Press Release - Grimm + Parker Architects

Press Release
March 3, 2015
We are pleased to announce the promotions of colleagues who have demonstrated strong leadership, advanced our technical and
design capabilities, and promoted our inclusive, diverse culture. We thank them for their commitment to providing creative
collaboration, sustainable solutions, and engaging environments.
To Associate:
Billy Arias, RA, LEED AP BD+C
Billy has 14 years of experience developing large scale educational projects that give back to the communities they serve. His
expertise includes developing projects from early conceptual design through design development. His passion for excellence
contributes to the quality of his projects and results in outstanding, sustainable solutions. Billy has been a leader in G+P's community
outreach programs, delivering design presentations in Spanish to connect with a wider community audience.
Steele Bergman, LEED AP BD+C
Steele has more than seven years of architectural experience, starting at Grimm + Parker as a student. Steele has a passion for
sustainable architecture and walkable urban environments, working on mixed use developments; market rate, affordable, and senior
housing; urban design; and master planning. Steele has volunteered in several community outreach efforts, including leading design
workshops for children (through PVAIA) and participating in CANstruction.
Houda Boudjemaa
Houda has more than 14 years of architectural experience designing award-winning residential, educational, and commercial projects.
A gifted designer, she is a vital contributor to our projects for the Virginia Community College System as well as new high schools.
Having lived in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, and fluent in three languages, Houda understands design diversity
from a global point of view. Houda has sincere respect for her clients and they, in turn, appreciate her refined design sensibilities.
James Song, RA
James has more than ten years of architectural experience as a talented designer working on k-12 and residential projects. His
knowledge of BIM and expertise in developing thoughtful, well-coordinated design make him a "go to" resource. James brings a bright,
inquisitive perspective to his projects, asking probing questions leading to ever-improving project solutions.
To Senior Associate:
Mark Sidorczuk, RA, LEED AP
Mark has more than 14 years of design and construction administration experience working on some of G+P's largest projects,
including the award-winning UMBC Performing Arts and Humanities Building. Mark brings an attention to detail that results in
carefully articulated design, delights the user, and serves the intended purpose well. Mark's expertise and passion for sustainable
design is realized in his projects because of his knowledge of the regional construction landscape, the competitive bidding process,
and the technical interface of design and construction.
To Director of Interior Design
Julia Crawford, NCIDQ, LEED AP
Julia has over 11 years of diverse architectural experience. Through her work on civic, cultural, educational, and institutional projects,
she has become expert at discovering the unique needs of each client. Julia brings a knowledge of systems, materials, textures, and
color to her craft, creating inspiring interiors that perform well over time. She understands the complexities of the interior design
process as she facilitates decision making across a wide spectrum of stakeholders.
To Vice President
Ben Plummer, AIA, LEED AP, CSI, CDT
Ben brings more than 17 years of design and construction administration experience to his role as Specifications Writer at G+P. A
member of the Construction Specifications Institute, Ben knows through his experience as an Architect in the studio and in the field
that proper design execution requires a clear, concise specification conveying the design intent, the Contractor's responsibilities and
Press Release cont.
the Contract requirements. Ben works closely with our Project Managers and Project Architects to integrate ongoing research and the
latest products, codes and performance criteria into the design documents.
To Principal
Stephen Mundt, AIA, LEED AP
Steve has over 23 years of experience working with diverse communities on award-winning educational projects. Clients trust his
leadership skills to help them achieve their vision and goals. Steve has recently worked with Lord Fairfax Community College,
Stafford County Public Schools, the College of Southern Maryland, and George Mason University. He authored
G+P's international survey of librarians that was presented in 2013 at the VLA Annual Conference. Steve leads our Charlottesville, VA
studio.
Don Porter, AIA
Donnie has over 25 years of experience in the design and construction of k-12 educational projects. His problem solving and project
management skills are appreciated and trusted by many of the region's largest public school systems as he provides them with advice
on programming, designing, budgeting, phasing, and delivering sustainable school projects. From code expertise to sustainable
strategies to a detailed knowledge of construction and costs, Donnie enhances the value and safety of every project he touches.
Melissa Wilfong, LEED AP BD+C
Melissa has more than 21 years of k-12 design experience. She speaks at National and Regional conferences on Sustainability and
Learning Environments, and has delivered LEED Gold and Silver projects. Active in CEFPI and an expert resource for multiple school
systems, Melissa provides design leadership that impacts students and teachers who use their environments as tools for learning and
teaching. Melissa, an expert in community engagement, supported the Baltimore City Public Schools through months of public
outreach in writing their new Educational Specifications.
To Senior Principal
Rick Morrison, AIA, LEED AP
Rick has over 36 years of architectural experience in award-winning civic, cultural, public safety, education, and recreation projects.
He is respected for his expertise, project management style and knowledge of all things related to design and construction. Rick has
earned the trust of his local and state government clients, delivering excellent results, whatever the project size and scope. Integral to
our firm's transfer of knowledge, Rick developed many of G+P's procedures for Quality Control.
Dave Strang, AIA
Dave has more than 36 years of experience designing and delivering progressive educational environments. Dave's leadership style is
one of recognizing and serving the needs of others. An empathetic listener, his thoughtful approach to creative collaboration puts
everyone at ease as he invites stakeholders on a playful and practical quest for best practices. Dave's clients and his colleagues value
and appreciate his warmth, his integrity and his commitment to public service.
To Partner
Kieran Wilmes, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Kieran brings more than 18 years of experience to his new role as Partner at Grimm+Parker. Recognized as a leader by our clients
and their institutions, he has a regional impact, contributing to the national conversation about design for learning and expanding our
geographic reach. Kieran has set the bar for enthusiastic, insightful leadership at our firm, and is a warm and compassionate
colleague. With gusto, Kieran has embraced the opportunity to join the firm's leadership.
Contact:
Email:
Mobile:
Joanna Hoffschneider
Vice President, BD + Marketing
Grimm + Parker Architects
jhoffschneider@gparch.com
301 873 9481
www.grimmandparker.com
Twitter @GPArchitects