2025 LS3P Year in Review

“ONE LS3P carries our legacy forward— uniting our people, expertise, and purpose to deliver exceptional results.”

The year 2025 has been marked by sustained progress and meaningful outcomes driven by the strength of our people and the impact of our projects. We continued to embody the principles of Evolution25 while laying the groundwork for Evolution30, remaining focused on present priorities even as we planned for the future.

In 2020, we set out on a transformative path, redefining our strategy, our organizational structure, our leadership model, and our approach to growth. Over the past five years, we have accomplished remarkable progress, thoughtfully phased out what no longer served us, and gained valuable insight from the challenges we encountered. Collectively, this has been an extraordinarily successful chapter for our firm.

Our investment in our people has been both intentional and substantial. We have transitioned leaders and owners with care and confidence, reinforcing continuity in leadership and strengthening our financial stewardship. Through the evolution of Practice Areas into our Market Areas, we expanded our expertise and deepened the value we bring to clients and communities. We advanced design excellence through new leadership and continued to earn recognition that reflects our commitment to architecture that enriches our communities.

Our business and operations teams have delivered significant advancements in technology and security. We prioritized talent acquisition, enhanced compensation and benefits, and safeguarded the firm through disciplined stewardship and wellcrafted agreements.

Our risk management posture remains best in class, supported by minimal claims and ongoing investment in design processes that lead to superior outcomes.

We have leveraged data and analytics to better understand our work, improved our performance, and positioned ourselves strategically for the future—providing our teams with unprecedented access to knowledge. We strengthened our project and client pursuit strategies through a disciplined go/no-go process. Our relationship-building capabilities continue to expand, creating opportunities that will support future geographic growth. Our brand is gaining influence and visibility, and we have invested in workplaces that evolve alongside our teams.

Together, these accomplishments set the foundation for what comes next. ONE LS3P represents our future—rooted in the strength of our past and propelled by collaboration, the right expertise for every project, intentional knowledge sharing, and new opportunities for geographic reach.

ONE LS3P reflects unity, commitment, consistency, discipline, agility, and a shared purpose grounded in our Vision. It ensures that our people, expertise, and resources are aligned to deliver exceptional results.

Thank you for everything you contribute to making LS3P the best it can be. Your dedication and talent are the cornerstone of our success and the promise of an even brighter future.

It’s been a great year—and the best is yet to come.

MISSION

To ENGAGE our clients and communities, to DESIGN meaningful places, with proven results that TRANSFORM

VISION

In our commitment to the Southeast, we create architecture that enriches community through a culture of design excellence, expertise, innovation, and collaborative engagement.

VALUES

EXCELLENCE is a beginning point

INTEGRITY is at the core of our decision making and actions

EMPOWERMENT with accountability makes better decisions

COLLABORATION leverages the best in everyone

BALANCE gives us fuel to do our best

STEWARDSHIP ensures a future

CARING for each other is what holds us together

Defining Excellence

Excellence is not a destination—it is a discipline, a mindset, and a shared commitment that shapes every facet of LS3P. In 2025, as we reflect on a year of growth, innovation, and impact, the theme of “Cultivating Excellence” resonates deeply with who we are and what we aspire to be. It is the thread that connects our people, our projects, our community, and our culture. It is the promise we make to each other and to those we serve: to design with purpose, to lead with integrity, and to create spaces that enrich lives.

This year marked a pivotal moment in LS3P’s journey. With more than 500 team members across 12 offices, we have embraced the challenge of operating as one firm, united by shared values and a common vision. Our strategic plan, Evolution30, is more than just a roadmap—it is a call to action. It asks us to elevate design, deepen collaboration, and invest in the growth of our people. It reminds us that excellence is cultivated through intentionality: in how we mentor emerging leaders, in how we innovate through research and technology, and in how we engage with the communities that inspire our work.

Excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s who we are.

Stewards of place, makers of possibility.

58—79

Communities

Strengthening the social fabric—one block at a time.

80—99

Culture

Integrity, curiosity, and shared ambition lead to better outcomes.

People

Over the past year, we have been proud to witness and celebrate milestones that reflect both the dedication of individuals and our firm’s collective commitment to growth. These achievements are not just markers of progress; they are evidence of the culture we are building—one that values learning, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.

Excellence, after all, is not the product of chance—it is cultivated through intentional investment in people. By fostering growth, encouraging leadership, and creating opportunities for mentorship, we are shaping a resilient, innovative, and united team.

HIGHLIGHTS

LS3P Board Transitions

Remembering Richard Gowe

Accomplishments & Milestones

HumanScale Podcast

“Awards are nice, but true success is when a school works for its students, teachers, and administrators. The joy on the first day is incredible—but what matters most is that it still works a year later. That’s why we’re committed to intentional feedback, from superintendents to principals, to keep improving and make every school experience worthwhile.”

MARY BETH SIMS BRANHAM AIA National Market Leader, K-12

North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services Campus

Anchored by an eleven-story, 460,000 SF office tower and nine-story parking deck, the first phase of the visionary NCDHHS campus is surrounded by walkable green spaces that spark new energy for Raleigh’s Blue Ridge Corridor. The design blends timeless architecture with community connectivity, prioritizing sustainability, accessibility, and human health. Promoting walking, biking, and transit, the campus fosters inclusivity, wellness, and public gathering while connecting seamlessly to the neighboring North Carolina Museum of Art.

“I joined LS3P to redefine interiors—creating architecture that shapes experiences and elevates how people live and work.

When I joined LS3P, my goal was to elevate interiors beyond the traditional perception—moving toward interior architecture, which is truly what we practice here. Our work goes far beyond selecting colors or finishes; we design, draw, implement, and engage deeply with clients to understand their needs, goals, and aspirations. Design isn’t just a label or a series of tasks—it’s a way of thinking, a fluid process that adapts and evolves. That mindset is what drew me in and kept me passionate about this role.

Early in my career, I focused on K-12 and judicial architecture—fields that fascinated me—but transitioning into interiors opened an entirely new world. Suddenly, I could explore hospitality, multifamily, corporate environments, and more. Over time, I discovered my true passion: workplace design. For the past several years, I’ve devoted much of my energy to designing for the firm itself, working on offices from Asheville to Greensboro, Raleigh, Columbia, and Charlotte. Since 2019, and especially in the last three years, it’s been all about offices—an experience that’s been both challenging and rewarding.

Experiencing both sides—as designer and client—has sharpened how I communicate and make design decisions. It taught me that clients often don’t grasp the complexities of design, which makes empathy and active listening essential. Today, I focus on uncovering true needs, bridging gaps in understanding, and creating spaces that reflect each client’s vision.”

WIL DRENNAN ASSOC. AIA, LEED AP, CDT Sr. Interior Designer

“I’m thrilled about the rollout of Evolution30—a bold, firmwide plan built on seven strategies and more than 20 initiatives designed to engage every level of our organization. From our leadership team to student interns and new joiners, there are meaningful ways for everyone to contribute to the strategic goals we’ve set for the next five years.

These initiatives touch every facet of our practice—integrating disciplines, elevating design, strengthening project management, and defining what ONE LS3P truly means. At the heart of this vision is a shared standard of excellence—a guiding principle that shapes how we price projects, deliver exceptional outcomes for clients, and recruit top talent.

This isn’t just about 2026—it’s about building a culture of excellence that endures for years to come. Evolution30 represents our commitment to growth, collaboration, and innovation, and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities ahead.”

JENNIFER C. SMITH Chief People Officer

Board Transitions

In 2025, LS3P saw a meaningful transition within its Board of Directors as Nathan Daniel, Charlotte Office Leader, became the newest member of the Board. His appointment followed the retirement of Jeff Floyd, whose years of dedicated service and steady leadership made a lasting impact on the firm. We are grateful for Jeff’s many contributions and the strong foundation he helped build.

REMEMBERING

Richard Gowe

While 2025 brought many moments of celebration for LS3P, the Charleston office also faced a profound loss with the passing of Richard Gowe.

Ahead of the holidays, LS3P shared a memorial book with Richard’s family, honoring his humor, creativity, and the many accomplishments that marked his 33 years with the firm. Since joining LS3P in 1992, Richard became a defining presence in the Charleston office. With more than four decades in practice, he paired deep expertise with genuine warmth and steady leadership.

Richard was a generous mentor, a natural collaborator, and a unifying force. His contributions to Charleston’s Historic District and beyond leave a lasting imprint on the city and the profession. Most of all, he will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his colleagues and clients. His loss is deeply felt across the Charleston office, the LS3P team, and the broader community.

At LS3P, excellence begins with our people. This year, we celebrated countless individual achievements—new licenses, professional registrations, and leadership roles in industry organizations.

These milestones reflect not only personal dedication but also the firm’s unwavering commitment to professional development. Through programs like CliftonStrengths and GraceWorks, leadership cohorts, and mentorship initiatives, we are equipping our team members to thrive. We believe that when people understand their unique strengths and have access to coaching and growth opportunities, they can do their best work—and that work elevates us all.

We also celebrated promotions, milestone anniversaries, and retirements, recognizing the contributions of those who have shaped LS3P’s legacy and those who will carry it forward. These investments in talent are not just about filling roles—they are about cultivating leaders who will champion design excellence for decades to come.

“Completing our five‑year Evolution25 strategic plan made it clear that we’re entering another major phase of evolution—especially within senior leadership. One of the biggest challenges this year was simply recognizing the scale of what’s ahead.

