The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.
Byrne & Jones Promotes Walter to Controller
Misty Walter has been promoted to controller at Byrne & Jones Construction. Byrne & Jones is a diversified St. Louis civil site contractor serving clients through six divisions – concrete, sports, asphalt, soil stabilization, marine and micro-surfacing.
As controller, Walter will be responsible for all Byrne & Jones client billing and receivables and cash management. Walter has a master’s degree in business administration from Colorado State University.
Founded in 1976, Byrne & Jones Construction builds and maintains parking lots, roads and highways, athletic fields, running tracks, tennis courts, underground drainage systems and paved surfaces and performs a variety of marine construction. Learn more at www.byrneandjones.com.
Ken Lewis joins McGrath & Associates as Project Engineer
McGrath & Associates has hired Ken Lewis from the Central West End in St. Louis, MO, as project engineer. He will be working with McGrath’s pharmaceutical and healthcare business groups. Lewis has three years of construction project engineering and estimating experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management Technology from Purdue University Northwest.
McGrath & Associates is a 100 percent employee-owned general contractor and construction management firm specializing in commercial, health care, industrial, institutional and pharmaceutical construction projects since 1983. For more information, call Ken Knobbe at (314) 772-7600 or visit www.mcgrathconstruction.com.
FGM Announces Staff Promotions
Brian Wright, Director of FGM’s Municipal & Recreation Practice will continue to expand the firm’s mission to Enhance Communities by Creating Quality Environments. Having joined the firm in 2007, Brian has focused primarily on designing fire, police, civic and recreation facilities with great success. Previously leading efforts to expand FGM’s municipal practice in St. Louis, Brian will now be focused on FGM’s Chicago, Oak Brook and Milwaukee locations.
Scot Fairfield: Vice President & Director of Marketing’s 28-year career combines leadership, project management and business development expertise to advance the firm’s mission to Enhance Communities by Creating Quality Environments.
Initially hired in 1999, Scot rejoined FGM in 2017 after ten years of design-build and business development in the construction industry. In his new role, Scot will promote a culture of strong client and market engagement through corporate-wide efforts affecting FGM’s Chicago, Oak Brook, O’Fallon, St. Louis and Milwaukee locations within their Corporate, Federal, Higher Education, Municipal & Recreation and PK-12 Education Practices.
In Scot’s own words. “My passion has always been focused on creating trusted relationships while pursuing and collaborating on projects. I look forward to the challenge and the opportunity to contribute to the sustaining growth of our firm”.
Diane Gilmartin has been named Chief Financial Officer of the firm. Diane worked for FGM from 2002 – 2004 and returned to the firm in 2016 as the Director of Finance. With more than 30+ years’ experience in finance for professional services firms, Diane now manages FGM’s ever growing revenue. Diane’s career includes seven years as a Senior Manager for Arthur Andersen.
FGM Architects has specialized in the planning and design of environments for work, study and play since 1945. From early strategic facilities planning through building and interior design to furniture selection, our team of more than 75 professionals supports the needs of our clients with a total commitment to service.
St. Louis-Based KRJ Architecture Appoints New Vice President
KRJ Architecture, a long-time architectural firm specializing in the design of educational and civic facilities, has promoted Romy Uelk to the position of vice president, principal in charge of programming. During her ten years at KRJ, Uelk’s responsibilities have grown to include taking an active role in helping clients communicate project goals to the community, whether it be for a bond issue or fundraising. Her experience includes projects for public schools, colleges, ambulance districts and other public entities.
“Romy is skilled at facilitating diverse groups of people to move toward the same vision for their communities. She’s a consensus-builder on behalf of our clients,” said David Kromm, president of KRJ. “As we look to the future of KRJ, Romy’s strengths in leadership and communication will continue to serve our clients well.”
Kromm added that Uelk’s deep knowledge of the specialized needs of public entities has contributed greatly to the firm’s ability to bring innovative, cost-effective solutions to clients, on time and on budget.
Uelk holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Drury University.
EDAC Designers Grow at Spellman Brady
Spellman Brady & Company is proud to announce that Amanda Renshaw,designer, has earned her Evidence-based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC). Ms. Renshaw is the most recent Spellman Brady designer to receive EDAC, which brings the firm’s designers to over 20% certified.
Evidence-Based Design (EBD) is the process of basing healthcare facility planning and design decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible patient, staff and operational outcomes. Research evidence attests to the fact that the physical environment impacts patient stress, patient and staff safety, staff effectiveness and quality of care provided in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
In order to earn EDAC, Ms. Renshaw passed a two-hour, 110-question multiple-choice exam. The exam’s five sections tested her on EBD in healthcare, the research process, the pre-design process, construction, and occupancy. The exam certifies professional’s ability to practice the EBD process.
