on the skill we recognized during her internship, we are thrilled she has joined the firm as a full time Interior Designer.”
Mr. Mette brings a background of work experience that includes leadership, technical skills and design skills. His role at Oculus will be schematic design development, conceptual and construction documents, digital model construction, and drafting. Zach gained invaluable experience while he completed his Architecture Degree at Drury University (Springfield, MO) by working on Community Studio projects, which were real projects with actual clients, budgets and contractual agreements. Through this program, he worked with the Army Corps of Engineers’ Joe Bald Park to create a 30-year vision for improving the facilities. He is skilled in spatial programming and the following software: Revit, CAD, Sketch up, InDesign and Photoshop. “Zach came to us as a summer intern before returning to his final year of school,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, Oculus Inc. President. “We are thrilled he has come back in a full time role.”
Oculus Inc. is a nationally, WBE-Certified, full-service architecture and consulting services firm with offices in St. Louis & Dallas.
Three from Byrne & Jones Sports Division Earn Certified Builder Accreditation
Ben Traetow and David Baalman of Byrne & Jones Construction’s sports division have earned Certified Field Builder (CFB-S)Tom Brockmann, also of Byrne & Jones Construction’s sports division, has earned Certified Track Builder (CTB) Byrne & Jones has installed more than 2,000 athletic surfaces in the Midwest, including artificial and natural turf fields for all types of sports as well as track and fields, tennis courts and associated site improvements.
CFB-S and CTB accreditations are awarded by the 52-year-old American Sports Builders Association and is given to those who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in synthetic turf field and running track construction. Learn more at www.sportsbuilders.org
Traetow has a degree in construction systems management from The Ohio State University.
Baalman has a degree in construction management from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
Brockmann has a degree in mechanical engineering from Missouri University of Science & Technology.
Founded in 1976, Byrne & Jones Construction is a diversified St. Louis civil site contractor serving clients through six divisions – concrete, sports, asphalt, soil stabilization, marine and micro surfacing.
January 20, 2017
Byrne & Jones Construction Promotes Nathan Clark To Director of Estimating for its Asphalt Division
Nathan Clark has been promoted to director of estimating for Byrne & Jones Construction’s asphalt division. Byrne & Jones is one of the largest commercial paving companies in Metro St. Louis and has offices in Peoria, Ill. and Omaha, Neb.
Clark will oversee all facets of estimating in the asphalt division, which serves commercial and municipal customers, building and maintaining parking lots, roads and highways.
Clark has a degree in architectural engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Founded in 1976, Byrne & Jones Construction is a diversified St. Louis civil site contractor serving clients through six divisions – concrete, sports, asphalt, soil stabilization, marine and micro surfacing.
Christina Clagett Becomes Registered Architect
Christina Clagett, LEED AP BD +C recently became a registered architect. Clagett joined Lawrence Group in February 2015 and specializes in the execution of historic preservation projects. To date, she has contributed to a variety of historic scopes for the firm, working on the assessment and documentation as well as the renovation sides of medium and large scale historic architecture.
Lawrence Group is a building design, development, and project delivery firm headquartered in St. Louis. With more than 170 employees, the firm offers architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, graphic design, planning, construction management and real estate development services to hospitality, health care, academic, commercial, and housing clients. Please visit our website at http://www.thelawrencegroup.com.
January 13, 2017
Kirby-Smith Names John Arapidis as Vice President of Major Accounts
Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc., a leading Komatsu distributor, has announced the hiring of John Arapidis as Vice President of Major Accounts.
Arapidis will be responsible for the management and development of long-term strategic partnerships between Kirby-Smith and its large-scale customer base. He will office out of Kirby-Smith’s Dallas location. Executive Vice President & COO for Kirby-Smith, Jeff Weller, believes Arapidis will make an immediate impact in his new role. “John boasts an impressive pedigree in this industry,” said Weller. “I believe with his abilities, there is no doubt we will be able to offer an entirely new level of customer satisfaction.”
Arapidis brings over 29 years of industry experience with Komatsu into the position. Most recently serving as National Accounts Manager for Komatsu, he began his career with the Dresser Finance division, later leaving the finance group and moving to the role of Manager, Distribution and Planning for Komatsu Mining Systems. He has also served roles as Director of Region Sales/Marketing for the West and Vice President – Rental & ReMarketing for Komatsu.
