Leadership
John Kirksey, FAIA
Founder & Chairman Emeritus
johnk@kirksey.com 713 850 9600
John founded Kirksey Architecture one year after graduating from the University of Texas with a mission: to design high performing, healthy buildings that positively impact the people, environment, and communities they serve. John has built a firm culture focused on community and the environment. He leads by example, serving on numerous civic and professional boards and pioneering the sustainability movement in Houston.
Wes Good, AIA
President
wesg@kirksey.com 713 426 7522
Wes is responsible for facilitating the firm's advancement and strategic direction. He began his career as a designer at Kirksey in 1990, after graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture. In 2001, he was awarded the AIA Houston Ben Brewer Young Architect Award. Over his 30-year career at Kirksey, he has worked on every higher education project in the firm's portfolio and is an expert in campus planning and student living facilities. He maintains considerable involvement in collegiate and community projects.
Janis Brackett, AIA, LEED AP
Executive Vice President, Director of Community Projects
janisb@kirksey.com 713 426 7426
Janis brings decades of experience and a dedication to the collaborative process to Kirksey's Community Projects Team. Besides her proven ability to keep projects in budget and on schedule, she is enthusiastic about developing relationships with her clients and seeing their ideas and goals become realized. Having held numerous leadership positions within American Institute of Architects (AIA), including 2014 AIA Houston President, Janis was elected to AIA National’s “think tank” as 2017-2018 Strategic Councilor at Large. She is a longtime advocate of resilience, serving with Council Member David Robinson, FAIA on the City of Houston/AIA Houston 2020 Visions Steering Committee, past Chair of Gulf Coast Green, and Editorial Committee for GreenWorks Houston.
Benito Guerrier, AIA, LEED Green Associate
Executive Vice President, Director of Client Development / Director of Government Projects
benitog@kirksey.com 713 426 7407
Benito oversees Kirksey’s Government Projects and business development efforts for all public projects in Texas, and has dedicated his decades long career at Kirksey to ensuring the satisfaction of our client base. He frequently interacts with policy makers and government officials when managing the firm’s public projects, thereby promoting firm awareness and environmentally responsible design. Benito has also been involved with several community organizations committed to enhancing the quality of life in the state of Texas.
Nicola Springer, AIA, LEED AP
Executive Vice President, Director of PK-12 Projects
nicolas@kirksey.com 713 426 7510
Nicola is an expert in 21st century learning environments and educational design. She has created state-of-the-art public and private schools and developed PlayTheory, a process that engages stakeholders in a fun, collaborative way to gather quantitative and qualitative information that is used during the design phase. Nicola's talents and expertise are often utilized on projects throughout the firm, including higher education and community projects.
David Dalton, AIA
Executive Vice President, Director - Central Texas
davidd@kirksey.com 512 640 1073
As a Principal and Project Manager, David works on many high-profile corporate projects. His ability to creatively merge both interior design with architecture leverages a unique perspective for his clients, and David has successfully created a strong network in the real estate and AEC community.
Todd Howard, AIA, LEED AP
Executive Vice President, Director - North Texas
toddh@kirksey.com 214 522 1100
Todd is a Dallas native and a strong advocate for the North Texas architecture community. He has served in leadership roles for multiple professional and community organizations, including president of the Dallas Chapter of The American Institute of Architects. Todd's involvement in Dallas and dedication to the AEC community elevate his leadership of the firm's North Texas office.
Robert Olvera
Vice President, Director – Central Texas
robert.olvera@kirksey.com 512 640 1097
Robert is an experienced project manager and a leader in Kirksey’s Austin office. As Director - Central Texas, Robert’s experience with projects of all scales and scopes, and methodical approach to design, work in tandem with his ability to manage a team and promote collaboration at every level. His strategic leadership and expertise in all phases of a project ensure Robert can connect with his team, clients, and partners to achieve the highest level of project success.
Bob Inaba, AIA
Executive Vice President, Director of Design
bobi@kirksey.com 713 426 7480
Bob has been with Kirksey since 1982 and is an award-winning architect and Kirksey's Director of Design. As such, Bob leads the design and planning of the firm's projects and is a mentor to members of the Design Department. He works closely with institutions, developers, and building owners to determine project feasibility and explore various options to make their projects viable, successful, and beautiful.
