ENGtechnica

Tag: Architecture

  • Fentress Architects’ Thomas Walsh Recognized by AIA College of Fellows

    Fentress Architects’ Thomas Walsh Recognized by AIA College of Fellows

    Thomas J. Walsh, FAIA. Source: Fentress Architects

    DENVER, CO, Feb 21, 2025 – Fentress Architects has announced that Thomas J. Walsh is elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows, a distinction recognizing exceptional work and contributions to the architecture profession and society. Fewer than 3% of AIA members hold the esteemed FAIA designation.

    “Thom Walsh has been at Fentress Architects for 36 years, leading airport terminal projects throughout the U.S. and around the world,” said Curtis Fentress, FAIA, RIBA, Fentress Architects principal in Charge of Design. “He has advanced the practice of terminal design, leading stakeholders, teams, and communities through large scale projects with complicated planning and phasing.”

    Leading the Future

    Known for his gracious demeanor, Thomas notes, “I’m humbled by and very appreciative of this recognition by the AIA, understanding it is a singular acknowledgement of the tireless work of thousands. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the finest clients, designers, and construction professionals on such impactful projects.”

    People are the focus of Thom’s architectural practice. He shares his knowledge openly and collaborates with fellow professionals and new architects. Together, they work to understand the complex and changing aspects of terminal design, construction, and operation.

    Thom is involved in airport design organizations throughout his career. He is involved with Airports Council International, the American Association of Airport Executives, and Aerial Futures. Through his participation, presentations, and white papers, he has contributed to the growth of knowledge in the industry.

    Source: Fentress Architects

    About Fentress Architects

    Fentress Architects, founded in 1980 by Curtis W. Fentress, is a design firm headquartered in Denver, CO, with additional studios in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., London, and Shanghai. Renowned for its expertise in large-scale public architecture, the firm serves industries such as aviation, civic and government, cultural institutions, and commercial sectors. Notable projects include Denver International Airport, Incheon International Airport in Seoul, and the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia. Over its four-decade history, Fentress Architects has designed more than $52 billion in architectural landmarks worldwide, welcoming over 750 million visitors annually. The firm has received close to 700 awards for innovation and design excellence.

  • Michael Baker Merges Akela into Sustainable, Resilient Solutions Vertical

    Michael Baker Merges Akela into Sustainable, Resilient Solutions Vertical

    To address traffic and safety concerns in Richmond Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, Michael Baker provided preliminary and final highway design, post-design and environmental services for the S.R. 0222, Section 19S roundabout. Image: Michael Baker International.

    PITTSBURGH, PA, Jan 7, 2025 – Michael Baker International has announced that the firm’s portfolio company, Akela Engineering and Consulting, has merged with Michael Baker’s Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS) business vertical. The SRS vertical encompasses the firm’s current mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), structural engineering, telecommunications, cybersecurity, fire protection and architectural services.

    The merging of Akela, a national MEP+ firm with deep expertise in California, into Michael Baker offers clients holistic, smart and resilient building solutions across market sectors. The combined team will continue to partner with clients to achieve the highest levels of building design, comfort, safety and energy efficiency.

    The action strengthens Michael Baker’s position as the firm focuses on growing private sector work in San Diego and the Southern California region and nationally with the broader SRS team. The Akela portfolio of projects, clients and capabilities will make an immediate contribution to the growth of the SRS vertical with private sector clients. This will allow the company to deliver significant growth over the next five years and bring the full suite of Michael Baker services and capabilities to support private sector clients in various markets. The firm plans to expand in sectors including Industrial, Defense OEMs, Aerospace, Data Centers, Semiconductors, Life Sciences, Energy Transition, Higher Education and Healthcare.

    “With growth in the MEP space continuing to accelerate, concentrating our Akela and SRS teams into one cohesive entity strengthens our ability to expand our client base and position ourselves to deliver complex smart and resilient buildings, something only a full-service engineering firm can do well,” said Pankaj Duggal, president, Sustainable and Resilient Solutions at Michael Baker International. “The merger will continue to strengthen our competitive position in the growing MEP engineering and consulting market since acquiring and uniting Michael Wall Engineering and DEC Engineers in 2022 to form Akela. This combined team also allows us to offer our clients access to even more expertise and services as we support their businesses and enables us to create and embrace new opportunities that enhance our pursuit of larger, more complex MEP projects.”

    Adding the expertise of Akela team members to Michael Baker’s SRS vertical provides its combined client base with greater access to the depth of resources, best practices and subject matter expertise across Michael Baker’s 4,900 colleagues in more than 20 practices and specialty practices located across more than 90 offices in the U.S.

    Source: Michael Baker International.