Optimization, to me, is about creating best practices we can all rely on, contribute to, and continually refine. None of this work is static— it’s dynamic and evolving—but we have to commit to consistent guidelines, consistent workflows, and consistent outcomes. That means approaching the work with open arms, embracing collaboration, and identifying the best possible contributors for every project.

One of our biggest objectives this year is helping leaders and managers understand where the right resources are—and how to apply them effectively. That clarity and consistency will be essential as we move into this next chapter.”

GEORGE E. TEMPLE IV AIA, LEED AP President | Chief Operations Officer

Licenses & Registrations

“One of the most exciting opportunities we had in 2025 was diving into AI and all these emerging tools. There was this incredible energy across the firm—people were eager to experiment, try new approaches, and figure out what really works. That cultural shift toward innovation was a defining moment for us.

Another highlight was the transparency of the strategic planning process. This time, it felt different—more open, more inclusive. Staff across the firm felt like their voices mattered, and that sense of being heard was refreshing and empowering.

Of course, the biggest challenge we’ve taken on recently—maybe ever—is embracing the ‘One Firm’ mindset. We’re asking 12 offices, many of which have only recently joined the LS3P family, to truly buy in. Standardizing processes and aligning culture across all those offices isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. It’s about building something stronger together, and that’s a challenge we’re proud to take on.”

NICK BILGRI AIA, LEED GA Architect | Urban Designer

New Certifications

Anthony Walke (RDU) Practice Professional

Cynthia Turner (AVL) Sr. Project Manager

Aria Marlowe (RDU) Interior Designer

Forough Mofidi (RDU) Data Scientist

Cari Gerrits (ATL) Business Development Professional

Heather Warren (CLT) Sustainability Design Specialist

Iván

Construction Contracts Administrator

Anthony Walke (RDU)

Construction Documents Technologist

Aria Marlowe (RDU)

Construction Documents Technologist

Cari Gerrits (ATL)

Notary Public

Christy Zeidler (RDU)

Certified Construction Contract Administrator

Cynthia Turner (AVL) Living Future Accreditation

Forough Mofidi (RDU) Google Cloud Generative AI Leader

Heather Warren (CLT) WELL Accreditation

Iván Martínez Cruz (ILM) Certified Construction Contract Administrator

Jamie Haselhurst (AVL) Administrative Asst.

Kyle Novak (CLT) Project Manager

Jennifer Dillon (CLT) Marketing Manager, Government & Industrial

Marissa Deters (CLT) Interior Designer

Sr. Architect | Commercial Planning Leader

Roy Selvidge (CHS) National Market Leader, Industrial

Jamie Haselhurst (AVL)

Notary Public

Jennifer Dillon (CLT)

DoD Mandatory Controlled Unclassified Information Training

Jessica Pearson (RDU)

Change Management Professional

Kara Smith (GSP)

WELL Accreditation

Kyle Novak (CLT)

CPTED Professional Designation

Marissa Deters (CLT)

WELL Accreditation

Roy Selvidge (CHS)

DoD Mandatory Controlled Unclassified Information Training

“Last year, we focused on elevating the concept of quality firmwide. Quality is just one piece of overall design excellence, but it is foundational to managing risk effectively. Moving forward, I want quality and risk management to be a natural part of the process, not a forced thought. By simplifying and streamlining our quality-control processes, teams can manage risk more consistently and confidently.”

Stephen Feinberg (ATL) Architect Taejun Park (ATL) Sr. Project Manager

Scotti Montagnino (CLT)

Revit Architecture Certified Professional

Sarah Moon (ILM)

Architectural CAD Certificate

Stephen Feinberg (ATL)

LEED Green Associate | WELL Accreditation

Taejun Park (ATL)

PMI Construction Professional | LEED Green Associate

Bluebeam Certified Professional

GUS ARETAKIS CCHM Quality

& Construction Administration Leader

“Adaptability is essential in this line of work. Every project brings unique challenges, and the ability to draw on tools, knowledge, and experience to pivot effectively is a true measure of success. The North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services Campus stands out as a prime example. It was our first multi-day shoot, requiring extensive planning, resources, and coordination. That experience reinforced the value of preparation and adaptability.

As a photographer, one of my biggest challenges has been managing the sheer volume of photo shoots while staying on top of the administrative side. Before joining the team, I was shooting about a third of what I do now, so logistics and communication were relatively simple. Today, I’m often juggling three or four projects at once, and keeping track of details can be daunting. Thankfully, we have an incredible team and strong resources—without them, it would not be possible to capture so much content.”

JORDAN POWERS In-House Photographer/Videographer

Leadership Positions

Katie Kwaske (GSP)

Sr.

Cheyenne Kalb (GSP)

Aria Marlowe (RDU)

NCNOMA Vice President

Bryanna Dering (CHS)

ACE Mentors of Greater Charleston Board Chair

Carl Burdick (JAX)

ACE Mentors of Northeast Florida Board Member

Carlota Longo (CLT)

CSI Charlotte Immediate Past President

CSI Southeast Region Director

Katie Kwaske (GSP)

IIDA Upstate Secretary

Cheyenne Kalb (GSP)

AIA Greenville Secretary | AIASC Young Architect Representative

Chris Roberts (RDU)

Downtown Raleigh Alliance Board Member

Raleigh Chamber Board of Advisors Member

Crystal Vaughn (AVL)

Women in Healthcare NC Vice President

Cynthia Turner (AVL) Sr. Project Manager

Deborah Lukan (CLT)

National Market Leader, Commercial

Isabelle Cabán Quiñones (SAV) Emerging Professional

Dan Scheaffer (CHS) Charleston Office Leader

Douglas Rackley (GSP) Sr. Project Manager

Iván Martínez Cruz (ILM) Construction Contracts Administrator

David Burt (CHS) National Market Leader, Hospitality

Jenny Dreisbach (AVL) Architect

John Edwards (GSP) Greenville Office Leader

Cynthia Turner (AVL)

AIA Western North Carolina Resilience Committee & Board Member

Dan Scheaffer (CHS)

Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Board Member & Economic Forecast Board Member

David Burt (CHS)

AIA Mississippi Design Awards Jury Chair

Dean Rains (RDU)

WakeUp Wake County Programs Committee | ULI Programs Committee

Deborah Lukan (CLT)

CREW Charlotte Student Outreach Committee Co-Chair & Network Mixed-Use Council Member

Douglas Rackley (GSP) Anderson University Board of Visitors Member

Emily Patterson (ILM)

ASID Carolinas Professional Liaison | IIDA Carolinas City Center Director

Greg McNamara (RDU)

Preserving Home, Inc. Board Chair | ULI Triangle District Council

Isabelle Cabán Quiñones (SAV)

AIA Savannah Records Keeper

Iván Martínez Cruz (ILM)

Construction Specifications Institute Certification Committee & Standard Setting Evaluator Volunteer

Jenny Dreisbach (AVL) Buncombe County Steering Committee | AIA Asheville Resilience Committee

John Edwards (GSP) City of Greenville Design Review Board Urban Panel

Jonathan Navarro (GSP) Sr. Project Manager

Ball (RDU) Research Leader

Laura Miller (ILM) Wilmington Office Leader

Jordan Reynolds (ILM) Practice Professional

Lee O’Shields (GSP) Sr. Architect

Don’t see your accomplishment? Be sure to keep your Vantagepoint profile up to date!

Leigh Pfeiffer (GSP) Sustainability Leader

Margaret Clarkson (CAE) Business Development Professional

Jonathan Navarro (GSP)

NCNOMA ARE Scholarship Juror

Jordan Reynolds (ILM)

SCNOMA Communications Director

Kara Smith (GSP)

CIDQ Ambassador | IDIX Item Writing Committee

Kara Thomason (GSP)

Greenville CREW Professional Development Chair

Katherine Ball (RDU)

Carbon Leadership Forum Southeast Hub Co-Lead

Kellyn Messel (GSP)

ASID Carolinas Communications Director

Kristie Nicoloff (GSP)

ASID National Board Director at Large | Finance Committee, Design Practice Council, Membership Council | Awards Judge for Texas, Ohio North, Florida South, Illinois, Washington DC

Laura Miller (ILM)

Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Board Member

Lee O’Shields (GSP)

Clemson Architecture Foundation Board Member | Bethel Elementary School Improvement Committee Board Trustee

Leigh Pfeiffer (GSP)

AIA South Carolina COTE Chair | AIA National COTE Network Committee

Margaret Clarkson (CAE)

University of South Carolina President of University Associates

Mark Levine (ATL) Atlanta Office Leader

Michelle Marks (ILM)

Business Development Operations Coordinator

Ryan Lewis (CHS) Sr. Project Manager

Meredith Ray (CLT) Director of Marketing

Morgan Thomas (RDU)

Sr. Marketing Specialist

Sandra Wahba (RDU) Sr. Project Manager

Mike Martinez (GSP) Sr. Project Manager

Manager

Sarah Mobraten (RDU)

Project Manager

Mark Levine (ATL)

AIA College of Fellows Regional Representative

Meredith Ray (CLT)

SMPS National MCA Award Juror

Mike Martinez GSP)

City of Greenville Planning Commission Vice Chair

Michael Urueta (GSP)

SCNOMA Architecture Club Leader

Michelle Marks (ILM)