Spellman Brady & Company is an award-winning St. Louis–based interior design firm specializing in senior living, healthcare, and higher education environments. For more information about Spellman Brady & Company, please visit www.spellmanbrady.com.
Ramona Nicula, MS, MBA, PE Joins EDM Incorporated as Vice President, Senior Electrical Engineer
EDM Incorporated is proud to welcome Ramona Nicula as Vice President and Senior Electrical Engineer. Ramona is a registered Engineer in Missouri, Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maryland, Arizona, California and New York with over 24 years’ experience. Ramona holds a Masters in Business Administration from University of Missouri, St. Louis, and a Master’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from Transilvania University, in Romania. She is also a LEED-Accredited Professional.
Headquartered in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, EDM Incorporated is a 45+ year old full-service engineering firm providing civil, structural, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering to local, state and federal governments as well as private sector clients. EDM is a mid-sized firm that employs approximately 31 employees, 18 of whom are licensed engineers.
New Hires at Hastings+Chivetta Architects
William Schenck, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has joined Hastings+Chivetta Architects as a Project Designer. In his role, William will work closely with our team of designers to create facilities that foster campus community and student engagement. This approach focuses on collaboration and teamwork utilizing cutting edge software to allow for efficient design exploration. Prior to joining the firm, William produced award-winning designs for athletic, recreation, community, healthcare and science & technology clients. He shares H+C’s client-oriented approach and brings a fresh perspective to the design team.
William received his Bachelor of Science degrees in Architecture and Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas.
Alvaro Simon Merino has joined Hastings+Chivetta Architects as a Junior Architectural Designer. As a member of the architectural graphics team, Alvaro assists project teams with conceptual designs and creates 2D and 3D renderings and virtual reality models. He is currently developing renderings for the Gustavus Adolphus College Nobel Hall addition and renovation.
Alvaro received his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture in Architectural Design and Architectural Engineering from the University of Alcala in Madrid, Spain. Alvaro was born and raised in Madrid and moved to the U.S. this past summer.
HASTINGS+CHIVETTA ARCHITECTS, INC. provides architectural planning and design services to clients throughout the United States.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Please contact Marketing Coordinator Laura Lancia at llancia@hcarchitects.com or 314-863-5717 x167.
McClure Engineering Names Keith Esarey President
McClure Engineering announces that Keith Esarey, PE and Principal, has been named the new President of the McClure Corporation. Esarey has served on the Board of Directors since 2009, most recently holding the position of Vice President since 2016. He takes over the position of President from Keith Cooper, PE and Principal, who has held the position since 2009. Cooper remains with the company as Chairman of the Board, Principal, and Electrical Engineer.
“We expect a seamless transition both internally and externally, as we have been transitioning responsibilities over the last year,” said Cooper. “Keith’s ongoing guidance and dedication to McClure over the past 20 years has more than earned him this position. We are excited to watch his leadership continue to make a difference here.”
As the new President, Esarey is responsible for leading the development of McClure’s short and long-term strategy, evaluating the work of officers and Principals and assessing business risks and opportunities for the company as they arise.
“I have been part of the development of McClure for some time now, and it will be great to tackle it from the perspective of this position,” said Esarey. “We have an incredible team here and I am honored that my coworkers have entrusted me to lead it.”
Esarey is a Professional Engineer in multiple states and Principal at McClure Engineering. He is responsible for project management and mechanical design for critical environment systems where the control of temperature and humidity is a sensitive operational component. He began his career as an intern with McClure in 1992, worked for Monsanto after graduating from Missouri S&T and then rejoined McClure in 1997. Other officers of the company include Phil Wentz as Vice President and Eric Schactman as Secretary/Treasurer.
McClure Engineering is a mechanical and electrical consulting engineering firm established in 1953 and dedicated to the development of innovative solutions to unique engineering problems. For project profiles, services and more, visit McClure Engineering online at www.mcclureeng.com.
May 11, 2018
Northstar Management Company Hires New Associates
Northstar Management Company is proud to announce the addition of three new associates.
Jake Goss joins the Northstar team as Project Manager with nineteen years of total industry experience. Jake earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. In addition, he earned his Associate of Science in Construction Management at John A. Logan College in Carterville, IL.
Scott R. Rushing joins the Northstar team as Project Manager with eighteen years of total industry experience. Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville.
Kristin Gounis joins the Northstar team as Special Projects Coordinator with eighteen years of total industry experience. Kristin earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Missouri State University – Springfield, MO.
Founded in 1998, Northstar Management Company is an independent Owner’s Representative/Program Management firm whose sole focus is guiding clients through successful construction projects.
Ryan Laley Joins Byrne & Jones Construction As Project Manager and Estimator for Its Sports Division
Ryan Laley has joined Byrne & Jones Construction’s sports division as a project manager and estimator. Byrne & Jones is a diversified St. Louis civil site contractor serving clients through six divisions – concrete, sports, asphalt, soil stabilization, marine and micro-surfacing.
