Chris Narendorf, LEED AP, director of O’Connell Robertson’s San Antonio office, has been promoted to principal at the firm. Narendorf serves as the company’s education market leader for the South Texas region. He has more than 13 years of experience as a project manager and designer — 11 of which have been with O’Connell Robertson.
MKSD Architects promoted Christian Didra to project designer, where he continues his Intern Development Program with hopes of becoming a licensed architect. He placed second in lighting design competitions and his designs have been featured in the National Sustainable Design Expo in Washington D.C., as well as Philadelphia University’s Spirit of Innovation Gala. Previously, Didra worked for Bohlin Cywinski Jackson in Philadelphia.
Michael Weingartz, PE, LEED AP, director of mechanical and electrical engineering at SmithGroupJJR’s Detroit office, has been promoted to Vice President. During his 25-year career as a professional electrical engineer, he has provided the design of power distribution, security, lighting, fire alarm, life safety and communications systems. His responsibilities include work with Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.
SmithGroupJJR hired Jon Romig to lead the planning group in the firm’s Detroit office. As head of laboratory planning and programming activities, mentoring staff and offering project planning and design expertise, he will also aid in business development pursuits throughout the Midwest. He has nearly 30 years of experience in facility design.
Perkins Eastman appointed Sean O’Donnell, AIA, LEED AP to lead the firm’s market sector for primary and secondary education environments. He will work across the firm’s 13 offices domestically and internationally. With more than 20 years of experience, O’Donnell serves as founder and Chair of the AIA/DC Committee on Architecture for Education.
John Furman has been appointed the north region manager of Heery International. Based in Baltimore, Furman is responsible for directing business development, design and construction services throughout Heery’s 26-state north region. A 27-year Heery veteran, he most recently served as Director of Program Management Services for the northern region.
Arvind Nerurkar, S.E., was promoted by Coffman Engineers to the position of managing principal. Based at the firm’s Seattle office, Nerurkar has been with the company for 14 years and served as the structural department manager for the past four years. A licensed structural engineer in 20 states, Nerurkar’s experience in structural analysis and design includes educational and medical facilities, and commercial and residential buildings.
Rick Dewar is now the new national practice leader for Wight & Company in the PreK-12 education sector. Based in Illinois, Dewar brings 27 years of experience from OWP/P where he previously served as principal and board member. He was also a member of the Board of Directors for the OWP/P Cannon Designs Design/Build business.
Kyle Rennaker recently joined the engineering and development team at Advanced Cabinet Systems. Rennaker began his career as a part-time consultant for about 8 months with Advanced Cabinet Systems, creating visualizations and animations of their fixtures. He later worked full-time for the firm, continuing to create product visuals and animations for marketing.
Wight & Company, an architectural, engineering and construction firm, announced Michael J. Lubbers, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has been promoted to the position of creative director. In 2008, Lubbers joined the firm as senior designer and now operates out of Wight’s Chicago office.
