Dec 27, 2023

ALSC Architects

Kittel

Phelps

Stanley

Boyce

Dehal

ALSC Architects has appointed Indy Dehal as its new president and CEO. Dehal has been a long-time principal and design leader at the firm, with over 23 years of experience. ALSC says his passion for excellence, commitment to creating iconic structures that stand the test of time, and dedication to pursuing ambitious design goals are unparalleled and have prepared him for this position. Dehal has worked on projects ranging from ground-up new construction to historic renovations and adaptive reuse of existing buildings. He is a registered architect in Washington, Idaho, and Montana. His taking on the role of president and CEO marks the passing of the leadership torch from Rustin Hall, who has served in the firm's top role since 2008.

Sheila Boyce was promoted to principal. She is the first interior designer that has been promoted to principal at ALSC Architects. Boyce manages and has helped develop the firm's healthcare department, leading with her extensive experience in medical and dental projects. She's been with the firm for eight years.

Gale Stanley was promoted from associate to associate principal. She's been with the firm for 12 years. Stanley is a board member of AIA Spokane.

Kim Phelps earned her Associate DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America) certification. Phelps has successfully completed the Design-Build Institute of America's comprehensive education, training, and certification testing program to achieve the design-build industry's designation as a nationally certified Associate Design-Build Professional. She's been with the firm for 12 years.

Jodi Kittel earned her ALEP (Accredited Learning Environment Planner) certification. The ALEP credential is validation of an individual's expertise and leadership as a learning environments planner. The designation is given to those who have demonstrated the ability to apply researched knowledge to plan and develop environments that support teaching and facilitate learning. Kittel had been with the firm for nine years.

AHBL

Sawin

Tapp

Civil engineering firm AHBL announced the following leadership transitions.

After working at AHBL for 26 years, Doug Tapp will be retiring effective Dec 31, 2023. Tapp has been a civil engineer with the company since 1997 and led the Seattle office's civil engineering team for over 14 years. Tapp launched his civil engineering career 30 years ago as a graduate of University of Washington Seattle. In his 26 years at AHBL, he has built a strong portfolio in the educational (K-12 and higher ed.), civic, and multi-family housing markets throughout the Puget Sound region.

Tapp's retirement creates opportunities for others in the firm to grow and take on new responsibilities. Todd Sawin will continue as AHBL president and will assume leadership of the civil engineering team in Seattle. Sawin has been a civil engineer for 17 years, served as a civil principal with AHBL for the past eight years and serves as AHBL's brand president. He will continue to lead AHBL's growth in many markets including K-12 and Higher Education, Federal, Industrial and Mixed-use and Multifamily Development projects. Sawin's engineering experience includes design on a variety of project types including military, residential, commercial, municipal, and educational. He is DBIA certified and is an expert with alternative delivery methods including design/build and GC/CM.

HBB Landscape Architecture

Bakke

Parker

Stone

HBB Landscape Architecture is pleased to announce the promotion of Emma Stone, Aaron Parker, and Julia Bakke to associate.

Stone's professional experience spans the public and private realms of Washington, including parks, campuses, and multi-modal transportation projects. Her interests revolve around the intersections of social and environmental justice, art, and aesthetics. She serves on the city of Everett's Board of Park Commissioners.

Parker's previous experiences in outdoor recreation and environmental education form the basis for his eco-centered, human experience-based design approach. Combining an interest in local ecology and alternative transportation methods, Parker has contributed to the design of a variety of projects ranging from community-based park design and master planning to restoration planting, and multi-modal transit corridors.

Bakke has worked on a variety of public and private projects including park and trail master planning and construction, stream and habitat restoration, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Her mission is to connect accessible community spaces with healthy ecosystems. She develops site-based planting and urban design solutions to support ecosystems.

Spokane County Superior Court

Chuang

Last week Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Dean Tze-Ming Chuang to the Spokane County Superior Court. He will be appointed to fill the new 13th judicial department, effective Jan. 8, 2024.

Chuang is a partner at the law firm of Crary, Chuang & Domanico, P.S., where he primarily represents clients in personal injury actions, general litigation and criminal misdemeanor and felony crimes. Chuang began as an associate with this firm in 2008 and became a partner in 2011. His prior work experience includes serving as a contract public defender for the city of Kennewick, as well as representing clients in family law, administrative law, and other civil matters.

