Trailblazing architecture and design firm Blitz is pleased to officially announce a new St. Louis outpost and thrilled to elevate three members of its rockstar team to the position of principal as the firm continues to grow and expand. Driven by the passionate pursuit of greater solutions, Justin Beadle, who helms the St. Louis office and San Francisco-based Kimberley O’Dowd and John Hunter, are making history as the first principals at the firm outside of its founders.
Since it was co-founded by Melissa and Seth Hanley in 2009, Blitz has quickly established itself as more than just a creator of exceptionally designed spaces. Crafting on-brand experiences in line with corporate culture, identity, and overall business strategy has made Blitz an invaluable partner to clients and is a driving factor in its rapid growth. The recent leadership appointments and new location, which joins a network of offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver— support Blitz’s goals to expand its reach and broaden its already stellar portfolio, which includes projects for powerful and pioneering companies such as Google, Spotify, Microsoft, Lucid Motors, and Verizon, to name just a few.
“With our studios rapidly expanding across the US and with projects in close to 80 countries, it was the perfect moment to advance these three incredible designers into greater positions of leadership within the company,” comments Blitz Co-Founder Melissa Hanley. “Justin, Kimberly, and John all bring unique and invaluable talents and experience to the table and I am confident their energy and expertise will keep Blitz on its steady upward trajectory.”
In detail, the new principals are:
Justin Beadle, Principal + Architect
After Justin’s appointment as Principal at Blitz, the ambitious design professional with over 15 years of experience, relocated to Missouri to establish the firm’s St. Louis office. While maintaining a role in firm leadership at large, he fosters a seamless knowledge exchange between the west coast and the Midwest as he contributes to the redevelopment work, he loves in the heart of the country. First drawn to the firm by its conceptual, collaborative approach to architecture, Justin has succeeded by leading project design, developing balanced teams, and defining new design processes. A bit of a weirdo at heart, Justin specializes in finding the unique and essential in his client’s identity. He rallies his teams around thoughtful concepts, encouraging deep design thinking that yields totally designed spaces, while keeping one foot on the ground.
Kimberley O’Dowd, Principal + Architect
Kimberley’s tactical mind has enhanced the business development aspect of the firm’s operations. She excels at creating strategic plans that ensure project success, and client satisfaction. Details are always the focal point of Kimberley’s concentration, as project structure and technicality fascinate her. She has a diverse portfolio ranging from fast-paced tenant improvement projects to award-winning healthcare projects to complex international socio-economic projects. Kimberley consistently surprises her clients and colleagues with her ability to balance the weird and the practical to make amazing things happen. She’s also an accomplished seamstress, using her skills to create handmade goods for charitable organizations.
John Hunter, Principal + Architect
John’s recent promotion from Technical Director to Principal at Blitz is just one of many career achievements. John has been thriving in the architecture industry since 1981 and is constantly called upon to share his profound insights. Before his tenure at Blitz, John provided mentorship to the firm’s partners, Seth and Melissa Hanley in the early stages of their careers. They listened carefully to his vast experiences and eventually founded Blitz! With over 41 years in the industry, John has uncovered many architectural secrets that deepened his understanding of his craft. Being a part of an innovative firm that shakes things up and creates new processes exhilarates him. Blitz got him re-engaged with the diverse and complex work that he loves. John is eager to maintain his role of “savant” at the firm and help chart new ways to deliver projects. John continues to believe that mentorship is mutually beneficial and helps people reorganize their world views. John’s mentees have often opened his eyes to new processes he never considered. It fulfills him to see the colleagues he molded go, do, and be.
About Blitz:
Blitz is a full-service architecture and interior design firm specializing in commercial, retail, and hospitality design. Founded by Melissa and Seth Hanley in 2009, the award-winning firm is composed of curious architects and creatives who live and breathe design. With studios in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, and Saint Louis, Blitz’s national practice is driven by the passionate pursuit of greater solutions. By approaching design as an information-driven process, the firm excels in providing holistic design concepts for the built environment. www.studioblitz.com
