FRCH Design Worldwide is proud to announce the promotion of 24 employees across nearly every department and studio, recognized at the 2015 Annual Breakfast.
The international architecture, interior design, graphic design and brand strategy firm honored their employees’ promotions at the Annual Breakfast, which took place at the Renaissance Hotel—a jewel in the crown of the firm’s more recent accomplishments. Spanning across almost all studios and departments, the promotions celebrated the successes of a talented group of the industry’s finest professionals.
Both the Hospitality and Specialty Architecture Studios saw six advancements. In Hospitality, Amy Cheeks, Susanne Gerber, and Christian Jenkins were promoted to Senior Professionals. Cheeks is endlessly devoted, having moved to Las Vegas to handle multiple franchise projects simultaneously. Bringing formidable organization skills and the ability to develop and focus details in many projects, Gerber has continually created notable work such as her digital lobby and animation work for Hilton Worldwide. Jenkins is both flexible and innovative in his work style as a great asset to the graphics team in the Hospitality Studio. Raejean Downs, a newly appointed Director, has provided invaluable support in mentoring young creative staff in the design and management of Hospitality projects. Both Phillip Freer and Kelli Lear became Creative Managing Directors. Freer is a unique creative professional who has elevated the FRCH core design product and fostered the professional growth of employees firm wide. A true “Renaissance Woman,” Lear, exercises her talents in many disciplines, while also maintaining a core role in the relationship with Hilton.
The Specialty Architecture Studio promoted Brad Church, Sean Cunningham, and Jon Lewis to Senior Professionals. As the resident Revit guru, Church is a constant digital educator and plays key roles on noteworthy accounts such as Starbucks. Sean is a team leader in many respects, wearing leadership hats for Under Armour, White House Black Market, as well as the FRCH softball team. Another integral member of the White House Black Market team, Jon Lewis is influential in his client relationships and a resident musician and artist. New Director, Nicole McDevitt, operating from Philadelphia, manages several high-volume clients such as US Cellular and sweetgreen. As a leader of the Prototype Team and new FRCH Director, Jonathan Rolke works closely with the Specialty Design Studio, while also running the Charles Schwab relationship. Lastly, Scott Rink became the new Vice President of the Specialty Architecture Studio. Rink has grown with FRCH, beginning in Department Stores, moving to Specialty Design, and now contributing to Specialty Architecture. He is instrumental in bringing new business opportunities and growing existing relationships.
Five earned promotions in the Specialty Design Studio. Cristina Ferrari and Mike Ruehlman both begin roles as Associate Directors. As a resident jack-of-many-trades, Cristina brings a diverse skillset to an array of disciplines and sectors, while focusing on brand strategy. Ruehlman has been instrumental in bringing fresh graphic design solutions to many clients and is unwaveringly committed. Two appointments as Creative Managing Directors, Doug Bunker and Michael Chaney, were announced. Gaining title as Creative Managing Director through vital role as keystone of the creative design teams, Doug Bunker strategizes to progress crucial clients. Chaney has held significant positions within both the Hospitality and Specialty Design Studios and is a tireless member of the FRCH community as a leader and mentor. A thoughtful, creative force with an intense attention to detail, Mari Miura, begins role as a Creative Managing Director for the Specialty Retail Studio.
Cassie Koch and Monica Lowry were both promoted to Directors in the Retail and Mixed-use Studio. Koch specializes in retail and has proved a major component in technical and construction aspects, specifications, and techniques. Koch’s ability to lead and expertise as an architect has influenced her chief roles on some of the firm’s largest projects. A principal in management, Lowry is essential to adaptive project management and an adept problem solver and communicator.
The large format advanced both Nicole Roberts and Brian Sullivan to Director roles. Roberts has been the creative leadership, as a graphic designer, behind FRCH’s relationship with Whole Foods and was a finalist as a PAVE Rising Star. Bringing a functional approach to architectural solutions, Brian Sullivan is sensitive to design concerning a number of varying clientele.
Kristi Owen became a Senior Professional within the Accounting Department. She has been integral to the development of new hires and is a key supporter of every sector of business. Another new senior professional, Melanie Zurad, advances as an Operations Manager and manages personnel in Cincinnati, New York, and Los Angeles, promoting the continued growth of the Retail and Mixed-use Studio. Amy Rink was promoted to Director of Studio Operations in the Department Stores sector. Rink plays a critical role in the firm’s continued relationship with Macy’s.
ABOUT FRCH: FRCH Design Worldwide is an international architecture, interior design, graphic design and brand strategy firm serving the retail, mixed-use, hospitality, restaurant and corporate office markets. Clients include Target, Disney, Luxottica, Macy’s Department Stores, Hilton Hotel Corporation, Liverpool Department Stores, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Wolverine Worldwide. Visit www.frch.com to learn more.