Cape Fear CREW Board Member & Delegate

Morgan Thomas (RDU)

SMPS Research Triangle Board Member & Co-Director of Events

Noah Morris (RDU)

ULI Triangle Housing Committee Construction Innovation & P3 Subcommittees

Ryan Barkes (CLT)

AIA Charlotte Board Member & Treasurer

Ryan Lewis (CHS)

AIA South Carolina Partners Outreach Director

Sandra Wahba (RDU)

Northwest Cary YMCA Advisory Board Member

Sarah Mobraten (RDU)

Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Task Force Committee

Sebastian Duca (RDU)

Raleigh Sister Cities City Council & Board Member

Sharlotte Hung (GSP)

ASID Upstate Chapter Design Community Chair

Trent Webb (GSP)

IIDA Upstate Steering Committee Social Media Chair | ASID Upstate Chapter Design Community Chair

Yarely Smith (CAE)

AIA South Carolina Representative | AIA National Associates Committee South Carolina Representative

“I’ve really enjoyed the camaraderie this year—working with new faces, watching people grow, and stepping more fully into a mentorship role. Helping others develop their skills has become one of the most rewarding parts of my experience. The conversations around Evolution30 and our ‘one firm’ mentality have only added to that energy. COVID showed us we could work independently and flexibly, and now we’re having meaningful discussions about what collaboration and flexibility should look like in the future. Through it all, I’ve learned that no one needs to be good at everything. In my role, I focus on helping people uncover what they’re truly great at, mentoring those whose strengths align with mine, and connecting others with the right resources so they can thrive.”

Industry Involvement

Abhiyanta Jamwal (SAV) Practice Professional

Charisma Stidham (GSP) Experiential Graphics Designer

Anthony Walke (RDU) Practice Professional

Jennifer Dillon (CLT) Marketing Manager, Government & Industrial

Jonathan Navarro (GSP) Sr. Project Manager

Abhiyanta Jamwal (SAV)

Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program 2025-26

Anthony Walke (RDU)

Leadership Cary Class of 2025

Beth Florence (CAE) IIDA Carolinas Chapter Service Award

Carlota Longo (CLT)

CSI Southeast Region ”Spec Tacular” Award & Certificate of Appreciation

CSI Charlotte Chapter Certificate of Appreciation

Charisma Stidham (GSP) AIA Greenville Student Project Citation Award

Jennifer Dillon (CLT) Co-Authored Article in The Military Engineer

Jonathan Navarro (GSP) Community Patron Service Award for Project Pipeline Camp

Josh Kieb (CLT) Letter Review Writing Contest Winner Nonfiction

Roy Selvidge (CHS) National Market Leader, Industrial

Scott Greenman (RDU) Sr. Project Manager

Stephen Feinberg (ATL) Architect

Kellyn Messel (GSP)

Quoted in Adaptive Design | ASID Carolinas Chapter Media Award

Kristie Nicoloff (GSP)

GSA Business Report Women of Influence 2025 | ASID 50 Award

Margaret Clarkson (CAE) Chair of Governor’s Mansion & Grounds

Michael Urueta (GSP)

Dean’s Newsletter Acknowledgment

Roy Selvidge (CHS)

Co-Authored Article in The Military Engineer

Scott Greenman (RDU) Leadership Raleigh Class of 2025

Stephen Feinberg (ATL) Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program 2025-26

Trevor Ream (GSP)

Leadership Greenville Class of 2025

Celebrating Milestones 30 years

20 years

15 years

Sr.

Sr.

25 years

Sharon Huot (CLT) Sr. Project Manager | Architect

Renee Walker (AVL) Asst. Construction Contracts Administrator

Dean Oang (GSP) Sr. Project Manager

10 years

Natallie Santiago Rodríguez (SAV) Sr. Practice Professional

Ginny Magrath (CLT) Sr. Project Manager

Michael Ditchfield (CHS) Controller

Tyler Cole (CLT) Project Manager

Michael Garcia (SAV) Practice Professional

Sr. Architect

Marissa

Sr. Project Manager

10 years

“Finding your path as a designer—and learning to advocate for yourself—is its own challenge and opportunity. At LS3P, you really do create your own opportunities, and that mindset has shaped so much of my journey here.

Right now, there’s a real push to elevate our design culture and strengthen collaboration across the entire ONE LS3P community, and it’s exciting to be part of that momentum. The design campfires and studio charrettes have played a huge role in building a more cohesive, shared process across all our offices, helping us align not just in how we work, but in how we think, create, and support one another as designers.”

NATALLIE SANTIAGO RODRÍGUEZ ASSOC. AIA Sr. Practice Professional

Associates

Epstein

HR Manager | Talent & Experience

Jared Trussell (RDU) Practice Professional

Sarah

Asst. Construction Contracts Administrator

Jay Addison (GSP) Director of IT Operations

Sydney Godfrey

Sr. Interior Designer

Sr. Marketing Specialist

McElroy

“We leaned heavily into Planner last year, but really used it throughout this year. It’s made a tremendous difference—giving us a single pane of glass to see everything going on with each individual. Additionally, we introduced a change management log and a notable events log, which provide visibility into the details of changes and help us recall why and when we made them. This structure supports both our user support and back-end infrastructure work.”

JAY ADDISON Director of IT Operations

Senior Associates

Amie

“2026 offers a chance to be bold. If we were to set one ambitious research goal, it would be to partner with an academic institution on an AIA Upjohn Grant. That kind of collaboration would deepen our relationships with the academic community and position LS3P as a contributor to the broader body of architectural research—not just internally, but on a national stage. It’s a way to expand our influence, share what we’re learning, and bring fresh perspectives back into the firm.

At the heart of all this is a simple definition of excellence: we check our math. We ask hard questions at the beginning of a project, and we ask them again at the end. Did our assumptions hold up? Did the design perform the way we expected? Excellence isn’t only about qualitative impressions—it’s about quantitative validation. It’s about being curious enough to measure, humble enough to adjust, and rigorous enough to learn. Because the more we learn together, the more we elevate what we can do. That shared growth fuels our design excellence, strengthens our culture, and ultimately makes our people happier. Innovation isn’t a department or a task force—it’s a habit. And when we cultivate it collectively, it becomes a defining strength of the firm.”

KATHERINE BALL AIA, LEED AP Research Leader

NEW

Associate Principals

Brian Tiede (RDU) Sr. Project Manager

Kevin Schaffner (CLT) Sr. Project Manager

Matthew Kauzlaric (ILM) Project Manager

Michael Wagner (RDU) Design Strategy Leader

Katsibas (CHS) Sr. Project Manager

“Excellence, according to our value statement, is the starting place. That’s what we start with—and then we work to move up from there. From the business side, our role is to support the practice team and work closely with design, making sure we’re helping our clients achieve what they want with their projects.

We’ve done a lot as a firm to truly invest in development—through training, collaboration, and building better structure—and we’re well on our way. The opportunity ahead is about doing what we already do, but doing it better, smarter, and more effectively, so we can continue to support our teams and deliver value for our clients.”

DOUG SNYDER CPA, CGMA Chief Financial Officer | Treasurer

Sr. Construction Contracts Administrator

Principals

Vice President of Business Development

“In recent years, we’ve embraced a more intentional approach to pursuing the right projects for the right reasons. We say ‘no’ when a project doesn’t align with our capacity or quality standards, and we say ‘yes’ when it’s the right fit. We’ve learned that we can’t chase everything—doing so dilutes focus and energy. Instead, we’re prioritizing opportunities that align with our Evolution30 strategies, our mission, and our vision for

To elevate excellence in business development, we’re doubling down on relationship advancement plans (RAP). These plans must be actionable, manageable, and supported by accountability. In the past, plans often sat on a shelf, but now we’re committed to making them living documents— guiding our tactics and activities to drive growth and strengthen client

Excellence isn’t about transactions; it’s about trust. It’s understanding our clients, speaking their language, and connecting their needs seamlessly to LS3P’s design strengths. We don’t sell architecture—we build relationships. And when relationships come first, the work will follow.”

DAVID RAMEY, JR. Vice President of Business Development

“I love the collaborative spirit within our team. My role is about people management and strategy, but it’s the way marketing offers creative solutions and works proactively that makes us special. Everything we do has a reason behind it, and sometimes it’s just a conversation that helps us get to a better place. We couldn’t operate as well as we do without every contributor’s input, and I’m proud to help bring that together.”

MEREDITH RAY Director of Marketing

Elevating Diverse Perspectives

In 2025, LS3P launched 12 new episodes of HumanScale, our signature podcast dedicated to sharing the voices and stories of team members across the firm. Each episode offers an authentic look into the people behind our work— highlighting diverse perspectives, personal journeys, and the passion that drives our design culture. Through these conversations, HumanScale continues to foster connection, celebrate creativity, and strengthen the sense of community that defines LS3P.

Behind the Podcast

Meredith Ray (CLT) Director of Marketing HumanScale Co-Host

Patrick Cooley (CLT) Sr. Practice Professional HumanScale Co-Host

Bailey Bresee (GSP)

Marketing Manager, Commercial & Living

HumanScale Producer & Editor

EPISODE 23

Field Notes

with Gus Aretakis & Kevin Bryant

EPISODE 24

Neuroinclusivity

with Abbey Willis & Dr. Alessandro Morganti

EPISODE 25

Jon of All Trades with Jon Galloway

EPISODE 26

Where in the World is Chris Roberts? with Chris Roberts

EPISODE 27

Renewed for Season 2 — Ask Us Anything!

