Nov 15, 2023

Fora Landscape Architects

Yingling

Bérubé Lebrun

Ho

Seattle-based landscape architecture firm, Fora Landscape Architects, has elevated three professionals to associate principal positions: Gar-Yun Ho, Léandre (Leo) Bérubé Lebrun and Todd Yingling.

Ho, a thought leader within the firm, excels in delivering place-based solutions to a diverse range of clients, including commercial and residential developers and school districts. Her recent projects include Spectra in Marymoor's Design District, the Grant Center for the Expressive Arts, and James Baldwin Elementary.

Hailing from Quebec, Canada, Bérubé Lebrun has been a key contributor to Fora since 2016, significantly enhancing the firm’s reputation for strong client relationships. His portfolio includes notable projects like North Middle School and collaborations with the Bellingham School District. Prior to joining Fora, Bérubé Lebrun worked in the highly regarded studio of Claude Cormier in Montreal.

Having started as an intern with Fora in 2012, Yingling possesses extensive experience in designing K-12 school projects with a focus on large campuses. His technical expertise has propelled Fora to the forefront of athletic facility design, balancing artful design with rigorous detailing. Notable projects include the Everett Riverfront Mixed-Use Development, Mountain View Athletic Complex, and Bethel High School.

Established in 1983, Fora Landscape Architects (previously Weisman Design Group) is a Pacific Northwest landscape architecture studio celebrated for inventive projects spanning education, athletic facilities, mixed-use, multifamily, and master planning. With 40 years of practice, they recently expanded to a new office in Seattle's Roosevelt neighborhood, continuing to produce innovative designs in both the public and private sectors.

Parametrix

Rooks

Parametrix has hired Tom Rooks as a senior construction manager and project manager. He has over 30 years of experience in project management and architecture.

Rooks comes to Parametrix from Rider Levett Bucknall where he served as an owner's representative and project/construction manager working primarily on K-12 schools in Washington State. His project experience includes Mount Vernon School District's Old Main and Admin Building as well as White River School District's Glacier Middle School, Elkridge Elementary, and Wilkeson Elementary. Previously, he worked in architecture on a variety of projects, including civic, commercial, and environmental education centers.

At Parametrix, he joins the firm's owner's representative group, supporting K-12 school districts throughout the Puget Sound region.

RMC Architects

Wright

Heck

Costic

Bellingham-based RMC Architects announced the following promotions:

Lexie Costic has been promoted to associate. Costic joined RMC in 2016 and has distinguished herself as an excellent mentor, big picture thinker, and detailed project manager. She has earned the confidence of RMC's clients who trust her with their vision and appreciate her attention to detail. She brings unique perspectives to building renovations and restorations from her background in archaeology and historic preservation prior to becoming a registered architect. Her project contributions include the Mount Baker Theatre Renovations, SWIFT Center Assembly Hall Exterior Renovation, and Bellingham Central Library Renovations.

David Heck has also been promoted to associate. Heck joined RMC in 2019. He is regarded for his nimble, proactive approach leading complex projects while maintaining a spirit of levity. His ability to think critically about architecture and design enables him to balance both form and function, making him an astute problem solver who has earned the respect of clients and project teams. He enjoys planning for density in and around urban landscapes and is currently working on a private Main Street Townhouse development in Lynden, WA for BOUMA. His projects also include Pacific Street Operations Center Phases 1 and 2, St. Thomas More Parish Hall Renovations, and Whatcom County Northwest Redevelopment.

Robert Wright has also been promoted to associate. Wright joined RMC in 2014, bringing passion for design and the valuable skill of thinking holistically about the firm's work. He has taken on the vital role of firm liaison with the AIA NWW (American Institute of Architects Northwest Washington). His quiet demeanor belies an intensity and discipline in how he approaches each project. He was the project architect for Samish Commons and Spring Street Landing — both recipients of the AIA NWW Honor Award. He and was also involved in the SWIFT Center Master Plan for the Port of Skagit.

Washington Department of Ecology

Zenk

Washington Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson has named Jeff Zenk as director of the Office of Chehalis Basin. This office oversees the state's efforts to reduce catastrophic flood damage and restore aquatic habitat in the Chehalis River Basin, the state's second-largest river basin.

Zenk has worked at Ecology since 2019, serving as the agency's Southwest Region communications manager and supporting its air quality and climate programs. His past experience includes working as a legislative analyst with the Washington Senate and running his own public affairs firm.

The Legislature created the Office of Chehalis Basin within Ecology in 2016 to address severe flooding and aquatic habitat degradation in the watershed. Over the past 30 years, the basin suffered its six largest floods in recorded history, resulting in millions of dollars in damage. At the same time, fish resources in the basin have been in steep decline.

As Office of Chehalis Basin director, Zenk will work with the Chehalis Basin Board, a seven-member legislatively mandated board, and five ex officio members, tasked with developing the Chehalis Basin Strategy and implementing its budget.

The strategy involves a network of partners working to reduce flood-related damage and restore and protect aquatic species habitat.

Nov 08, 2023

CollinsWoerman

In Seattle, CollinsWoerman hired Kiley Brennan as architectural designer. Brennan is an emerging professional and recent graduate from California Poly, San Luis Obispo. She has worked on net-zero residential and commercial designs in addition to several nonprofit projects. Brennan is passionate about sustainability in the built environment and is an active member of the firm's Committee of Responsible Design as well as the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity initiative groups.

SHKS Architects

Jette

Curran

Kelly

Zimmerman

Westen

Housley

Gaddis

Kraus

LeCompte

Pia Westen has been promoted to principal at SHKS Architects. Westen leads the practice focusing on architecture's role in responsible social and environmental design.

Cassidy Zimmerman, Sean Kelly, and David Curran have been promoted to senior associate.

Zimmerman works with residential and institutional projects where resource efficiency combines with inventive design. Kelly focuses on the spatial and construction opportunities presented by technically challenging projects. Curran leads the practice in design technology, digital design, and representing construction clearly.

Levi Jette, Carolyn LeCompte, Suzanne Kraus, Anastasia Gaddis, and Michael Housley have been promoted to associate.

Jette guides a range of public projects focusing on collaboration and communication as foundations for equitable design. LeCompte's design communication insights contribute to a range of public and community projects. Kraus focuses on institutional and residential projects that advance the unique characters of places while improving living and working spaces. Gaddis organizes SHKS's day-to-day operations, employee relationships, and strategic financial management. Housley focuses on historic building adaptations where alterations strengthen forward-looking uses.