Posts

Katy Litwin

/in /by

Drawing, imagining, and designing buildings, spaces or objects has been a part of Katy’s creative outlet for as long as she can remember.  Katy was always drawn to the architectural profession. As she learned more about it, she was inspired by how spaces can impact people, culture, and society in diverse and meaningful ways.  As she learned more about an architect’s work, which extends beyond the process of designing physical spaces to involve research, collaboration, and ideation about how that physical space will function today and, in the future, she knew this is was the right career for her. Projects that promote more significant opportunities for their occupants to engage and be inspired have always motivated Katy.  Whether Katy is at work or home, her passion for design never stops. The opportunity, big or small, gives her the chance to imagine something new and think creatively.

Katy’s passion for design translates into her ability to mentor and lead others in the design field.  Katy wants to positively impact the people she works with and the projects she is a part of. She is motivated by designing spaces that inspire, engage, and support the communities for which they are built. Katy’s commitment to the profession was recognized in 2018 when she received the AIA Michigan Young Architect award.

When asked about her biggest strength, Katy said, “She believes it is her ability to understand and share the feelings of others through her work.” Katy continued to say, “As experts in the design role, we bring a lot of knowledge to the projects in which we engage, however without empathy and an understanding of our client’s needs and goals, these projects are not complete.”

 “To create, one must first question everything.” – Eileen Gray, Architect and Designer

Aubree Robichaud

/in /by

As a kid Aubree always enjoyed the creative process, art, drawing, lego-building, you name it.  She is detail-oriented and was curious to understand how buildings were made.  In High School, she took a drafting class and had the opportunity to learn about building and construction, and she was instantly hooked.  Working in this profession has allowed her to blend those interests in a delightful and rewarding way. She strives to continually evolve and improve upon her professional abilities to provide successful project-specific solutions that will leave meaningful impressions on the built environment.

Aubree continuously seeks the new and unique design challenges that come with each project. ; it motivates her to approach each day as a problem solver and always remain inquisitive. But being able to adapt to any situation is Aubree’s biggest strength. She has been with IDS for almost nine years; she has worked on multiple projects at that time. Becoming a licensed architect and an Associate at IDS has been her most outstanding achievement thus far. She believes, however, that there are still many exciting milestones ahead of her.

When Aubree isn’t working on all of the fantastic projects at IDS, she enjoys being outdoors whenever possible. She also enjoys playing piano and spending time with her family.

“Use your fear; it can take you to the place where you store your courage.” – Amelia Earhart

Taylor Easthope

/in /by

Taylor has always been obsessed with the idea of potential. Whether it is of things, people, objects, or spaces, she believes that Interior Design lets her develop the possibility of a client’s current space or creates an opportunity to develop a brand new one. Interior Design allows Taylor to do something different each day, and as much as she does not want to admit it, she secretly enjoys multi-tasking. One of her greatest strengths is being organized and a fantastic planner. Not only does Taylor enjoy the potential of things, but she also enjoys cooking with her husband. She says that he likes to go rogue in the kitchen, where Taylor herself likes to follow the recipe.

One of Taylor’s most significant professional achievements was receiving her NCIDQ. Since then, she has learned so much, paving the way to become a better presenter to clients, both in-person and virtually. But in the past year, Taylor has been investing in her mental health, making her a better friend, wife, daughter, and sister. Taylor feels the best space to be in professionally is one that allows her to learn and grow. She finds motivation in being able to make an impact or difference in a space, on a process, or with a person.

When not working on designing new spaces or cooking with her husband, Taylor enjoys vintage hunting; she has found some of her favorite items by going to estate sales and shopping on the Facebook marketplace.

“The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host, anticipating the needs of his guests.” – Charles Eames

Michael DelPup

/in /by

Michael is a first-generation Italian who keeps his family traditions alive, making salami, sausage, and prosciutto with his sons.  As a teen, he worked as a laborer and bricklayer for his father’s construction company.  He would find himself looking at the buildings and wondering how they were put together, leading him to pursue a career in architecture.  Keeping a calm, unruffled demeanor while working through stressful situations is his greatest strength. 