EPISODE 28

Persistence Pays Off with Emily Patterson

EPISODE 29

A Friend We Need with Benji Martin

EPISODE 30

Be Dangerous in Everything with Wil Drennan

EPISODE 31

Global Entry: Destination Diseña

with Iván Martinez-Cruz, Daniela Ayers, & Michael Garcia

EPISODE 32

Quiet Acquisitions

with Kelly Walker & Carsyn Jarrell

EPISODE 33

Navigating Change & Building Trust with Nathan Daniel

EPISODE 34

Take A Walk with Ginna with Ginna Freyaldenhoven

Projects

Our projects honor cultural narratives and local history while addressing contemporary needs, weaving together past and present to create spaces that resonate with meaning. From adaptive reuse that breathes new life into historic structures to affordable housing that provides stability and dignity, we design environments that respect heritage while fostering human connection.

These efforts are not simply about aesthetics— they embody stewardship, responsibility, and a belief that architecture can serve as a catalyst for opportunity and transformation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Design Leadership

Brand Excellence

Research & Innovation

AI Integration

“To elevate hospitality design excellence, we need to get everyone engaged in the conversation. Hospitality experiences exist in every sector—healthcare, K-12, multifamily. Once people realize they’ve already done hospitality, they can apply it everywhere and aren’t afraid to embrace it. It’s about sharing knowledge and asking for help.”

DAVID BURT AIA, CDT, LEED AP National Market Leader, Hospitality

SHOWCASING EXCELLENCE

The Nickel

The Nickel reimagines Charleston’s heritage through a contemporary lens—an inspired fusion of historic precedent and modern design. Its precast concrete façade is punctuated by signature arched windows that echo the property’s distinctive roofline, creating a bold yet timeless architectural rhythm. In collaboration with Morris Adjmi Architects and Method Co., this boutique retreat was envisioned as a captivating destination just off King Street, where craftsmanship, character, and innovation converge.

“Design is at the core of who we are, and this year has ignited a renewed energy that’s shaping the future of our firm.

As a design firm, ‘design first’ is at the heart of who we are—and this year, that energy has been palpable. Coffee chats and campfires are happening across the firm, sparking conversations that have elevated our culture and renewed our focus on creativity. We’ve spent less time looking back and more time looking ahead, preparing for big shifts in the coming year with new positions and new directions. It’s part of a five year plan that won’t happen overnight, but the possibilities are

Consistency has been another major step forward. In areas like healthcare and K-12, we’re moving toward specialized templates and standards to work smarter and more efficiently. Why reinvent the wheel every time? These foundations allow us to deliver excellence

One of the most important shifts we’re making is aligning research and innovation with the questions our clients care about. Internal improvements matter, but our real push is for innovation that directly impacts project outcomes and client success.

What makes this all possible is our culture of openness. Leadership is approachable—anyone can pick up the phone and call our CEO, Marc Marchant. When accessibility starts at the top, it flows through the entire firm—building transparency and trust that make us strong and ready for the future.”

KATHERINE PEELE FAIA, LEED AP Chief Practice Officer

Design excellence is at the core of our practice. In 2025, LS3P delivered projects that not only met client needs but also pushed the boundaries of creativity, sustainability, and innovation.

From award-winning designs to transformative community spaces, our work reflects a deep understanding of context and a commitment to quality. We continue to advance the 2030 Challenge, integrating sustainable strategies into every project and leveraging research to inform better outcomes.

Innovation has been a defining feature of this year. We have embraced AI tools to enhance visualization, streamline workflows, and unlock new possibilities in design thinking. Far from replacing creativity, these technologies amplify it— allowing us to explore ideas faster and communicate them more effectively. Our research initiatives, including studies on wellness

and space utilization, demonstrate that excellence is not static; it evolves through curiosity and a willingness to challenge assumptions.

We draw inspiration from cultural narratives and the rich histories embedded in each locale. From adaptive reuse to affordable housing, we are designing spaces that honor heritage while addressing contemporary needs. These efforts are not just good design, they are acts of stewardship. They affirm our belief that architecture can be a force for good—a catalyst for connection, opportunity, and transformation.

“Many expect me to say the Charlotte office, but the project that truly reflects my creative vision was for an attorney client in Miami. The challenge: uphold firmwide standards while capturing Miami’s energy— without clichés. The result blended contemporary design with subtle mid century Cuban influences, rich woods, terrazzo, and marble for a sophisticated, contextual space.

The Charlotte office, on the other hand, pushed me in a different way. Designing on home turf, for colleagues and friends, is an entirely unique experience. Every opinion, every “what if,” every late-breaking idea comes to the table. Some suggestions were things we’d already considered, others made me think, “Where were you three months ago?” It’s a dynamic, sometimes messy process—but one that forces you to raise your own bar.

Both projects taught me invaluable lessons: the power of trust, the importance of collaboration, and the humility to listen deeply. They reminded me that design isn’t static—it’s a dialogue, a shared journey toward creating spaces that resonate.”

PATRICK COOLEY Sr. Practice Professional

Design Leadership

LS3P stepped confidently into the spotlight this year, earning an extraordinary 22 industry awards and securing eight coveted recognitions from SC Biz News—a testament not only to the firm’s design excellence but also to its enduring impact across the Southeast. These honors reflect far more than a successful year; they underscore a culture of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to shaping the built environment with purpose and imagination.

SC Biz News Recognitions

“My passion has always been rooted in the pursuit of design excellence—creating work that not only earns recognition and awards but also builds a lasting reputation for our firm as a place where design truly matters. Achieving that requires more than talent alone; it demands a deliberate structure and process that supports excellence at every stage. We’ve been intentional about building that foundation, but the next step is to define what design excellence really means. It’s a term we often use, yet if you asked any one of our 500 people, you’d likely hear 500 different answers. I believe it is possible to create a shared culture—one that consistently produces work that can be recognized as excellent design.

We are fortunate to have enormously talented people across the firm, and our responsibility is to mentor them, nurture their abilities, and provide opportunities for them to shine. Without time, attention, coaching, and mentorship, even the most gifted designers can become frustrated if they don’t have the chance to do great work. Excellence is not just about individual brilliance; it’s about building strong teams that work smarter, with clarity in responsibilities and accountability in delivery. When you have one strong design leader guiding a team, coaching them toward a unified solution, the results can be achieved in half the time and with twice the impact.

Of course, constraints are always part of the process—especially budgetary ones. They shift constantly, forcing us to be creative in ways we don’t always anticipate. But that’s the essence of design: embracing limitations as opportunities for innovation. Flexibility, resilience, and the willingness to adapt to financial realities are as much a part of excellence as vision and creativity.”

MICHAEL WAGNER AIA Design Strategy Leader

Industry Recognitions

01 Aiken High School Auditorium Aiken, SC

A4LESC Merit Award for Renovation/Addition

02 Brio Internal Medicine Greenville, SC

IIDA Carolinas Best in Show & Healthcare Outpatient Award | ASID Carolinas Healthcare Small — Silver

03 Broadstone Craft Charlotte, NC

IIDA Carolinas Design Detail Award & Flooring Design Award

04 Broadstone The Boulevard Charlotte, NC

IIDA Carolinas Living Award | ASID Carolinas Mulitfamily Award — Silver

05 Cape Fear Harnett Cancer Center Lillington, NC

ABC Carolinas Eagle Award

06 Camp Blanding Joint Training Center Chapel Starke, FL

AIA Jacksonville Merit Award

07 Clemson University Memorial Stadium Video Board Clemson, SC

AIA Greenville Community Choice Award

08 City of Jacksonville Fire Station #39 Jacksonville, FL

AIA Jacksonville Unbuilt Merit Award | AIA Wilmington Citation Award

09 Confidential Live Work Play (GFO) Wilmington, NC

AIA Wilmington Merit Award | NanaWall Award

10 Dixie High School Abbeville, SC

ASID Carolinas Education — Bronze

11 Guilford County Schools Professional Community Education Center Greensboro, NC

ABC Carolinas Merit Award | Structural Engineers Association of North Carolina Award of Excellence

12 Highland Springs Elementary-Middle School North Augusta, SC

A4LESC Merit Award for New Construction

13 Jacksonville Association of Firefighters Health & Wellness Center Jacksonville, FL

AIA Jacksonville Unbuilt Merit Award

14 Johnston Community College Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility Four Oaks, NC

ABC Carolinas Excellence Award

15 Liberty Hayes Barton Place Raleigh, NC

Senior Housing News & Architecture Award for CCRC

16 Live Oak Bank Building 4 Wilmington, NC

Cape Fear CREW Best in Show

17 nCino Headquarters Wilmington, NC

ASID Carolinas Corporate-Large — Bronze

18 New Hanover County Government Center Wilmington, NC

IIDA Carolinas Government Award | ASID Carolinas Institutional — Silver

19 Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center Wilmington, NC

ASID Carolinas Healthcare-Large — Bronze

20 Sharing Hope Headquarters Charleston, SC

AIA Charleston Commercial-Large

21 Wake Internal Medicine Raleigh, NC

ABC Carolinas Eagle Award

22 Wellford Academy of Science & Technology Wellford, SC

ASID Carolinas Education — Silver

Brand Excellence

LS3P was proud to celebrate three national honors from the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Marketing + Communication Awards, recognizing standout achievement in AEC marketing and communications. Our Marketing and Knowledge Management teams earned an Award of Excellence for F.R.A.N.K., our innovative internal knowledge‑sharing platform; an Award of Excellence for the LS3P 60th Anniversary Year in Review, a beautifully crafted print and digital monograph reflecting six decades of design excellence; and a Merit Award for The HumanScale Podcast, which brings meaningful conversations about the intersection of design and humanity to a wider audience. Together, these recognitions highlight the creativity, collaboration, and strategic vision that drive our teams forward.