Gary Machicek, AIA
Executive Vice President, Design Principal
garym@kirksey.com 713 426 7579
Throughout Gary's career, he has worked on award-winning projects in Germany, Nepal, New York, and Texas. However, he has always prioritized giving back to his community and worked hard to give back to Houston through design, industry involvement, and mentorship. Gary's role as a Design Principal means he is involved in every aspect of design at Kirksey, and his leadership on the Design team helps shape the tenets of our firm's design approach. Gary cites his greatest accomplishment as educating and inspiring future architects. In addition to practicing architecture, Gary has been a professor at the University of Houston and a visiting juror at several other institutions.
Casey Gfeller
Associate Vice President, Director of Human Resources
caseyg@kirksey.com 713 426 7570
Casey is Kirksey’s Director of Human Resources and leads our firm’s strategic personnel and workplace initiatives. Her open and engaging approach to HR drives her approach to talent acquisition and retention, and her employee-focused solutions contribute to Kirksey’s outstanding firm culture. Casey is a leader and mentor, using her ability to connect and teach in concert with her open communication to facilitate growth opportunities and create a dynamic, engaging workplace.
Brian Malarkey, FAIA, LEED AP
Executive Vice President, Director of Interior Architecture
brianm@kirksey.com 713 426 7473
Brian began his career at Kirksey in 1991 and founded the EcoServices department, establishing the firm's regional leadership in sustainable design. Now leading the Interior Architecture department, his unique expertise in workplace trends, branding, and change management has positioned Kirksey as a leader in corporate office design.
Stacey Concienne, AIA
Associate Vice President, Senior Project Manager
staceyc@kirksey.com 713 426 7535
Stacey is an experienced senior project manager on Kirksey's Interior Architecture team. She loves designing spaces where people spend most of their day, and her work on corporate interiors projects across Houston has garnered multiple design awards. Stacey's experience, effortless collaboration with teammates, and direct leadership style ensure her projects exceed expectations and all client goals are met.
Jason St. Julian, AIA
Associate Vice President, Senior Project Manager
jasons@kirksey.com 713 426 7424
As a senior project manager on the Kirksey Hospitality team, Jason's focus is the Hotel and Food & Beverage Industries. Jason joined Kirksey in 1998 and has developed a unique understanding of the details of the industry's design, service, and operations. He believes in the importance of maintaining Kirksey's firm values while providing service to his clients. Jason is a dedicated member of the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston, and in 2019, he was honored as a finalist of the HLAGH Allied Member of the Year. Jason has a special place in his heart for the Hospitality industry in Houston, as a native Houstonian and a graduate of the University of Houston, and plans to continue advocating for the HLAGH.
James D. Hill, AIA, AICP
Associate Vice President
jimh@kirksey.com 713 426 7408
Jim Hill has decades of experience in every aspect of architecture, master planning, and project management. He received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master of Architecture from Rice University. Jim's background in both disciplines, and his Certified Planner credential give him a broad, multi-disciplinary skill set that ensures the success of his projects, whether they are comprehensive master plans or complex building projects. He is well-versed in hospitality design and has managed the design team on several large, mixed-use, high-rise projects in dense urban areas.
Steve Durham, AIA, LEED AP
Executive Vice President, Director of Collegiate Projects
steved@kirksey.com 713 426 7521
Spearheading collegiate projects, Steve's experience spans everything from dining halls and academic buildings to athletic facilities and religious institutions. Early in his 23-year career at Kirksey, Steve initiated the Outreach Committee which offers opportunities for staff members to volunteer their time for various local communities and non-profit organizations. He also leads the firm's membership in The 1%, a program connecting non-profits to architecture firms willing to provide pro bono services.
Melissa Schmitz
Vice President, Director of Brand Integration
melissas@kirksey.com 713 426 7593
Melissa brings more than 27 years of graphic and environmental design knowledge to the firm as Kirksey's Director of Brand Integration. With experience in everything from signage and wayfinding to environmental graphics and installation coordination, her ability to design and execute projects across the built environment is matched by her skills in client relations and materials research. Melissa works with clients across a variety of industries and market sectors to create compelling branding that accurately conveys a company's message and becomes the connecting link for their spaces.
Jody Sergi, AIA, LEED AP
Associate Vice President, Studio Director
jodys@kirksey.com 713 426 7584
Jody has over 20 years of experience in the industry and serves as a studio director specializing in education projects. As a senior project manager, she has managed over one million square feet of PK-12 and Higher Education work in Texas and has a passion for building sustainable schools. Jody advocates for green schools and believes that schools can have a minimal impact on the planet while positively influencing the way children learn.