Arapidis is proud to say he has worked with customers across all regions of the United States and Canada. In every market he has served, the key to success has been creating an outstanding customer experience. “I want to create great and memorable experiences for our customers,” said Arapidis. “The type of experiences that will ensure our customers continue to return.”
Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc. was established in 1983 and is recognized as one of the premiere new and used heavy construction equipment and crane dealers in the country.
New Hires at Oculus Inc.
Oculus Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Lee Bruner to its professional staff as a Job Captain/Project Designer.
Lee brings nine years of experience to Oculus Inc. with expertise in building code analysis and design development. His duties will include client communication, design and construction document development, engineering coordination, specifications, estimating, and construction administration. His skills include client management, code review, ADA compliance & specifications. He has worked nationwide on projects for retail, commercial office clients, and federal projects. Specifically, Lee has experience with The Ohio Veterans Memorial Museum, The AEP Transmission Group Headquarters, The Streets of Saint Charles, MO and One World Trade Center.
To compliment Mr. Bruner’s work experience, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture Technology from Ranken Technical College and a Master of Architecture from Southern Illinois University. Lee is an Associate AIA, LEED Green Associate, NCARB and REVIT Architecture Certified Professional.
“We are excited to have Lee join our St. Louis team,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, Oculus Inc. President. “He brings tremendous project experience, an impressive past portfolio, and professional attitude to our firm.”
Oculus Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Christy Johnson to its professional staff as a Project Manager/Project Architect. Christy brings over ten years of experience to Oculus Inc. as a licensed architect with a history of working on award winning projects. She earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Architecture from the University of Chicago. She is experienced with creating construction documents, writing project specifications and coordinating with city and engineer officials.
Christy will be working with project and programming data, synthesizing information into floor plans and space layouts, developing approved layouts into developed designs and assisting with the preparation of construction details and drawings for permit. She also provides invaluable support to our interior design staff. Ms. Johnson obtained her Arkansas Licensure is April 2014 and delivers expansive national experience working on award winning school and municipal projects.
“We knew as soon as we interviewed Christy that she would be a great fit for our team,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, Oculus Inc. President. “Her history of work with award winning projects is invaluable and we are excited to watch her continue to excel in the industry.”
Oculus Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Anthony Dallessandro to its professional staff as a Job Captain/Project Manager.
Anthony brings experience to Oculus Inc. through work with national retail brands as well as a well-rounded set of skills in all other areas of architectural practice. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Architecture from The Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Schreyer’s Honor College Scholarship as well as a Design Excellence and St. Louis AIA Student Awards. He possesses a set of creativity and production skills that allow for strong problem solving during design, production, and construction administration phases. Anthony’s duties consist of schematic design development, conceptual and construction documents, digital model construction, and interacting with clients. His graphic skills include drafting in AutoCAD, REVIT, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Rhino, SketchUp and 3Ds Max.
To compliment Mr. Dallessandro’s academic background and extensive work experience on the East Coast, Anthony is also pursuing his NCARB accreditation.
“Anthony has been a fantastic addition to our team,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, Oculus Inc. President. “He brings extensive experience on not only a local level but also a national level which we couldn’t be more excited about.”
Oculus Inc., is pleased to announce the addition of Morgan Perry, AIA as a Project Manager/Project Architect to its professional staff.
Morgan brings seven years of experience working in the architectural industry. She will be providing project and client management, design and construction document development, and construction administration for our retail portfolio. She has healthcare and retail project experience that spans from the east to west coast, dealing with both new construction and renovations. She is adept at resolving functional, programmatic and design issues to meet the needs of projects and communicating design intent. Her work related software skills are Revit Architecture, AutoCAD, SketchUp, InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
To compliment Ms. Perry’s national work experience her education background is international with an Architectural Graduate degree from Helsinki University of Technology (Otaniemi, Finland) and Master of Architecture from Washington University. Morgan is a registered Architect in the state of Missouri.
“We could not be happier to gain Morgan as a new Architect,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, Oculus Inc. President. “We’re positive her previous experience will bring invaluable benefits to our firm.”
Oculus Inc. is a nationally, WBE-Certified, full-service architecture and consulting services firm with offices in St. Louis & Dallas.