“Working within an in-house brand comes with unique challenges— processes are set, approvals are required, and there are limitations. The real test is learning to evolve your perspective of the brand while respecting its core identity. Gaining the confidence to challenge norms— whether by introducing a new color palette or rethinking a layout— pushes you to grow as a designer and keeps the brand fresh and relevant.

For me, the relaunch of LS3P’s website stands out as my proudest achievement of 2025 and the clearest expression of my creative vision for the firm. The redesign was more than a visual update; it was an opportunity to reintroduce LS3P as not only a leader in architectural excellence but also a dynamic force in the digital space.

Design excellence means putting our best foot forward in every aspect— whether through an architectural project, a marketing campaign, or integrating sustainability into our work. True excellence goes beyond meeting expectations; it’s about exceeding them. It’s delivering a final product that is fresh, exciting, and checks every box—including the ones no one anticipated. That’s the standard I strive for.”

MEGAN BILGRI

Brand + Communications Designer

Research & Innovation

In 2025, LS3P advanced its culture of curiosity and experimentation through dedicated research and innovation initiatives. Our approach blends rigorous inquiry with creative problem-solving, empowering teams to explore emerging technologies, refine sustainable strategies, and deliver transformative outcomes for clients and communities. At LS3P, research and innovation aren’t side projects—they’re integral to how we shape the built environment.

“2025 has been a year of intentionally focusing on research and innovation for a firm like LS3P. Working on the strategic plan was an incredible opportunity—it sparked important questions, some with clear answers and others still evolving.

At the heart of this journey is collaboration. It’s about cultivating 500 innovators and building a culture where curiosity thrives—where asking questions, experimenting, and taking risks are not only encouraged but expected. Innovation isn’t just a mindset; it’s a ripple effect. When individuals embrace it, teams follow, and eventually, organizations transform. That’s how real change happens—by empowering people to think differently and pull that same creative approach to problem-solving out of themselves.”

ESPY HARPER EDAC, SIX SIGMA GB Innovation Leader

“Our reputation has grown, and with that growth comes the responsibility to remain nimble while taking on bigger opportunities.

This year, the CliftonStrengths initiative was a tremendous achievement. Rolled out across every office with training, it has had a significant impact—helping us understand one another at a deeper level, making us more thoughtful and less quick to judge. Yet with progress comes challenge: balancing immediate wins with the long-term vision.

The real opportunity lies in blending new and old— welcoming newcomers into our communities, sharing the rich history of the places they’ve joined, and learning from their fresh perspectives. That exchange of knowledge, information, and relationships is how we all become better. My hope for the future is that we continue to build a culture where people lean into their best gifts and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. If that becomes our legacy, it will be about helping others stretch to create even greater opportunities for everyone.

Ultimately, pursuing excellence firmwide means winning the right projects—whether they’re $400 million or $10 million. It’s not just about the scale of the win, but about celebrating the journey and the small victories along the way. Those moments of progress are what carry us forward to the next big one.”

GREG M c NAMARA Business Development Professional

“The truest form of excellence is regenerative in nature. It’s not just about creating something remarkable—it’s about creating in a way that restores and strengthens the systems we touch. If we can design and build with the mindset of doing no harm, improving our environment, and leaving places better than when we arrived, that’s real excellence.

Our responsibility extends beyond people; our stakeholders include the animals, the flora, and the fauna that share these spaces. Every decision we make impacts the air, the soil, and the ecosystems around us. That means we have an obligation—not just to preserve— but to actively support and enhance those systems. When we think about excellence through that lens, it becomes a cycle of giving back, of creating harmony between the built environment and the natural one.”

Resilient Design

One of our proudest milestones in 2025 was the achievement of LEED Gold certification for the Leadership and Academic Buildings on the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center campus (pictured below)

This accomplishment reflects a deep commitment to sustainable design strategies. The project began with an integrative design process that informed every decision, from habitat restoration and open space preservation to water efficiency measures that reduced indoor water use by over 30%. Native landscaping was designed to thrive without irrigation, while rooftop solar installations improved energy performance and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Resource conscious strategies diverted construction waste from landfills and prioritized materials with positive life-cycle impacts. Indoor air quality and occupant well being were enhanced through advanced mechanical systems, low emitting materials, and high quality lighting.

Sustainability

This certification is more than a recognition—it’s a testament to our dedication to creating spaces that are resilient, responsible, and regenerative.

“Upgrading our F.R.A.N.K. page with resources that are visually appealing and easy to understand is probably one of our biggest accomplishments this year. We’ve put out a lot of information on complex topics, but being able to translate that and have project teams understand and use it is very important.”

KAITIE HARRIGAN

Architect

“Excellence is when the work is not just beautiful, it’s also responsible, measurable, and human-centered. It means that the design serves people, the community, and the planet without treating sustainability as an add-on. It just becomes part of what we do and how we design.”

ISELA MARTINEZ

Architect

“We’ve developed tools for the Framework for Design Excellence—a toolkit that’s underway and making good progress. The goal cards with associated strategies help project teams have conversations about integrating design excellence early on. ”

“The materials pledge team and the spec team have made good headway writing a division one spec that includes the materials pledge for different project types. We’re wrapping that up soon, and also fine tuning our materials pledge reporting processes.”

TANYA

DE LEON Sr. Project Manager

“Creativity is enhanced by the constraints. If you’re given a completely blank slate, you can do almost anything and it’s daunting. The constraints really provide you the structure to work within creatively and kind of refine it.”

MARGARET CHANDLER Sr. Sustainability Specialist

AMIE BLANKENSHIP

Sr. Sustainable Design Specialist

“Creating Green Labs for the interns and our staff have both been useful tools to help guide their knowledge of energy and to learn how they want to apply that to design, especially on projects early in design where we can make changes for better performance.”

HEATHER WARREN Sustainability Design Specialist

Communities

Design excellence is not measured solely by aesthetics or innovation, but by the lives it touches. Whether it’s a clinic that expands access to care, housing that provides stability, or nonprofit spaces that empower local organizations, each effort reflects our commitment to shaping a more inclusive and resilient future. These initiatives remind us that design is more than buildings—it is a catalyst for change, a reflection of shared humanity, and a powerful means of strengthening communities from the ground up.

HIGHLIGHTS

Design in Kind

Amplifying Insights

Community Connection

LS3P Foundation

“Ranked as the #11 largest architecture firm in the nation, we’ve evolved into a true industry powerhouse—driven not only by exceptional financial performance but by an unwavering commitment to design excellence. One of the innovative things we’ve done in 2025 was the campfires—short, informal times when everyone from recent graduates to seasoned principals can sit down and talk about design. It’s a great way to build mutual understanding and get everyone involved.”

NEIL DAWSON AIA National Market Leader, Living

Morganton Regional Readiness Center

The Readiness Center is a living testament to how thoughtful design can advance mission readiness while reinforcing the bonds between service members and the citizens they protect. More than a facility, it represents the next chapter in military infrastructure: resilient, adaptive, and deeply connected to the community it serves. With spaces that support training, operations, and rapid response, the campus stands ready for any event, embodying preparedness and strength.

“2026 will be a bold step toward transforming how we work, collaborate, and lead as ONE LS3P.

Evolution30 represents one of the most significant efforts in our firm’s history—and it’s going to be transformational. At its core is a simple but powerful tenet: ‘One firm, ONE LS3P.’ That will be the defining message for 2026.

As a firm of this size, optimization is critical. Some may see optimization as a negative, but for us, it means aligning the right people with the right projects and using skill sets where they create the most impact. By streamlining processes and eliminating redundancies, we free up time for what we love most: design. Optimization will look different for every department, but it’s not a one-time initiative—it’s a continuous pursuit year after year.

The future lies in thought leadership and design leadership. AI will make us faster, more efficient, and more optimized, creating opportunities to elevate design excellence. As automation takes on more of the technical tasks, our focus will shift even more toward expertise and big-picture Design—capital D Design— and that excites me.

Leadership plays a critical role in setting the tone and creating an environment where others can succeed. When our culture is collaborative and rooted in shared values, it influences everything we do. Without that, we risk becoming transactional—and I truly believe we are so much more than that. My hope is that everyone sees and feels that difference as we move forward together.”

CHRIS BONEY AIA, LEED AP Chief Strategy Officer

Excellence extends beyond the walls of our studios. It lives in the communities we serve and the relationships we build.

We have a long tradition of community engagement, and in 2025, that tradition continued through board service, volunteerism, and philanthropic initiatives. Our team remained actively involved with organizations that strengthen the communities where we live and work, contributing both time and leadership. Through the LS3P Foundation, grants were awarded to support education, the arts, and social equity—demonstrating that our influence reaches far beyond design and reflects a lasting commitment to meaningful impact.