Laley provides project cost estimates and manages projects for the sports division which serves elementary, secondary and higher education as well as professional sports teams and sports organizations.
Laley has a degree in civil engineering technology from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo.
Founded in 1976, Byrne & Jones Construction builds and maintains parking lots, roads and highways, athletic fields, running tracks, tennis courts, underground drainage systems and paved surfaces and performs a variety of marine construction. Learn more at www.byrneandjones.com.
May 4, 2018
IWR North America Announces Hire of Sean Hamlin
Hamlin joins glass and glazing division as senior estimator
IWR North America, a leading building enclosure specialty contractor based in St. Louis, announces the hire of Sean Hamlin as senior estimator. In this position, Hamlin is responsible for glass and glazing pricing, proposals and preconstruction support services.
“Sean is a great asset to our team, and we are eager to have him with our company,” said Todd Staley, general manager of IWR North America. “His experience in analyzing and bidding project opportunities for design and construction is prevalent and necessary for our strategic initiatives.”
Hamlin, a predominant name in the industry, brings 11 years of commercial façade contracting to the company. The St. Louis area native both lived and worked in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Midwest regions managing multiple national projects. Most recently, he was employed by Enclos Corp. as senior project manager. He previously worked at Cupples Inc. and Trainor Glass Company.
“I look forward to becoming part of a progressive company like IWR,” said Hamlin. “I’m eager to develop and implement effective strategies for IWR’s glass and glazing division.”
IWR North America launched its glass and glazing division in 2016 to enhance its existing building enclosure service offerings, and it is rapidly growing. Now as a single-source building enclosure partner, IWR North America offers its customers a complete exterior package, including design-assist, preconstruction, laser scanning, scheduling, in-house engineering, glass and glazing, and installation.
IWR North America, headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., is one of the longest standing specialty contractors in the United States with a focus on being a true building enclosure partner.For more information, contact Todd Staley at tstaley@iwrna.com or call 314-633-4958.
Avison Young-St. Louis Names Brian Kelley a Principal of the Firm
Avison Young-St. Louis announces Brian Kelley has joined the company as a Principal of the firm. Kelley has over 13 years of commercial real estate experience and has worked with clients on both a national and local basis.
Kelley will use his expertise at Avison Young to work with clients in the areas of retail, office, industrial, multi-family and investment brokerage.
“This is an exciting opportunity with a firm that is growing rapidly in the St. Louis area. They have a winning approach that designs ways to add value to every property and process. I look forward to helping their team make the client experience as productive and easy as possible,” Kelley said.
George Convy, a founder of the Avison Young-St. Louis office, said, ““Brian comes to us with a wide breadth of commercial real estate experience. He practically grew up in the commercial real estate and construction business. Brian will have an immediate positive impact on our office, and will assist us in the planning and implementation of our future growth”.
A licensed commercial realtor in both Missouri and Illinois, Kelley’s experience includes overseeing leasing, negotiation, construction, and installation of space for numerous Edward Jones Investment locations. He has worked with Koman Properties Inc., and most recently served in a managerial role with Savoy Properties where he developed a portfolio to include office, warehouse, and retail spaces.
A native of St. Louis, Kelley attained a Master in Business Administration degree from Webster University and attended Arizona State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He is a member of the Missouri Growth Association, International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), serves on the alumni board of Chaminade College Preparatory School.
Avison Young-St. Louis—a collaborative, global firm owned and operated by its principals—provides value-added, client-centric investment sales, leasing, advisory, management, financing and mortgage placement services to owners and occupiers of office, industrial, investment and community properties.
McGrath & Associates promotes Cindy Spriggs to Vice President, Finance
Cindy Spriggs has been promoted to Vice President, Finance at McGrath & Associates, a 100 percent employee-owned general contractor and construction management firm. Spriggs has been with McGrath & Associates for eight years, serving as Controller.
McGrath & Associates is a 100 percent employee-owned general contractor and construction management firm specializing in commercial, health care, industrial, institutional and pharmaceutical construction projects since 1983. For more information, call Ken Knobbe at (314) 772-7600 or visit www.mcgrathconstruction.com.
Northstar Management Company Hires New Associates
Northstar Management Company is proud to announce the addition of three new associates.
Jake Goss joins the Northstar team as Project Manager with nineteen years of total industry experience. Jake earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. In addition, he earned his Associate of Science in Construction Management at John A. Logan College in Carterville, IL.
Scott R. Rushing joins the Northstar team as Project Manager with eighteen years of total industry experience. Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville.
Kristin Gounis joins the Northstar team as Special Projects Coordinator with eighteen years of total industry experience. Kristin earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Missouri State University – Springfield, MO.
Founded in 1998, Northstar Management Company is an independent Owner’s Representative/Program Management firm whose sole focus is guiding clients through successful construction projects.