The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced 30 finalists for the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service and STAX Museum is among the finalists. The National Medal is the “nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.” Throughout April and May, those whose lives have been impacted by these museums and libraries are encouraged to share their memories on social media, tagging IMLS. Winners will be announced the first week of June. LRK is proud to have collaborated on the design of the STAX Museum of American Music. It is the only project in Tennessee to be named a finalist.

Nationally recognized architectural, planning, and interior design firm LRK is pleased to announce new associates and senior associates across its Philadelphia, Dallas, Little Rock, Celebration, and Memphis offices.

“Continuing to build a pipeline of talent has been a priority of LRK’s since its founding,” said Frank Ricks, LRK founding principal. “We are proud of these architects’ commitment to our philosophy and practice and look forward to continued collaboration both in and across our offices.”

SENIOR ASSOCIATES

Jason Brennaman, RA | Celebration
Project Manager/Architect

Jason joined LRK in 2014 with over eight years of experience with an emphasis on a collaborative approach between architects, consultants, clients, and contractors. He has had responsibility for all phases of a project—including schematic design, design development, construction documents, project management and construction administration. Jason specializes in the design and coordination of various entertainment and commercial facilities. Jason has extensive experience with BIM and this expertise, coupled with his knowledge of the entertainment/commercial market, has been instrumental to the success of his projects. 

Krissy Buck Flickinger, AIA, LEED Fellow, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, NGBS Green Verifier, Fitwell Ambassador | Memphis
Sustainability Director

Krissy is an architect and also serves as the firm’s champion of sustainability. She has practiced architecture for more than 15 years and has built a reputation for her belief that good design is about celebrating the history of a community and working within the existing fabric to create the perfect blend of old and new. It is because of this passion for preservation, adaptive reuse, and sustainability that she has led LRK project teams to a scorecard of 28 projects certified using a variety of green building rating systems, meanwhile encouraging all of LRK’s designs to strive for environmental excellence. Krissy is the member of the Market Leadership Advisory Board of USGBC TN, where she has been an active member since moving to Memphis in 2011 and was awarded Green Volunteer of the Year award in 2018. Krissy is the first LEED Fellow, WELL Accredited Professional, and NGBS Green Verifier in the Mid-South region.

Eli Storch, AIA, LEED AP | Philadelphia
Project Manager

After completing his Master of Architecture from University of Pennsylvania, Eli has committed his professional career to the Philadelphia community, where he has led various award-winning projects across adaptive reuse, community, higher education, and multifamily housing categories — notably 1901 East York Street, Kreate Hub Philly, and 3232 Henry Avenue. Eli serves as Chair for Philadelphia’s Design Advocacy Group and has led pro bono projects for the Safe Hub Philly, EducationWorks and Pennsylvania SPCA.

ASSOCIATES

Chad Boardman, AIA | Philadelphia
Architect

Chad holds 15-plus years of experience in the commercial, educational, mixed-use, and residential markets, including mixed-income, senior living, and market-rate housing. Chad is a Project Architect and provides technical reviews for projects across LRK’s eight offices. His focus on the science of the building enclosure complements his support for sustainability certifications under Passive House, LEED, and Enterprise Green Communities.

Lisa Brennaman, RA, NCIDQ | Celebration
Architect/Project Manager

Lisa joined LRK in 2016 with over eight years of experience in program intensive architecture. She excels in efficiently managing complex projects with constrained schedules and strict budgets. Lisa adeptly works to address the client’s needs resulting in a well-organized, high-quality project. Her knowledge of the latest design software and experience with construction processes on a wide range of project types from single family homes to quality control assessments adds value to the LRK architectural team.

Wendy Cooper Kelly, CDT, LEED AP | Memphis
Designer 

Since joining LRK in 2011, Wendy’s focus has played a crucial role in implementation of BIM office standards through all phases from conceptual design through construction administration. This focus has translated into successful project coordination and delivery with a focus on creativity, hard work, and happy clients. Her knowledge on a diverse array of projects—including the Renasant Convention Center in Downtown Memphis, Centennial Park Apartments in Atlanta, and Burnet Flats in Austin—has proven her to be an asset to the project team. As an NCARB advisor, Wendy assists licensure candidates and architects as they navigate the path to licensure and reciprocity. Her knowledge of NCARB and her mentorship are a major asset to LRK.  Wendy’s latest venture is serving on the boards of the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County, Mid-South Hard Hats with Heart, and the Construction Specifications Institute.

Chris DuFreche | Dallas
Project Manager

Chris is an architectural designer with multifamily, single family, commercial, and educational project experience. In his current role as project manager, Chris excels in project coordination from pre-design through construction administration for a variety of projects across the state of Texas. His efficiency, organization, and ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems allow projects to run smoothly under all circumstances. His passion for efficiency and new design have been an asset to LRK.

Carlos Fernandez | Dallas
Architect

A member of LRK’s Dallas studio since 2015, Carlos’ project experience includes multifamily, hospitality, adaptive reuse, new retail and retail renovation, as well as interior design. Carlos approaches each of his projects thoughtfully, paying great attention to graphics, details, and function. Carlos’ experience in Spain, Serbia, Belgium and Chile brings a different point of view to each project with a goal of creating pedestrian-friendly communities. Carlos strongly believes that urban design, architecture, and interior design should be linked together and that great designs create great communities.