LS3P’s Design in-Kind program continued to expand its impact in 2025, channeling the firm’s design talent into mission-driven projects that strengthen communities across the region. Each partnership reflected a shared belief that thoughtful architecture can broaden access, support resilience, and empower organizations doing essential work. By offering Design in-Kind services at no cost, LS3P embraces design philanthropy as a way to donate creativity and expertise to select community initiatives—demonstrating that meaningful design can be a powerful force for good.

“Looking ahead to 2026, optimization means innovation—finding ways to complete routine tasks faster so we have more time for creativity. From a marketing and knowledge management perspective, the question is: what repetitive work can we automate or eliminate so we can focus on bold, imaginative ideas that make marketing fun and impactful?

If I think about legacy, I want it to be this: marketing and knowledge management aren’t just the responsibility of one team—they belong to everyone in the firm. Every person is a marketer. Every person should share knowledge and ask for knowledge to be shared. My hope is that LS3P leads the way in making this mindset a core part of our culture.”

KATIE ROBINSON CKM Chief Marketing & Knowledge Officer

Design in-Kind

LS3P’s Design in-Kind program continued to expand its impact in 2025, channeling the firm’s design talent into mission-driven projects that strengthen communities across the region. Each partnership reflected a shared belief that thoughtful architecture can broaden access, support resilience, and empower organizations doing essential work. By offering Design in‑Kind services at no cost, LS3P embraces design philanthropy as a way to donate creativity and expertise to select community initiatives— demonstrating that meaningful design can be a powerful force for good.

PROJECTS KICKING OFF 2025

YWCA Aquatics & Fitness Center (ILM)

Door to Freedom (GSP)

Mountain True ADA Enhancements (AVL)

Lumberton Packing Facility (RDU)

United Ministries (GSP)

Garden City Chapel Resiliency Master Plan (MYR)

“We’re seeing a lot more multi office project collaboration. The more we know the strengths of people around the company, the more we can reach out across offices to get the expertise, production support, or technical proficiency we need.”

EMILY KITE AIA, NCARB, LEED AP Sr. Project Manager

“What truly influences our design is the ability to remain flexible, adaptable, and accountable, while anticipating technology growth that often moves faster than building products. That forward-thinking approach ensures our work stays relevant.

I also believe it’s essential for our young talent to be involved in every aspect of a project and to have opportunities to attend major conferences. Seeing what peers are doing broadens perspective and strengthens our design culture.

Ultimately, success means delivering a project that excites and satisfies the client and user group. But our responsibility doesn’t end at completion. We must think about the future—what these buildings will become. The legacy we leave should be sustainable and adaptable, ensuring that what we build today continues to serve tomorrow.”

STEVE FREYALDENHOVEN AIA, NCARB National Market Leader, Healthcare

“The future of our success depends on integration—technology, workflows, and communication working as one.

This year, our team took a deep dive into Microsoft Planner as a way to build transparency and create a consistent space for collaboration. It gave us visibility into tasks and helped streamline efforts, even though it eventually became unwieldy and needs some attention to get back on track. The potential is enormous if we can make it flow seamlessly—but it’s not just about the tool. It’s about creating a workflow where technology and practice work together across the entire firm.

Right now, that integration is challenging. As we move toward ‘ONE LS3P,’ it sometimes feels like we’re operating with twelve different systems layered over a thousand projects. That complexity breeds confusion and inconsistency, making it hard to know who to ask or where to find answers. If we start tracking projects by life cycle, we could build tools that simplify processes and create consistent expectations. That’s my vision for optimization: supporting teams with clarity and consistency to improve deliverables and the overall project experience across offices.

Ultimately, the future is about integration, clarity, and empowerment—leveraging technology, workflows, and communication to elevate both our processes and our design outcomes.”

RUTH PARR AIA Director of Digital Practice | Sr. Architect

Amplifying Insights

In 2025, LS3P team members demonstrated a strong commitment to shaping the future of design by sharing their expertise beyond the studio. Many served as adjunct professors, guest lecturers, and design jurors at universities and industry events, mentoring emerging professionals and fostering dialogue on innovation and best practices. These efforts reflect LS3P’s dedication to elevating the architectural profession through knowledge exchange and leadership.

David Loy (CLT)

Affiliation: University of North Carolina - Charlotte

Dean Rains (RDU)

Affiliation: NC State University

Douglas Rackley (GSP)

Affiliation: Anderson University

Emily Patterson (ILM)

Affiliation: Cape Fear Community College

Jeff Mural (RDU)

Affiliation: Clemson University

Jonathan Navarro (GSP)

Affiliation: Clemson University

Lee Martin (ATL)

Affiliation: Auburn University

Katie Kwaske (GSP)

Affiliation: Anderson University

Leigh Pfeiffer (GSP) Sustainability Leader

Michael Urueta (GSP)

Emerging Professional

Ryan Sutherland (GSP) Architect

Taejun Park (ATL) Sr. Project Manager

Speaking engagements, conference presentations, and more continue on the next page!

Kristie Nicoloff (GSP)

Affiliations: Bob Jones University, Western Carolina University, Drexel University, Anderson University, University of Wisconsin - Stout

Leigh Ann Pfeiffer (GSP)

Affiliation: NewSchool of Architecture & Design, Clemson University

Matthew Santilli (GSP)

Affiliation: Clemson University

Michael Wagner (RDU)

Affiliation: NC State University

Michael Urueta (GSP)

Affiliation: Clemson University

Nick Bilgri (CHS)

Affiliation: Clemson University

Ryan Sutherland (GSP)

Affiliation: Clemson University

Taejun Park (ATL)

Affiliation: Chattahoochee Technical College North Campus

Will Hinkley (GSP)

Affiliation: Auburn University

Amie Blankenship (GSP)

Speaker: AIA Asheville

Andy Alicandri (CLT)

Speaker: A4LE North Carolina Conference

Brian Carroll (GSO)

Speaker: Environments for Aging Conference

Carlota Longo (CLT)

Speaker: Opal Group SpArc Summit 2025 | Construction Specifications

Institute Southeast Region Conference

Chelsea Lawrence (CLT)

Speaker: IIDA Carolinas Advocacy Symposium

Crystal Soyars (GSO)

Speaker: Lincoln Elementary School Career Day

Cynthia Turner (AVL)

Speaker: AIA Asheville

Daryl Rackley (GSO)

Speaker: NCACCP Conference

David Anderson (CAE)

Speaker: University of South Carolina Guardian Society

David Burt (CHS)

Speaker: College of Charleston Guest Lecturer

Deborah Lukan (CLT)

Speaker: UNC Charlotte Panelist | CREW National Convention

Eddie Anderson (ILM)

Speaker: NCSBA Leadership Conference

Emily Patterson (ILM)

Speaker: Oak Hill Day School Career Day

Ethan Atherton (RDU)

Speaker: AIA Aspire Conference

Hannah Farrugia (GSP)

Speaker: IIDA Carolinas Student Design Days

Isela Martinez (ILM)

Speaker: UNCW UPLfT Leadership Initiative

Jessica Pearson (RDU)

Speaker: CoreNet Carolinas Winter & Summer Programs

Jessi Wimmer (GSP)

Speaker: SMPS Palmetto

John Edwards (GSP)

Speaker: Leadership Greenville | Clemson University School of Architecture Guest Lecturer

Jonathan Navarro (GSP)

Speaker: NCNOMA

Justin Acevedo (RDU)

Speaker: AIA Triangle

Kaitie Harrigan (GSO)

Speaker: AIA Winston-Salem

Kameron Quick (CHS)

Speaker: NCSBA Leadership Conference

Kara Smith (GSP)

Speaker: IIDA Carolinas Design Days

Mary Beth Sims Branham (CAE) National Market Leader, K-12

Katie Kwaske (GSP)

Speaker: IIDA Upstate Design Days

Katie Robinson (CHS)

Speaker: TRXL | Smartegies | Knowledge Architecture

Kellyn Messel (GSP)

Speaker: ASID Minnesota Design Jury | ASID National Student Jury

Kristie Nicoloff (GSP)

Speaker: Leadership Greenville | Chicago Design Series | NEOCON | ASID Gather

Kyle Kiser (GSP)

Speaker: ASLA South Carolina Conference

Laura Miller (ILM)

Speaker: NC State Pappas Real Estate Development Program

Leigh Pfeiffer (GSP)

Speaker: AIA Committee on the Environment | Environments for Aging Conference

Margaret Clarkson (CAE)

Speaker: Midlands CREW

Mary Beth Sims Branham (CAE)

Speaker: NCSBA Leadership Conference | A4LE North Carolina Conference

Matt Thompson (CLT)

Speaker: Appalachian State University Guest Lecturer

Micah Paulk (GSP)

Speaker: California Land Surveyors Association

Michael Urueta (GSP)

Speaker: NC State Guest Lecturer | Southern

Morgan Dimoush (RDU)

Don’t see your accomplishment?

Be sure to keep your Vantagepoint profile up to date!