You can tell that Michael’s proudest personal achievement is raising his three sons and seeing them turn into healthy, hard-working individuals.  He hopes that they continue to believe in the importance of family.  When Michael is out of the office, he enjoys golfing, tailgates and getting together with family and friends.   

At work, Michael is motivated by the satisfaction he gets from his clients’ approval after a project is completed.  Although he has worked on many projects throughout his career, Michael’s most outstanding achievement was being the Construction Administrator for the Michigan State University Spartan Stadium North End Zone Addition.  At this stage in his career, Michael’s goal is continued successful project management and to be a resource and mentor. 

 

“Watch your words; they become your actions.  Watch your actions; they become your habits.

Watch your habits; they become your character.”   – Vince Lombardi 

Todd Nemecek

/in /by

Todd held the high jump record of 6’ 6 1/4” at his High School for 34 years, but that is not his most outstanding personal achievement. Being an amazing dad to his daughters is his most outstanding personal achievement. Holding the high jump record could tell you his greatest strength is reaching the top shelf in most kitchens, so if you need something on the top shelf, ask Todd.  

But his real strength is being able to communicate and work with anyone. He says that he always finds a way to have a good working relationship with everyone. Having these good relationships relate to all the great projects he has worked on for the University Of Michigan, like UMMA, Law School South Hall, Law School Commons, School of Architecture, U of M Union, and North Campus Recreation. All these fantastic projects Todd has worked on motivates him to continue to work on the next project. Todd wants to leave the world a little better than it was when he came into it. He is continually working towards his goal to be good at what he does and share what he has learned over the years. 

When Todd is not at work, he enjoys cooking just about anything. On top of cooking, he just finished a home renovation project. But he enjoys doing just about anything with his fiancé.  

 

“I’m growing older, not up”  – Jimmy Buffett 

Tracie Withrow

/in /by

Tracie is a woman of many talents and hobbies.  At one time, she was enrolled in a culinary arts program before transferring to Las Vegas to work on Las Vegas City Center Project as a Construction Administrator. Over her years as a Construction Administrator, she developed and has refined her most significant strengths of handling multiple tasks at a time and knowing where to find answers/resources for often unique Project challenges as they arise.  Tracie has worked on several projects at Michigan State University, Notre Dame, and has provided professional services for various other clients over the past 15-20 years, with her primary role as the lead Construction Administrator. When she first started in the industry, she initially found architecture intriguing and later discovered that construction administration suits her since it brings something different regularly, like Mass Timber Construction. She looks forward to this ever-changing industry, never ceasing to amaze her.

Tracie’s most outstanding professional achievement in her career at IDS is the positive relationships with her team members. She appreciates and values the positive relationships she has created working as a project construction administrator. Tracie built these relationships by vital communication with her project-specific teams and working with team members to accomplish tasks during critical (And non-critical) times of a Project. Working on multiple projects has shown Tracie that one of her favorite periods of a project is when she meets with the Project Designer, Architect, Engineer, etc., at the start of construction administration.  She finds it necessary and beneficial for a CA to be aware of the Designers Intent, necessary project technical or performance criteria, the reasonings behind Design decisions, materials selections, etc., as construction progresses. Tracie’s goal is to practice and demonstrate ways to close the communication gap between AE professionals and the construction community. She believes that there is so much that can be learned if team members communicate and work together.

Tracie’s work relationships are not her only achievement, just her professional achievement. She served as an active board member and volunteered for a local Dog Rescue group outside of work. One day soon, she hopes to do this again and get together with her group of seven girlfriends that she has known since Elementary School. When she is not spending time with her friends, she thinks of ways to make her friends laugh or new foods or drinks to make for them to try.

 

“I work hard so my dogs can have a better life” – Unknown

Scott Smith

/in /by

You cannot look at Scott Smith and tell that there was a time when he was at Disneyworld and was hit in the head by a duck. If you have ever talked with him you might know about his passion for the technology design industry. He may have gone into his profession as an accident, but it is undoubtedly the right profession for him. Through the years at IDS, he has worked in the HR/Accounting department, IT department, and Electrical department. Today he specializes in Technology design and has grown that group. Scott’s ability to listen to a customer’s wants and needs and translate that into reality is his greatest strength. You could call him a Technology Translator. 