Crystal McDonald, CPA
Executive Vice President, CFO
crystalm@kirksey.com 713 426 7410
Crystal has years of accounting and financial experience in the architecture industry, and her expertise spans system implementation and developing internal controls, financial planning, and budgeting. Crystal oversees Kirksey's financial leadership, improves processes and procedures, and develops tools to capture and identify key financial metrics for the firm.
Brian Richard, AIA
Executive Vice President, Director of Science & Technology Projects
brianr@kirksey.com 713 426 7497
Brian leads and plans all Laboratory, Mission Critical, and Industrial Projects for Kirksey. Brian is an industry recognized leader and resource for multiple research and educational Institutions and the Energy, Oil & Gas, and Petrochem markets – where he provides strategic consulting and project leadership.
Cathy Richard, RID, IIDA
Associate Vice President, Senior Interior Designer
cathyr@kirksey.com 713 426 7432
Cathy is a senior interior designer who joined Kirksey in 2004. She has decades of experience programming and designing projects of all types. Cathy is an active member of her professional community and has served on the board of IIDA in a variety of leadership positions. Her expertise includes space planning, furniture specifications, finish selections, and design, and her portfolio spans many project types, from higher education to international law firms. Cathy's creativity and clear communication positively impact every project she works on and mirror her leadership in the firm.
Michelle Old, AIA
Associate Vice President, Design Principal
michelleo@kirksey.com 713 426 7519
Michelle is an experienced senior project designer, and a leader on Kirksey's Design Team. She is passionate about designing spaces that promote creativity, collaboration, and health. Michelle frequently speaks at conferences and was named one of Houston's Emerging Voices by the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF) and one of the nation's Diverse Designers in 2021. Her work has garnered design awards from Texas Architect, AIA Houston, SCUP, and IIDA.
Kathleen Jircik, AIA, LEED AP
Executive Vice President, Director - Central Texas
kathleenj@kirksey.com 713 426 7514
Kathleen has more than 22 years of experience at Kirksey, providing in-depth research and critical analysis by way of client-tailored design solutions for every project she manages. Understanding the inherent complexities in building forensics, materials, and functions, Kathleen possesses expertise in creative building envelope solutions and historical preservation. She manages complex, large-scale projects with ease.
Avian Caruso, AIA
Associate Vice President, Senior Project Manager
avianc@kirksey.com 713 426 7560
Avian Caruso joined Kirksey in 2005 and has since established himself as a proven and effective project manager on the Kirksey Healthcare Team. His project leadership style combines collaboration and creativity to identify solutions that are unique to each project and client. Avian adapts quickly to any situation and uses a clear and direct communication style to ensure the team meets every project goal. He is passionate about the Healthcare industry and strives to create spaces that promote every occupant's health and wellness.
Stephanie Wilkinson
Vice President, Director of Marketing
stephaniew@kirksey.com 713-426-7525
Stephanie joined Kirksey in 2009 and leads the Marketing Department. Her positivity and commitment drive her vision that great marketing is about people + relationships and furthers our reputation as leaders in client service to the firm. Stephanie's experience and ability to navigate the changing landscape of service marketing have established Kirksey as a leader in content and creative marketing strategies.
David McLemore, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
Executive Vice President, Director of Healthcare Projects
davidm@kirksey.com 713 426 7512
David joined Kirksey in 1995 and has since managed the design of more than 5 million square feet of healthcare, research, and academic healthcare space. David’s client-centered approach and technical acumen have helped build and establish the expertise of Kirksey’s Healthcare Team. He specializes in programming, medical space planning, healthcare simulation design, and complex project coordination.
Skye Smith, LEED AP
Associate Vice President, Studio Director
skyes@kirksey.com 713 426 7462
Skye is a Studio Director and senior project manager on Kirksey Architecture's Science and Technology Team and has an impressive background in laboratory projects for diverse client types. Skye also has a wide range of experience in various project sizes, from 2,600-sf custom lab fit-outs to 1-million sf+ research campuses. She specializes in lab planning for research and development projects. Skye is known for her attention to technical details when managing lab equipment selection criteria and associated systems design and vibration isolation requirements.
Michael La Nasa, AIA
Associate Vice President, Director of pK-12 Projects - Central Texas
michaell@kirksey.com 512 640 1078
Michael has significant expertise in school architecture and a passion for creating education environments that elevate the learning and teaching experience. He is an expert in applying the latest teaching pedagogies, 21st-Century learning techniques, and sustainable practices to create learning environments where students and teachers thrive. Michael joined Kirksey in 2005 and is focused on the strategic growth of our pK-12 practice in Central Texas.