Morgan Dimoush (RDU)

Speaker: Broughton High School | University of Florida Guest Critique

Ruth Parr (GSP)

Speaker: AIA Aspire Conference

Sharlotte Hung (GSP)

Speaker: IIDA Student Design Days | Winthrop University Guest Critique

Shawn Sowers (RDU)

Speaker: SCUP Southern Conference

Trent Webb (GSP)

Speaker: IIDA Student Design Days | ASID Carolinas Tour | Hillcrest High School Career Day | Winthrop University Guest Juror

Troy Roehm (MYR)

Speaker: Cape Fear Academy Guest Lecturer

Zakiya Wiggins (RDU)

Speaker: AIA Leadership Summit | Velma Jackson High School Guest Lecturer

Community Connection

In 2025, LS3P strengthened its community connections through hands on volunteerism. Our team members dedicated time and talent to local nonprofits, schools, and neighborhood initiatives—whether mentoring students, supporting food drives, or lending expertise to community projects. These efforts reflect our belief that true impact comes from personal involvement. By rolling up our sleeves and working side by side with our neighbors, LS3P continues to foster meaningful relationships and create positive change where we live and work.

“We’re entering a new era for our higher education practice, and we’re redefining what design excellence looks like.

This year has been a banner year for our higher education team, as we’ve worked collaboratively across offices to deliver exceptional results. After five years of building toward this moment, we’ve truly hit our stride and are seeing the impact of that effort.

Our weekly leadership check-ins have been instrumental in creating deeper connections across offices. These open dialogues foster trust, spark new initiatives, and strengthen collaboration—laying the groundwork for continued success.

One of the most exciting developments has been our work with Georgia Tech on space planning and strategy. This new service line elevates our higher education practice and showcases the power of thoughtful collaboration between our architecture and data management teams.

Of course, balancing creativity with constraints remains a challenge. Managing expectations and staying focused on end goals is critical, and we embrace design as an iterative process—reviewing, testing, and learning from fast failures to continuously improve.

Empowering our teams with robust toolkits ensures we’re not reinventing the wheel. By streamlining processes, we free up time to focus on what matters most: design excellence and delivering transformative solutions for our clients.”

SHAWN SOWERS AIA, LEED AP BD+C National Market Leader, Higher Education

LS3P DESIGN IN-KIND | MUSC RUTLEDGE TOWER AUTISMFRIENDLY HEALTHCARE SPACES CHARLESTON, SC

The Foundation

The LS3P Foundation was thrilled to award grants to three leading institutions whose vision and creativity are shaping the future of design for the public good. This year’s awards to the University of Virginia, North Carolina Central University, and Clemson University will fuel bold, forward‑thinking projects dedicated to strengthening communities and advancing social equity through transformative research and design innovation.

The University of Virginia’s Open-Source Affordable Housing Design Library for Charlottesville: Expanding Equity, Wellness, and Economic Mobility focuses on addressing a critical gap in economic mobility by piloting an open-source housing design library developed through community-engaged processes. By collaborating with local stakeholders and city leaders, the initiative will deliver adaptable housing prototypes, supportive landscape strategies, and financial tools to promote equitable, affordable, and climate-resilient housing in Charlottesville. The project aims to improve economic mobility and serve as a scalable model for other communities.

North Carolina Central University’s Building Affordable Housing Where It Is Needed: Infill Housing Choices to Support Economic Mobility initiative addresses North Carolina’s housing crisis by advancing scalable, design driven models for urban infill housing in high-demand, transit-rich areas. The project brings together research, toolkit development, and the creation of a publicly accessible “playbook” that translates ideas into practical strategies. Through these resources, the initiative will equip developers, planners, and community groups with actionable guidance to support more equitable housing outcomes. By promoting economic mobility and strengthening the built environment, the project offers a replicable framework for communities facing similar housing challenges.

Clemson University’s Housing for Affordability, Relationships, Belonging, Opportunity, and Resilience: Designing for Young People in Transition introduces HARBOR 1, an affordable housing model in South Carolina designed to support young people transitioning out of foster care, group homes, or homelessness. By integrating architectural design with training services, HARBOR 1 provides a research-based framework, design prototypes, and evaluation tools to foster stability and economic mobility. The initiative combines ongoing research with applied coursework, engaging stakeholders in the creation and assessment of supportive living environments that encourage participation, reduce barriers, and build habits essential for employment.

Culture

Excellence requires alignment, and alignment requires trust. Trust is the foundation that allows teams to move with clarity and confidence, knowing that each voice is valued and each contribution matters. Through open communication, intentional knowledge sharing, and genuine collaboration, we are shaping a culture that is not only resilient in the face of challenges but adaptable to change and united in purpose.

This culture of alignment ensures that our goals are shared, our efforts are coordinated, and our outcomes reflect the strength of collective vision.

HIGHLIGHTS

Firmwide Collaboration

Equity, Inclusion, & Community

Babies & Retirements

Looking Ahead

“The legacy I hope my work leaves is one rooted in empathy: always putting the end user first. Every project should embrace its purpose, shaped with thought and care in every detail. For me, design is not simply about beauty or innovation for its own sake—it is about creating spaces that serve the people who inhabit them. When design honors its users, when it elevates their experience and meets their needs with intention, that is when it becomes truly meaningful.”

BENJI MARTIN NCIDQ Interior Designer

Live Oak Bank Building 4

Live Oak Bank’s fourth office building—at 66,438 SF, the largest on its Wilmington, NC campus—was designed to immerse employees in the beauty of its forested, lakefront setting. Sustainability and performance are central to the design. High-efficiency mechanical systems, advanced glazing, generous daylighting, and a stormwater retention pond all contribute to a resilient, environmentally responsible workplace. As the first building in eastern North Carolina constructed with a 100% mass timber structural system, it sets a new regional precedent.

“Almost 80% of our projects at LS3P come from repeat clients. That’s why we do what we do.

One of the greatest challenges—and opportunities— we face as leaders is breaking down barriers to collaboration. When offices operate in silos, we limit the potential of our best minds simply because they aren’t physically located where a project resides. True leadership means creating systems and a culture that transcend geography, enabling talent to contribute wherever their expertise is needed. That’s how we elevate design excellence across the firm.

But collaboration alone isn’t enough. If we truly want to raise the bar, leadership must make design excellence a top priority and champion it at every level. This isn’t just about words—it requires intentional action, investment, and alignment.

For me, the cornerstone of that vision is strategic hiring. Great people are the foundation of everything we do. Attracting top talent is critical, but retaining them is even more important. Leadership must foster an environment where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. When we hire well, when we nurture and retain exceptional talent, we position ourselves to deliver our best work—and that’s what drives

Culture is the soil in which excellence grows. At LS3P, we are intentional about creating a workplace where collaboration, inclusion, and creativity flourish.

This year, we introduced campfires—informal design conversations that bring together voices from across the firm, from emerging professionals to seasoned principals. These dialogues foster mutual understanding and spark ideas that elevate our work.

Our commitment to mutual respect, critical thinking, diversity, openness to new ideas & innovation, and equity is woven into our culture. Through affinity groups, leadership programs, and community partnerships, we are building a firm where every voice is heard and every perspective valued. Sustainability, too, is becoming second nature—a standard part of practice embraced by teams across all offices.

Our summer interns brought fresh perspectives and energy, participating in initiatives like Green Labs, which advance our sustainability goals and resilient design solutions firmwide.

The launch of Evolution30 in January 2026 will reinforce our “one firm” mindset, challenging us to standardize processes while honoring the unique strengths of each office. This is not easy work, but it is essential. Excellence requires alignment, and alignment requires trust. By investing in communication, knowledge sharing, and cross-office collaboration, we are cultivating a culture that is resilient, adaptable, and united.

“Stepping into a people manager role has been an incredible experience, and the guidance from our people team has made all the difference. The bi-weekly check-ins with my team have been powerful—just taking the time to ask, ‘What do you need from me? How can I help you?’ Those conversations have been rewarding and even regenerative, helping me connect on a deeper level.

I also feel fortunate to have been invited to join the Evolution30 Advisory Committee. Meeting with that group and diving into conversations about where we want to take the firm over the next five years was inspiring. We explored everything—from promoting design excellence and improving efficiency to reinforcing our culture and thinking about sustainable growth.

I’m excited to see the official rollout of Evolution30 in 2026 and to continue contributing to its initiatives. Watching it grow and take on its own life is thrilling—much like Evolution25 did. It feels like nurturing something from the ground up and then seeing it evolve into something even bigger and better.”

KAMERON QUICK AIA Sr. Project Manager

“2025 was the biggest leap we’ve made and the best investment for the next decade.

This year marked the most transformational leap in our digital technology, network, interoperability, and workflows—truly the biggest investment for the next decade. From renewing our Wi-Fi to launching a uniform laptop deployment, these infrastructure upgrades have laid the foundation for practice-wide

Our design structure thrives when teams connect across offices. If two groups doing similar work aren’t interacting, we lose efficiency and impact. The key is pairing the right person with the right project, regardless of location, and sharing intelligence and artifacts from past work to accelerate production and elevate design quality and owner satisfaction.

Looking ahead, we need to maximize the AI tools we’ve invested in—especially those that manage meeting minutes and open tasks. Building consistency in how these tools are used across project types and markets will free time for higher-level design thinking and

Success in design moving forward will be measured by value and scale. When a valuable design approach can be replicated across multiple projects, it drives transformational change and exponential growth for the business. Scaling value equals transformation.”

Firmwide Collaboration

minutes of Best in Show hosted by Espy Harper

21 GreenLab sessions hosted by the Sustainability team

Expert Hours hosted firmwide

99% of team members viewed content on F.R.A.N.K regularly

of team members searched F.R.A.N.K for information

100% support requests were resolved by our Technology Team

Design Campfires hosted across the firm

Equity, Inclusion & Community

This year, our employee resource groups have led impactful initiatives that celebrate diversity and empower leadership:

Diseña Honored Hispanic Heritage Month with a firmwide raffle and cultural sessions like Language, Leadership & Legacy.