Ken O’Brien, AIA, CPHD, LEED AP | Philadelphia
Architect

Ken is a LEED and Passive House certified architect with over 20 years of experience designing and managing sustainable and socially responsible environments. Throughout his career, Ken has focused on mixed-income neighborhoods, but also brings a range of other architectural experience with mixed-use infill, student housing, luxury high-rises and academic facilities. Most recently, Ken has assisted with the implementation of a Choice Neighborhood in Memphis through the design of a senior apartment building, which is the fifth phase of the implementation plan.

Dara Payton, RA, LEED AP | Memphis
Architect

Dara joined LRK in 2013 with 10 years of experience in commercial architecture projects.  Since joining LRK, she has managed multiple projects in Tampa, Orlando, and Huntsville and been a Project Architect on several multifamily and adaptive reuse projects.  Dara excels in efficiently managing complex projects and developing young architects.  Her ability to quietly lead and develop staff is a value to the firm and those on her team.  She is also a crucial member of the LRK Culture Crew and works to strengthen and build the culture of the Memphis office and firm as a whole.

Cindy Sessoms, AIA, LEED AP | Little Rock
Project Manager

Since joining LRK’s Little Rock office, Cindy has proven to be a valuable part of the LRK team in multiple aspects of project delivery including concept design, project design and construction administration. She strives to understand the needs of LRK clients first; and then responds by providing design solutions that combine creativity, efficiency and cost effectiveness. Cindy’s hands-on approach and clear communication skills ensures projects run smoothly from schematic design through construction administration. Her background includes extensive experience in providing services for higher education institutions across the state of Arkansas.

The Preservation Alliance for greater Philadelphia will celebrate the 2022 Preservation Achievement Awards on June 8^th and the LRK-designed adaptive reuse, Kreate Hub Philly, will be one of the projects recognized as an award winner. Built in 1899 by acclaimed Philadelphia school architect Joseph Anschutz, the stone-clad former Thomas Powers School, has been redeveloped into artist studios. Celebrating the building’s original details is the primary focus of the renovation, with care taken to reuse the original oak floors, pressed tin ceilings, arched hallway openings, and unique chalkboard-inlaid rolling partitions. In addition to providing much needed studio space for the local artist community, Kreate Hub Philly’s hallways, lounges, coworking space and café are all designed as galleries where shows and exhibitions can be displayed.

LRK-designed amenity spaces were recently recognized at the 2022 McSAM awards ceremony, sponsored by the Dallas Builders Association. The Arena at Pecan Square won Best Community Amenity and Harvest, which features two LRK-designed amenity facilities, The Fit Barn and The Front Porch, won People’s Choice and Community of the Year. In fact, the list of finalists for the Best Community Amenity category featured four LRK-designed projects: Fitness Park at Union Park, The Arena at Pecan Square, The Fit Barn at Harvest, and The Front Porch at Harvest.  

Memphis Business Journal – We’re honored to announce two LRK-designed projects were recently presented MBJ Building Memphis awards. Renasant Convention Center received a Building Memphis award in the Best Renovation – Large category and the Kemmons Wilson Co. Headquarters received an award in the Best Renovation – Medium category. In addition, the AutoZone – Peter R. Formanek Store Support Center was a finalist in the Best Renovation – Large category. The 10^th anniversary of the Building Memphis program, the awards honor exemplary new construction and renovation projects. “These awards zero in on community impact — from jobs created to community investment and change in the area. Building Memphis also weighs architectural scope, design, sustainable practices, and construction excellence.” Winners were announced at a live Building Memphis awards ceremony held March 29^th at the Memphis Botanic Garden. 

We’re proud to announce our own Amy Smith has been recognized as a Memphis Business Journal HR Impact Award winner. Now in its 5^th year, the HR Impact Awards celebrate outstanding human resources professionals. A principal and director of HR, Amy serves as a brand ambassador for prospective employees, including when recruiting at more than a dozen college campuses each year. She was also instrumental in developing LRK’s mentorship program and the Culture Crew, an employee-driven program across LRK’s eight offices to support team-building events and general office culture.

The Philadelphia Business Journal recently published their list of 22 Greater Philadelphia development projects to watch in 2022, and an LRK-designed project is on the list. At the intersection of Main and DeKalb in the heart of Norristown, Pennsylvania, the $31 million mixed-use development will contain 111 market-rate apartments and 12,000 square feet of commercial space. LRK will be providing architecture and interior design services for the project and construction is expected to commence in 2023.

LRK’s Danielle Lake has been working as a member of a consultant team since 2019 to develop Transit Friendly Planning: A Guide for New Jersey Communities. The guide is a resource for municipalities, planners, and community members to advocate, promote, and implement improved mobility and access to transit throughout New Jersey. Danielle recently participated in a webinar promoting the new Transit Friendly Planning guide. Excellent work, Danielle!

LRK is thrilled to announce three LRK-designed projects won Best in American Living Awards (BALA) last week. The Alastair at Aria Village, located in Atlanta, won a Platinum award in the Multifamily Development 4-7 Stories, For Rent category. The Pecan Square Amenity Building in Northlake, Texas won a Platinum Award in the Community Facility category and the Gates on Greenleaf Townhomes in Shreveport, Louisiana won a Gold award in the Attached Homes/Townhomes, Built for Sale category. BALA winners exemplify the best of the best in national design trends, and the awards were announced at a ceremony held in conjunction with the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando on Feb. 9^th. 

Rogean Cadieux-Smith will be a guest speaker today in a discussion about what the world, our communities, and offices will look like as we navigate the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsored by the Bass River Global Institute, this presentation is part of The Future in Focus Conversation Series. Please join the discussion by registering here.