Darden C. Beckham, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Associate Vice President, Senior Project Manager
darden.beckham@kirksey.com 214 466 2725
Darden is an Associate Vice President and Senior Project Manager with decades of experience in various project types including commercial, hospitality, senior living, universities, libraries, churches, broadcast, educational and high-end residential. Her proactive management style, creativity, and strong inclination towards learning drives her success in leading complex projects and implementing strategic firm initiatives.
Jon Ward, AIA
Vice President, Studio Director
jonw@kirksey.com 713 426 7450
Jon is a senior project manager and studio director for Kirksey's commercial and mixed-use projects studio with experience that spans renovations and additions to high-rise buildings. He began his career in 1999 after graduation from The Ohio State University before joining Kirksey in 2003. Jon excels in managing complex projects and multiple lines of communications with project consultants. The coordination of client specifications and project standards are made easy by his expertise in building codes and attention to detail.
James Fuex, AIA, LEED AP
Associate Vice President, Senior Project Manager
jamesf@kirksey.com 713 426 7553
James has over two decades of experience designing and planning large-scale projects for public and private organizations. His experience with commercial and higher education projects and his ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders has facilitated his thorough and detail-oriented project approach. James' talent for code analysis and expertise in REVIT ensures a well-coordinated project delivery process, from conceptual design through project closeout.
Necia E. Bonner, RID, NCIDQ, IIDA, CHID, LEED AP
Associate Vice President, Director of Healthcare Interiors
NeciaB@kirksey.com 713 426 7404
As Kirksey’s Director of Healthcare Interiors, Necia uses her extensive background in healthcare interior design to facilitate big-picture project planning on complex projects. She is an expert in designing for patient-centered care, and interior finishes and furniture for the healthcare environment. Necia currently serves as the Chairman of the AIA Committee for Architecture in Healthcare and on the Programs Committee for the Houston Chapter of Women in Healthcare (WIH), an organization that promotes the professional development of females in the healthcare industry. She is also active in the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and volunteers her time on the annual Lot75 fundraiser to help support the non-profit advocacy group, Texas Association of Interior Designers (TAID).
Bill Dwyer, AIA
Associate Vice President, Senior Project Architect
Amy Martinez, RID
Associate Vice President, Studio Director
amym@kirksey.com 512 640 1077
Amy is an experienced interior designer and Studio Director in Kirksey’s Central Texas practice. She is a leader in the Austin office and has a diverse background in various project types where she specializes in project management, programming, design, and furniture specifications. Amy’s effortless communication style, creative problem solving, and eye for detail make collaboration and client interest the heart of every one of her projects.
Doug Hammel, AIA
Executive Vice President, Director of Hospitality/Residential Projects
dough@kirksey.com 713 426 7523
Doug has amassed a wealth of technical knowledge over his 33-year career, specifically in code, coastal design, and project management for a host of hospitality, hotel, club, spa, condo, mixed use and residential clients. His expertise in building detailing, envelope enclosure, and waterproofing is crucial to the success of any mid-rise or high-rise building.
Catherine Callaway, AIA, LEED AP
Associate Vice President, Director of Sustainability and Building Performance
catherinec@kirksey.com 713 426 7564
Catherine is a long-time advocate of resilient design strategies, which has defined her career and inspired her community and industry involvement. Her experience as an architect and community leader enhances Kirksey's leadership in high-performance design and informs her role as Director of Sustainability and Building Performance. She is deeply involved in green building advocacy in the region and has led committees with the AIA, Texas Society of Architects, Rice Design Alliance, and the City of Houston Green Building Resource Center. Her dedication and commitment to the industry have garnered multiple awards, including the 2020 National AIA Young Architect Award, 2019 AIA Houston Ben Brewer Award, and the 2019 Texas Society of Architects Honor Award for Young Professional Achievement.
Jim Way, AIA
Executive Vice President, Director of Operations
jimw@kirksey.com 713 426 7406
Jim has 37 years of experience and works with each of our teams to manage all hiring and Team staffing for Kirksey. He oversees the management of our facility as well as playing key roles in managing the financial, technology, project delivery, and training/education processes of the firm. Jim began his career in production, became a Registered Architect, and later moved into IT and operations management.
