tvsdesign Promotes Eight Architects And Designers To The Senior Level

tvsdesign recently promoted eight professionals in their Atlanta and Chicago offices.  The firm, noted for its award-winning designs in convention centers, corporate headquarters, workplace, hospitality, cultural arts, higher education facilities, retail and mixed use, promoted the eight to Senior Associate, Senior Project Architect and Senior Project Designer. “We are very excited and proud to announce these promotions as it shows that not only do we hire superior people but we promote and nurture them in their careers,” said Becky Ward, senior vice president of practice. “These promotions are across a number of studios and again show how tvsdesign is growing, not only in the United States but globally. One of the hallmarks of tvsdesign is the longevity of our staff providing our clients with personal and institutional knowledge on major projects worldwide.”   Atlanta Named Senior Associates/Senior Project Architects/Designers in Atlanta were Lucinda Aron, Lei Gao, Aaron Gentry, Matthew Hayner, Robert O’Keefe, Patricia Richey and Foreman Rogers.   Lucinda Aron,  ASID Promoted to Senior Associate/Senior Project Designer Lucinda has extensive experience designing spaces for all market segments, but her true passion lies in hospitality. As the creative force behind many tvsdesign high profile projects, she offers alternative design solutions and innovative products resulting in memorable spaces, whether large or small. Lucinda collaborates with tvsdesign architects, outside consultants and clients, facilitating communication and ultimately delivering successful projects that exceed expectations. Currently, Lucinda is working on a lobby renovation for the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta and the Toronto Metro Convention Center.   Lei Gao,  AIA, LEED AP Promoted to Senior Associate/Senior Project Architect Since Lei joined tvsdesign in 2000, he has worked primarily within the convention and hospitality studio and has been involved in all aspects of architectural design. He has been a leader on several convention center projects, including a new convention center in Raleigh, North Carolina. His experience in hospitality design includes renovating existing public spaces and planning on several new hospitality projects. In the past several years, he has focused on international projects in China and Dubai. Currently, Lei is working on the Jinan Industrial Expo Center, commissioned by Jinan West New Town Construction & Investment Company and the Weihai Hotsprings Resort-Weiden Village with client Weihai Sunnywood Investment LTD., both in China.   Aaron Gentry, AIA, LEED AP Promoted to Senior Associate/Senior Project Architect Aaron joined tvsdesign in 1999 and began work in the firm’s convention center studio - first with the Georgia World Congress Center’s Phase IV expansion and a new convention center in Raleigh, North Carolina. His experience also includes work on the interior design of public spaces within the Georgia Aquarium, which opened to widespread acclaim in 2005. This background in public assembly design lead to project architect positions in the hospitality studio, renovating public spaces and overseeing the projects from concept design through construction administration. These renovation projects include the Orlando World Center Marriott and Copley Place Marriott in Boston - where in both cases existing, dated ballrooms were transformed into technologically advanced, premiere facilities. Currently, Aaron is working on master planning and design of hospitality projects in Hainan, China, Charlotte, Vietnam and Boston, and a resort in Montenegro.   Matthew Hayner, IIDA, LEED AP Promoted to Senior Associate/Senior Project Designer Since joining tvsdesign in 2002, Matt has developed a diverse portfolio through his work across multiple market segments including public assembly, corporate workplace design and performing arts. He has been involved in all phases of the design process from conceptual design and design development through construction administration. His true strengths lie within his ability to conceptualize a client’s larger vision and carry that solution through all phases of the design process. He excels in the three dimensional visualization of an interior space and understands the importance of even the smallest detail. Currently, Matt recently completed a new showroom for Swarovski Lighting Business in Dallas, Texas and The Irvine Sullivan Ingram Library for The University of West  Georgia in Carrolton, Georgia.   Robert O’Keefe, AIA, LEED AP Promoted to Senior Associate/Senior Project Architect Since joining tvsdesign in 2001, Rob has been involved with projects in a number of design segments. He has gained a variety of experience through his involvement in corporate office, hospitality, convention and cultural facilities. In 2006 he worked with the Georgia Aquarium team, where he participated in all phases of schematic design, design development, construction documents and construction administration, including involvement in the building design, tank design and life support system coordination. Currently, Rob is working on the Ningxia International Conference Center for Ningxia Construction Bureau in Ningxia, China and Music City Center for the City of Nashville in Tennessee.   Patricia Richey, ASID Promoted to Senior Associate/Senior Project Designer Patricia has worked on a variety of projects types, since she joined tvsdesign in 1998, ranging from large scale corporate campuses to smaller condominium spaces. For the past six years her primary focus has been in the hospitality sector. Her project experience encompasses all areas of hotels and hospitality projects including lobbies, lounges, ballrooms, meeting rooms, conference centers and guest suites. From her experience working on several different project types, Patricia has acquired the management skills and understanding of project schedules and budgets. Currently, Patricia is working on a Marriott hotel in San Diego, California and a Ritz Carlton in Tysons Corner, Virginia.   Foreman Rogers, ASID Promoted to Senior Associate/Senior Project Designer During his time at tvsdesign, Foreman has worked on retail, convention centers, hotels and spa design projects. He is actively involved in all design phases from programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents and project administration. With a background in architecture, Foreman has transitioned into interior architecture as his primary focus. This enables him to bring a unique understanding of both disciplines to the overall design of a project. With experience on a variety of work including both architecture and interior design, Foreman is able to balance aesthetic and functional requirements with the demands of schedules and budgets. Currently, Foreman is working on Hilton Worldwide’s hotel in McLean, Virginia and the Gaylord Palms guestroom renovation, new sports bar, pools and pool house for Gaylord Entertainment in Orlando, Florida.   Chicago Named Senior Associate in the Chicago office was Shane Soucek.  Soucek joined tvsdesign in the fall of 2004 and has since contributed on a wide variety of project types including hospitality, office, and retail developments. His involvement in the schematic design, design development, and construction documentation and administration of various projects, including the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Expansion and renovation, the Hyatt Regency O’Hare public space renovation, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America Headquarters, has contributed to their success. About tvsdesign: tvsdesign is a global design firm whose award-winning solutions reflect more than 40 years of experience in planning, architecture and interior design. With offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dubai and Shanghai, the firm’s passions for design excellence, sustainability and collaboration produce client-driven results. With projects around the globe, tvsdesign is recognized for its work including convention and public assembly, cultural arts, retail, office, education, government, hospitality, workplace and mixed-use projects. The sustainable design experience of the tvsdesign studios encompasses 23 LEED Certified and 16 LEED registered projects. In 2002, tvsdesign was awarded the prestigious American Institute of Architects Firm Award. www.tvsdesign.com.   CONTACT: Ellen Hartman (678) 399-3335 ellen@hartmanpr.com Sarah Busch     (312) 777-7425 sbusch@tvsdesign.com For High Res Images: Marc Hirsch (404) 946-6738  mhirsch@tvsdesign.com