Architecture: Jobs Landed

In my new position, I will head KDG’s ever growing Interior Design Department and be instrumental in establishing KDG’s Interior Design direction and will have the department reporting to me.  In addition, my new role includes the overall management of the firm’s Procurement Studio.

As the Interiors Director, I will be leading both the Interior Design Studio and the company’s Procurement Studio.  As a newly named Associate, I join the executive team and will now be directly involved in the management of the company with a special focus on marketing and public relations.

I would say that the reason my husband and I decided to move downtown was because of my work here at Kraemer Design Group, I am a eco geek and I wanted to be able to reduce my carbon footprint by moving close enough to work where I could walk and get rid of a vehicle.

My work currently entails development of Fire Suppression Systems for a quarter million square foot Veterans Hospital in New Orleans using Autodesk REVIT, as well as Mechanical Systems documentation and coordination on several existing structures within the City of Detroit.  Being part of a dynamic MEP firm is one component architectural training prepared me for, and is an integral part of understanding complete building systems.  I am delighted to be working back in downtown, as it allows even greater career opportunities while I complete my M.Arch Thesis on Sustainable Skyscrapers.  The City contains many dense networks for aspiring professionals and artisans, helping to define a unique identity that is respected worldwide.  Living and working in the Motor City (without a motorized vehicle, shock to life!!) has offered me a chance to be a driving force in my field rather than being just another face in the crowd.  It is here that I, and many others like me, are free to design/create/live upon a shifting urban canvas, one that we directly forge.

While having a background in architecture, my past experience includes projects  such as affordable housing, educational facilities, as well as commercial buildings. These projects can be found nationally from St. Louis to Kansas City and Dallas to New Orleans.  Each of these projects required a great deal of organizational and leadership skills for a successful completion.  My background in Design and Urban Planning is a benefit to many of the technical projects I may encounter.  I have managed to build vital relationships with clients as well as successful coordination with various Project Management teams.  

I joined Jacobsen/Daniels Associates as a Project Analyst.  My office includes a diverse group of architects, engineers, planners and graphic designers. Working with such an array of professionals creates an energetic environment where various perspectives can collaborate on a solution to a problem that is unsurpassed. JDA has a great family culture, which makes coming to work that much easier.   

With a background in architecture I embraced the challenge of working for a company that specializes in consulting and planning for airports across the country. I learn something new every day! A great deal of my time is spent creating layout plans, scope, schedule and budget estimates, preliminary design sketches and conducting research for a number of projects. I most enjoy the business development experience that my job provides which sometimes involves traveling and attending coordination meetings with project contractors and clients.  

My involvement with the National Organization of Minority Architects keeps me connected to other professionals in the industry.  The organization is great for building strategic relationships with individuals who have successfully obtained their business goals. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration while continuing on the path of becoming a licensed architect.

As a studio director at Kraemer Design Group, I oversee projects of all sorts, many of them located in downtown Detroit and the surrounding area.  Our work includes among other things: hospitality (especially hotels), corporate offices, and multi-family housing. Being located in Detroit, one of our particular specialties is re-imagining and renovating historic buildings for new uses.

My most recent project, the renovation of Eastern Market’s Shed 3, was an especially satisfying experience. Two things in particular struck me - first was the enthusiasm expressed by many passersby as they saw the building restored to its original beauty.  The other was the obvious pride and attention to detail that the construction trades took in their work.  These two things reflected the importance the Eastern Market has had in the lives of many Detroiters.  I am fortunate that my job allows me to have an active roll in the ongoing improvement of the great city of Detroit.

Since joining MPA, I have been project manager on many great design projects.  My experience with each differs.  I usually am involved from project development/conception through to the ribbon cutting, really, whatever needs to be done to deliver a great product.  I have been very fortunate to work with diverse and uniquely talented individuals at MPA to deliver projects such as Club Panacea in Detroit, the YMCA Renaissance Center, Detroit Athletic Club renovations, Franklin Hills Country Club renovations, the Lofts at 400 Parent Street in Royal Oak, a private Tree House in Bloomfield Hills, UNICA Home Retail Store in Las Vegas, Steamworks in Toronto, the Harris Russo Salon in Rochester Hills and many, many more.  I now find myself working in all segments whether it is light commercial/retail, single/multi-family housing, hospitality, planning, institutional, and small budget/unique projects.

Established in 2008, PULSE Architecture + Design Studio is an independently-female owned Architectural Visualization company located in Metro Detroit, Michigan, specializing in Digital Illustrations, 3D Modeling & Presentation Packages.

I work in all aspects of the building design, from programming and spaceplanning to selecting interior finishes and furniture. My job allows me to work on a diverse range of projects from corporate offices, college and university work, student housing, and government projects.

Finding innovative solutions to our customers problems keeps things interesting, and it helps that I work with talented designers who are known for thinking outside of the box. Neumann/Smith has a big commitment to sustainable design, and I am able to put my Leed certification to work on multiple projects, where we have worked hard to reduce our impact on the environment and make spaces better for people to live and work in. My job is challenging and fun, and helping to turn my client's visions into realities makes it all truly rewarding.

I recently joined DeMaria as a Senior Project Manager for the Government Group.  I have spent the past 24 years as a Project Manager with Walbridge and I bring strong experience working on large projects, including the recent completion of a $42M design/build project for the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

As a Project Engineer at DeMaria Building Company, I have recently earned LEED Accreditation with the U.S. Green Building Council.  I earned my Bachelor of Science in Construction Management at Michigan State University.  I work in the Health Care/University Group and have recently completed several projects at the University of Michigan, including the $6.2M Ray Fisher Baseball Stadium.

OHM offers many services within the engineering and architecture fields.  I am a specialist in replacing urban infrastructure for communities.  We design and execute construction contracts on behalf of our clients by representing the interests of residents and agencies affected by the project.  The team members and I provide construction advice to our clients, and ensure compliance with the standards, plans, and specifications, while also administering the details of the contract such as progress payments, change orders, and documentation.