When asked about his greatest professional achievement Scott stated, “I like to think I haven’t reached my greatest professional achievement yet.” He says his ultimate professional achievement will be reached at the end of his career and being able to look back on how many students and teachers his technology designs have touched and the impact on helping teachers teach and students learn in a safe and fun environment. Scott wants to provide technology customers with designs and project management that goes beyond their expectations.  His favorite memory was completing a 1:1 device rollout and being able to walk around an elementary school with the technology director and peer into the classrooms and see the kids genuinely excited to learn with their new iPads, Chromebooks, and interactive projectors. 

If you are ever lucky to be invited over on a Saturday night be ready for a family pizza night in Scott’s home theater. Scott also enjoys spending time with his kids doing 3D printing projects, doing science kits/experiments, and anything virtual reality.  Recently Scott was a mentor for his daughter at the Science Olympiad. She received first place in her school district and the county. She also received a participation medal and gave it to Scott and said, “Thanks for participating Dad.”   

 

“Work the locks, don’t look at the dogs” – Magnum PI 

Matthew McCarty

/in /by

Matt graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, but did you know that he was also on the Varsity Cheerleading squad? What started from wanting to have good seats for all the football and basketball games turned into him becoming a member of the Varsity Cheerleading squad for three years. While attending The University of Toledo, Matthew learned that he could use a computer to help with his writing, and he picked up a personal computer as a hobby.  His interest in technology was furthered when he took a computer class.  It was in this class that he met an important person in his life, a young woman named Marilyn, who would later become his wife. After college, Matt was able to parlay his hobby into a full-time job. His time in the industry has given him extensive experience with technology, especially educational technology.

After serving in various technology leadership and project management, Matt served for 15 years as Executive Director of Technology for Clarkston Community Schools in Clarkston, Michigan. Matthews’ grandest professional achievement thus far was earning his Project Management Professional certification on his first attempt. Matthew helped shepherd the district through a period of explosive growth in educational technology. He has always been motivated with the desire to be helpful. His chief professional goal is to help IDS and the customers he works alongside.

Outside of work, he envisions his greatest achievement is having partnered with his wife Marilyn to guide his children to grow into kind, confident, and successful adults. Matt’s talents extend past his job into his enjoyment of playing the guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and Cajon. During the summer months, you might find him traveling, day-hiking, or even on his boat enjoying a relaxing day on the water.

“The greatest bit of advice I ever received was, ‘Don’t worry, no one else knows what they are doing either.’” 

– Ricky Gervais 

Michael Dombrowski

/in /by

Michael’s experience at IDS shows that he knows how to problem-solve and design, to suit any project’s needs. One of his greatest strengths is being able to adapt to multiple projects and situations and troubleshoot projects while in the field. Humbly he has not achieved his greatest professional achievement at IDS, but he strives every day to get it. When asked about his professional goal, Michael stated, “To continue to grow my knowledge in the technology industry, establish long-lasting relationships with clients and coworkers. Hopefully, retire and ride off into the sunset.”   

While not at IDS he enjoys boating on the lake, hunting, riding dirt bikes, and going to outdoor motocross events. You may even find him ordaining a wedding as he is an ordained minister. 

2021 Brings New Promotions

/in , /by

2021 has brought a multitude of new promotions. David Giroux, Brandon Sundberg, Tom Carron, Mark Reaves, Joseph Schwartz, Justin Kiriazis, Charlie Haas, Jim Hooker, Colin Murphy, and Brynolf Peterson will all be transitioning into new roles here at IDS. Congratulations team, we cannot wait to see what amazing things you do in your new roles.

David Giroux, AIA, CDT is transitioning from Vice President to Senior Vice President and will continue to help grow our Healthcare market. With a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from Lawrence Technological University, David’s passion for healthcare design and construction was born during his two years living and working in Chicago.  He brought that passion and experience to IDS when he returned to his hometown of Royal Oak. David lives by the creed, “anything worth doing is worth doing right” and demonstrates this in all aspects of his life. David is currently Principal-in-Charge of the McLaren Lapeer Region Ambulatory Care Center and the State of Michigan, Caro Center.  