Melissa O'Neil, AIA
Vice President, Senior Project Manager
melissao@kirksey.com 713 426 7418
Since joining Kirksey in 2001, Melissa's work is highly esteemed among both clients and coworkers. Her expertise as a project manager for Kirksey's Interiors Team showcases more than 10 million square feet of commercial projects, and she acts as both a mentor and role model for other up-and-coming architects in the office.
Paul Newsoroff, AIA
Vice President, Director of Commercial Projects
pauln@kirksey.com 713 426 7444
Paul has managed more than 50 commercial projects and worked with numerous high profile clients since joining Kirksey in 2004. Paul's deep roots in the commercial office building sector and penchant for unmatched client service make him one of Kirksey's top project managers.
Angela Crum, RID, IIDA, EDAC, LEED AP
Associate Vice President
angela.crum@kirksey.com 214 466 2729
Angela joined the Kirksey Dallas team in 2023, bringing with her years of experience focused primarily on healthcare projects. Her deep understanding of the built environment and focus on human-centered design informs her thoughtful approach to designing solutions that positively impact people and their communities. Angela influences projects by applying research, evidence-based design, and human-centered design best practices, and through sustainability implementation. Her expertise in project management, client relations, technical review, and consultant coordination aid in her leadership of Kirksey's healthcare practice.
Randall Walker, AIA, LEED AP
Executive Vice President, Design Director - Interior Architecture
randallw@kirksey.com 713 426 7456
Randall's unique expertise in integrating interior architecture with overall design strategy, programming, and planning means he is involved in, and vital to, a variety of project types. Randall joined the firm in 1979 as a student intern and has been instrumental in building and developing the expertise of Kirksey's Interior Architecture team and the overall design capabilities of the firm.
Darrell Whatley, AIA, LEED AP
Vice President, Senior Project Manager
darrellw@kirksey.com 713-426-7499
Since 2000, Darrell has been producing exceptional education projects for Kirksey. His time on the Collegiate team has made him an expert in complex higher education projects of all types, from student housing to workforce training. Darrell’s clear and easy communication style with clients and his team has made him an invaluable project manager and leader in the firm.
Stacy Odom
Senior Associate, Marketing Art Director
stacyo@kirksey.com 713 426 7487
Stacy is Kirksey’s Marketing Art Director and a Senior Associate who joined the firm in 2009. Her background in communication design and corporate image management ensures Kirksey’s brand identity and messaging are effectively and creatively communicated. Stacy’s vision and direction of the firm’s corporate identity have helped shape the Kirksey brand and consistently demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and our community.
Tim Layendecker, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Associate Vice President
timl@kirksey.com 214 466 2713
Tim is an experienced designer and senior project manager in our North Texas office. He has a wide variety of experience and significant expertise in multiple market sectors, from community and education projects to retail and municipal work. Tim leverages his leadership, communication skills, and extensive experience to mentor developing architects and designers in our Dallas office.
Scott Cutlip, AIA, LEED AP
Vice President, Design Principal
scottc@kirksey.com 713 426 7458
As an award-winning designer with 27 years of architecture experience, Scott has designed more than 10 million square feet of projects including some of Houston's most notable buildings such as the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA, Energy Center Three, Four and Five, and Root Memorial Square Downtown. He is also an adjunct professor for the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston where he's taught for more than 12 years.
Steve Otto
Vice President, Director of Information Systems
steveo@kirksey.com 713 426 7496
Steve joined Kirksey in 2002 and his ability to research and implement cutting-edge technology and software platforms is essential to the firm. He manages 207 computers and servers capable of generating 724.5 gigacycles of computing power per second and plans for future expansion.
Scott Tibiletti, AIA
Vice President, Senior Project Manager
scottt@kirksey.com 713 426 7430
Scott joined Kirksey in 2000 as a member of the firm's hospitality team and has expertly managed large-scale projects–from mixed-use developments to high-rise residential towers. Scott's outstanding project management and strong communication skills helped him rise within the firm ranks during his career at Kirksey. He has managed more than $1.1 billion worth of projects during his tenure.
Russell Wooten, AIA
Vice President, Director of Innovation
russellw@kirksey.com 713 426 7437
Russell oversees the Project Delivery Department at Kirksey, which is a support department for both the Houston and Austin office. He focuses on developing firm standards and efficient workflows, staff training, and implements new technologies that improves Kirksey’s overall quality, consistency and efficiency across the firm. His approach to problem solving is a valuable asset that helped lead to the creation of Kirksey’s proprietary Project Delivery Manual — a best practice manual used by on every project. Russell is relentless in taking on new challenges to resolve and always strives to deliver stellar results.