Richard Lovelace
Stellar, a fully integrated firm focused on design, engineering, construction and mechanical services worldwide, promoted Richard Lovelace from divisional vice president to senior vice president. In his role, Lovelace will lead the Commercial and Military Groups, responsible for designing and building facilities for the federal government and a range of industries, including automotive, faith-based, educational, hospitality, health care, office/retail, institutional and recreational.
Steven Kneski has been appointed as virtual design and construction modeler for Butz Family of Companies, which consists of Alvin H. Butz Inc., Alexander Building Construction Co, and Shoemaker Construction Co. As the new virtual design and construction modeler, Kneskie will be responsible for using Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other technologies in order to provide detailed renderings for prospective clients.
Jason Lembke, AIA, LEED, AP, has joined the DLR Group to elevate the firm’s expertise in K-12 design. Form DLR Group’s Chicago office, Lembke will be responsible for design, programming, planning and project administration for Illinois school districts as well as K-12 clients throughout the Midwest. Lembke brings with him 14 years of experience in planning, programming and design of new school construction, facility modernization and renovation.
Gkkworks, an architectural planning firm based in Irvine, Calif., hired Mike Helton as senior vice president. Helton’s primary responsibilities will be to evaluate and establish best practices for the processes of service delivery, with an emphasis on Integrated Services. In his new role, he will lead all integrated services of the firm with a focus on growth and optimal use of resources, and will work to improve efficiency and foster innovation.
David S. Crawford, president and CEO of Tempe, Ariz.-headquartered Sundt Construction Inc., was recently recognized for his 45 years of service to the company. Crawford began his career with the company as a concrete laborer in 1968.
Nora Systems Inc. has recently appointed Tasha Hughes as marketing specialist. Hughes will be responsible for maintaining and coordinating the company’s public relations, social media and advertising. Her experience includes working as a public relations assistant, marketing coordinator and community outreach coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Arts in public relations from New York’s Hofstra University. 
Memphis-based Varco Pruden (VP) Buildings, a division of BlueScope Buildings North America Inc., has named Tori Johnson the company’s product market analyst. Varco Pruden provides innovative steel building systems for low-rise commercial and industrial applications, including offices, warehouses, schools, manufacturing and retail projects.
International engineering company Thornton Tomasetti has announced the promotion of Michael Squarzini, PE, LEED, AP, to managing principal. Squarzini, who began working for Thornton Tomasetti in 1993, serves as the firm’s east U.S regional leader at the company’s New York office and also oversees the growth of the Sao Paulo office in Brazil.
Richard DeYoung, president and CEO of WTW Architects has been elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). The prestigious honor puts him in a class of only 3.2 percent of the AIA’s over 50,000 architect members who have been named fellows. DeYong has been in his current role with WTW Architects for the past 10 years.
Kerry Leonard has recently joined Oak Park, Ill.-based FGM Architects as the firm’s principal in PK-12 architecture. Leonard has over 30 years experience serving public and private K-12 clients in the local, regional and national markets.