Brandon Sundberg, AIA, LEED® AP, Director of Architecture, has transitioned from Vice President to Senior Vice President. Brandon greatly appreciates the architectural process, and the various roles people play within that process. His love of architecture and observation began at an early age from the natural environment of his surroundings as his mother helped him realize a sense of place and the importance its affects have on people and memory. Today, he strives to bridge people with the practice of architecture and engineering by being mindful of the environment and cultivating meaningful relationships. Brandon is currently working with Birmingham Community Schools and other education-based Clients.  

 

Tom Carron, PE, has been with IDS since Spring 2006. Tom will be transitioning into his new role as Vice President and will continue as the Director of Electrical Engineering and Technology Services as well. He is energized by collaborating with staff to provide design solutions that have a lasting and positive impact on clients. A zest for science led Tom to a career in engineering. As the beneficiary of years of mentoring under skilled professionals, he has a passion for providing guidance to those around him who will benefit from his experience. He has served as lead electrical engineer on numerous projects in a wide assortment of market segments since joining IDS. As director, Tom leads a staff of 33 highly qualified electrical and technology design professionals.  

Mark Reaves, AIA, LEED® AP BD+C, NCARB, will be stepping into his new position as Vice President, Director of Athletics & Recreational Sports. After being with IDS for almost 10 years, Mark is driven by a client’s needs and the desire to find unique solutions for complex problems. Keenly focused on process, he looks beyond the norm to make significant and meaningful change.  His passion for supporting environmentally sensitive design extends beyond architecture to his personal life as an early adopter of electric car technology.  

 Joseph Schwartz, PE, CGD, LEED® AP BD+C, Director of Mechanical Engineering, has been with IDS for 9 years. He will continue his career at IDS as the Vice President, Director of Mechanical Engineering. As a mechanical engineer at IDS, Joe’s goal with every project is to provide energy efficient mechanical systems that seamlessly blend into the building architecture. Taking the name of Integrated Design Solutions to heart, Joe works diligently with the architects and other project disciplines to provide coordinated mechanical designs that work with the building design without sacrificing system performance. The ultimate goal is to provide a comfortable environment for all building occupants. Joe feels that if he does his job right, people won’t even realize that he did his job at all.  

 

Justin Kiriazis, PE, LC, will be continuing to grow with IDS as a Senior Associate. Justin has been with IDS for almost 5 years and has been in the industry for 12 years. He followed this interest of engineering at the University of Michigan where he pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering. Justin is committed to upholding the positive reputation of IDS. Some of Justin’s project highlights are Ford EDC Data Centers, Detroit Energy, Oakland Community College, and University of Michigan Beyster

 

Charlie Haas, AIA, LEED® AP BD+C, NCARB, is an Architect at IDS for nearly 8 years and has been promoted to Associate. Charlie is well rounded in his project experience working in higher education, K12, Healthcare, Athletics. Charlie has had the opportunity to work on projects across multiple market segments, allowing him to continue his growth as an architect. Currently, Charlie is the Project Architect for the Clio Area School District Bond and the Project Manager on South Lyon Community Schools Bond. 

James Hooker, PE, LEED® AP BT+C, is a Senior Electrical Engineer at IDS for almost 3 years, starting in 2018 and will be starting his new role as an associate. He brings 20 years of versatile experience with diverse understanding ranging from airports and government to schools and hospitals. Jim is currently working as the lead Electrical Engineer for the State of Michigan, Caro Center. 

Colin Murphy, PE, CEM, joined IDS in June 2019 after working in the industry for roughly 18 years. Colin is a licensed Mechanical Engineer with an expertise in building automation systems. He is a lead mechanical system controls design engineer and will continue is growth at IDS as an Associate. Colin is currently working on the Mott Community College, Memorial Building Mechanical System Upgrades, Wayne RESA BAS Integration and Great Lakes Water Authority Springwells Piping Support.  

Brynolf Peterson, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, is a Lead Specification Writer at IDS and has been promoted to an Associate. Brynolf worked at IDS for 10 years before leaving and returning in early 2020. Brynolf works in various markets, ranging from K-12 to Healthcare and he is engaged in all project specifications for the firm.  As the Lead Specification Manager his knowledge of building technologies has a positive impact on the success of all of our Client’s projects.  We look forward to the innovation that Brynolf’s passion will bring to IDS for years to come.