JEDI Hosted Pride Month celebrations, open DE&I discussions, and monthly planning meetings to advance inclusion.

NOW Delivered leadership workshops, family leave education, and inspiring panels to support women’s growth.

Together, these groups foster connection, advocacy, and a stronger, more inclusive culture.

“One of the most important shifts this year was strengthening our cross office alignment. With clearer expectations, more consistent communication, and a shared understanding of how we deliver work, teams were able to make decisions faster and with greater confidence. As a firm, we moved closer to operating with one strategic voice rather than multiple isolated workflows, and that clarity directly supported our long-term goal of smarter, more unified decision making across every phase of our projects.

The leadership behaviors that made the biggest difference were rooted in trust and clarity. Leaders who communicated direction openly, stayed accessible, and gave teams ownership created the strongest results. That combination of transparency and confidence elevated morale, sharpened accountability, and strengthened performance across offices.

Looking ahead, a major opportunity is to deepen our understanding of what the Construction Administration phase truly requires and align our firmwide processes with those needs. When earlyphase decisions anticipate CA realities— construction details, coordination, and proper documentation—we reduce risk, strengthen quality, and deliver more consistently across markets. Elevating CA support is one of the fastest ways to elevate the entire firm.

I also saw what authentic inclusion looks like when Diseña organized the first annual meeting in Charleston. The support we received wasn’t symbolic; it was real, practical, and steady. The feedback afterward showed how much people valued the space we created. If we continue investing in those groups, partnerships, and voices, our projects will naturally reflect more equity and understanding.”

IVÁN MARTÍNEZ CRUZ PMP, CDT, CCCA Construction Contracts Administrator

Internal Gatherings

“We have incredible resources dedicated to equity and inclusion, and Diseña is a great example—well-established, with clear goals that make a real impact. I’m proud to be part of Diseña. As a Puerto Rican, feeling represented within the firm is something I never expected when I started here, and it means so much to me.

Through initiatives like our campfires, we’re bringing studio culture back into the office—creating a fun, spontaneous, and creative space where we reconnect with what we studied and what we love: design and meaningful conversation.

Cross office collaboration has also been transformative. We’re truly living the ‘one firm’ mentality, and it’s been incredible for my own growth. I’ve had the chance to work on projects with the Greenville office while being based in Savannah, and that experience makes me feel like I’m contributing to LS3P as a whole. It’s exciting to see how these connections strengthen both our work and our culture.”

ISABELLE CABÁN QUIÑONES ASSOC. AIA Emerging Professional

Student Interns

Our student interns made a meaningful impact across all our offices—bringing fresh perspectives to address complex design challenges.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our student interns for their dedication and innovative contributions. Their efforts have strengthened our team and enriched our projects in lasting ways. To foster collaboration across the student intern class, LS3P hosted a t-shirt design competition. The challenge: work together to capture the spirit of a summer with LS3P. We received 15 impressive submissions, and one design earned the spotlight as the winner.

This year’s winning design was submitted by Alexa Smith and Elena Waters. Titled “Surfitecture”, this shirt rides the wave of bold ideas and fearless creativity. Featuring a dynamic surfer mid-ride, it’s a tribute to those who carve their own lives---whether on water or in blueprints. For the architects of movement and the dreamers of space, this shift is a reminder: every great design begins with the courage to paddle out and catch the unknown.

“I’ve made a conscious effort to be more collaborative when tackling design tasks—not keeping ideas to myself, but inviting feedback and asking for help along the way. That openness has led to stronger projects and work I’m truly proud of.

The challenge that shaped me most as a designer was spending years as architect of record, tasked with bringing someone else’s concepts to life. It taught me discipline and problem solving, but when I finally had the chance to work on design projects, I realized this is where my passion lies—being thoughtful and seizing every opportunity to create something truly excellent.”

JEREMY ALFORD AIA, NCARB, LEED GA Sr. Architect

New Additions & Heartfelt Departures

“I’ve always valued collaboration, but stepping into a senior designer role has pushed me to embrace it in a deeper, more intentional way. I’m learning to lean into delegation—not just as a management tool, but as a way to give emerging professionals the space and confidence to thrive. It isn’t always easy to let go of parts of the process, but it’s how others gain the experience, ownership, and perspective they need to grow into leaders themselves.

That same commitment to growth fuels my work on our standards task force. We’re partnering with our new learning platform to develop interior‑specific training modules for 2026, and I believe this initiative will be transformative for the firm in 2026 and beyond.”

“One of the things I find fascinating is leaving the office, driving home, and looking back at the Charlotte skyline. I can count 15 to 20 buildings I’ve worked on, yet I know there are thousands of other projects from my 28 years here that have become part of the community’s fabric. Each one adds to the tapestry of the city and the places we serve. What I’ve learned is that I’m still learning—and that’s a good thing. I’ve never met anyone who knows it all. The goal is to stay curious, to keep asking questions, and to inspire others to do the same: to embrace what they don’t know, to seek knowledge, and to feel comfortable enough to ask.”

DAVID LOY AIA, CDT, LEED AP Technical Leader

“When I think about cultivating excellence, collaboration is at the heart of it. It’s about looking at iteration, sharing lessons learned, and offering new perspectives to one another—that’s what drives excellence forward.

This year, we had the opportunity to merge diverse market expertise through a unique high school project. Working across public and private sectors and leveraging our healthcare experience for a medical technology magnet school made the process exciting and deeply rewarding.

Of course, we often face strict budgets, which challenges us to be creative and thoughtful in design. For instance, a school district might prefer a brick exterior for maintenance reasons, but inside, we can incorporate experiential graphics or wayfinding to infuse school spirit in a cost-effective way while still honoring the culture.

Innovation is what fascinates me most. While each project has its own innovative elements, the real power comes from sharing our work—how we solved problems and overcame constraints—so we can inspire and push each other. The less we cling to ‘this is how we’ve always done it,’ the more we open ourselves to new possibilities and fresh approaches.”

GINNY MAGRATH AIA, CPD Sr. Project Manager

The Year of Meaningful Progress

2025 was a defining year for LS3P—one marked by meaningful progress, strengthened alignment, and the remarkable impact of our people. Across all 12 offices, our teams advanced design excellence, deepened cross office collaboration, embraced new technologies, and elevated the quality and consistency of our work. From major project achievements and national design recognitions to expanded research initiatives, enhancements in digital infrastructure, and firmwide investments in leadership development, this year reflected a shared commitment to excellence at every scale. Our people-centered approach—supported by intentional mentorship, strategic hiring, and a culture of inclusion—continued to shape who we are and reinforce the strength of ONE LS3P

At the same time, the firm laid critical groundwork for the future. By refining our processes, strengthening coordination across offices, and embracing tools that enhance efficiency and creativity, we positioned ourselves for smarter decision-making and increased design impact. Our work in 2025 demonstrated not only a disciplined stewardship of resources but also a willingness to innovate—integrating AI into workflows, developing frameworks for design excellence, and investing in data-driven insights that sharpen performance. Whether through community engagement, project innovation, or cross-market collaboration, LS3P continued to grow as a unified firm with a clear, elevated standard.

As we look ahead, the launch of Evolution30 represents the next bold chapter in our journey. Building on the momentum of Evolution25, Evolution30 challenges us to think bigger, collaborate more deeply, and further define what design excellence means for our people, our projects, and our communities. It calls us to standardize what should be shared, celebrate what makes each team strong, and harness the full power of our 500+ experts working as ONE LS3P. With clarity of purpose, a strengthened operational foundation, and a firmwide commitment to innovation and alignment, we enter 2026 poised not only to elevate our practice, but to shape the future of design across the Southeast and beyond.

CONTRIBUTORS

ABBIE PATRICK

AMIE BLANKENSHIP

BENJI MARTIN

CHRIS BONEY

DAN SCHEAFFER

DANI WATTS

DARRELL PUFFER

DAVID BURT

DAVID LOY

DAVID RAMEY

DOUG SNYDER

EMILY KITE

EMILY PATTERSON

ESPY HARPER

FAITH BENNETT

GEORGE TEMPLE

GINNY MAGRATH

GREG M c NAMARA

GUS ARETAKIS

HEATHER WARREN

ISABELLE CABÁN QUIÑONES

ISELA MARTINEZ

IVÁN MARTÍNEZ CRUZ

JAY ADDISON

JENNIFER C. SMITH

JEREMY ALFORD

JESSI WIMMER

JORDAN POWERS

KAITIE HARRIGAN

KAMERON QUICK

KATHERINE BALL

KATHERINE PEELE

KATIE ROBINSON

KELLY GILREATH

KENNEDY BRIGGS

LEIGH PFEIFFER

MARC MARCHANT

MARY BETH SIMS BRANHAM

MARGARET CHANDLER

MEGAN BILGRI

MEREDITH RAY

MICHAEL WAGNER

MORGAN THOMAS

NATALLIE SANTIAGO RODRÍGUEZ

NEIL DAWSON

NICK BILGRI

PATRICK COOLEY

RUTH PARR

SHAWN SOWERS

STEVE FREYALDENHOVEN

TANYA DALES

TANYA DE LEON

TYLER ALBERICO

WIL DRENNAN