Chuang has a strong record of giving back to his community, including service on the advisory committee to the Office of Public Defense, providing pro bono legal work in support of the Housing Justice Project for multiple years, and coaching mock trial for local youth. As a former member of the U.S. Army and Washington State Army National Guard, and current member of the U.S. Army Reserve, Chuang served in both Syria and Northern Iraq, and was awarded multiple medals for his meritorious service.

“Dean Chuang is well respected and well prepared to serve the Spokane County community in this role,” said Inslee. “I'm pleased that he will bring his work ethic, courage and skills to the Spokane County Superior Court bench.”

Chuang earned two bachelor's degrees, one from Whitman College and another from the University of Washington. He earned his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.

Dec 21, 2023

King County Library System

Daniel

The King County Library System's board of trustees selected Heidi Daniel to become executive director following a nationwide search after Lisa Rosenblum's announcement to retire. Daniel will begin March 11. Daniel will join KCLS from the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, where she has served as president and CEO since 2017. Daniel also oversaw the completion of the Central Library renovation, and helped spearhead plans for a new Park Heights Library, the Pratt's first new building in more than 15 years. She helped launch the library's Office of Equity and Fair Practices, steered the organization through the start of the unionization process, led new public service strategies through the pandemic, and kickstarted a new master facilities plan. Prior to working at the Pratt, Daniel served as executive director of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in Ohio for nearly five years. Daniel was the 2015 recipient of the Ohio Librarian of the Year award. Supporting the communities of King County (outside the city of Seattle), KCLS has 50 libraries and serves nearly 1.6 million people.

City of Tacoma

The Tacoma City Council passed an ordinance to set April 1 as the effective date for the annexation of the Manitou area, an unincorporated “island” in Pierce County bounded by Lakewood Drive West, 65th and 70th streets West, and the county and city boundaries to the east of 52nd Avenue West. This annexation, which will ensure the area's urban development is appropriately supported by urban governmental services, is aligned with state Growth Management Act priorities. In December 2021, the city entered into an interlocal agreement with Pierce County as required by state law. With the agreement, the city expressed its shared commitment to working in partnership with Pierce County to move forward with the annexation.

Costco confidential!

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Jackson Dean Construction began work about three years ago on Costco's two new buildings at its 30-acre headquarters in Issaquah. MG2 was the architect. The new nine-story Building 4, with about 624,788 square feet, opened over the summer. It's connected by skybridge to Building 5, the 1,694-stall garage. Both are very prominent to both drivers on Interstate 90 and shoppers at the nearby Costco store. And now, thanks to NAIOP, you can tour the new addition come Feb. 8. Details and registration: naiopwa.org.

URG promotes pair

Simo

Jackson

Urban Renaissance Group recently announced new and more senior titles for pair of veterans at the firm. After 12 years with URG, Shawn Jackson now rises to executive VP in charge of asset operations. And the 17-year-tenured Matthew Simo is now president of the company. CEO Patrick Callahan said in a statement, “Matthew and I will work together to execute URG's growth strategy with a focus on acquisitions, development and asset management.” Simo added, “This is an exciting time for our company, and I look forward to working closely with our talented team and board of directors to build resiliency, drive growth, and explore new opportunities.”

I spy Skyglass in the sky

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The 31-story Skyglass apartment tower in South Lake Union is looking ever more finished, with its cranes removed and interiors work underway. Before the 338 units start leasing next year, you can tour the project from Gemdale USA, courtesy of an Urban Land Institute event to be held on Jan. 25. Venture is the builder and tour sponsor, for a tower designed by Hewitt. Details and registration: northwest.uli.org.

Homestead hires Dade

Dade

Homestead Community Land Trust has hired Jeffrey Dade as its new director of community partnerships for Pierce County. A chief focus will be the planned Aya Community Land Trust in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood. Dade said in a statement, “The Hilltop has endured for over 150 years against intense, persistent injustice, and homeownership has been historically denied to locals. The current economic environment adds yet another layer of difficulty. Serving rather than leading is my goal.”

Hodson heads to CBRE

Hodson

CBRE announced its recent hiring of Jeff Hodson, whose title will be first VP on the capital markets team. He makes the move from Newmark. Hodson will work alongside Charles Safley and Tom Pehl. The latter said in a statement, “Jeff is an impact player who will hit the ground running. His prior experience and existing relationships will be a significant value add to the services we provide our clients.”

CMLS adds Haag to board

Justin Haag has already been designated the CEO and president for the Northwest Multiple Listing Service next year. Now he's also been added to the board of directors of the related Council of Multiple Listing Services. His recent election gives him a three-year term on the board. He said in a statement, “I'm honored to join this group of outstanding industry leaders.”