HBT Architects promotes Argenta and hires Flannery

Rochester, NY According to HBT Architects, James Argenta, AIA has been named partner and Erin Flannery has been named the new director of marketing.

Argenta, who joined the firm in 2013, previously served as an associate. This promotion reflects the contributions he has made helping grow the firm and enhance business development opportunities.

“Jim has been an incredible asset to the firm, and represents everything we look for in a partner,” said managing partner, Trevor Harrison. “Since joining the firm, he has become an integral part of our leadership team. Jim’s relaxed but focused approach to client satisfaction earns the respect and trust of everyone he works with.”

Argenta’s skills, flexibility, and determination led him to take on the management and support of numerous projects for the firm. He has managed a variety of projects including, office buildings, laboratory buildings, higher education projects, restaurants, performance venues, and hotels. He has worked on award winning historic preservation projects and has a passion for adaptive reuse projects. Argenta earned a Master of Architecture degree from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), a LEED Accredited Professional from the United State Green Building Council (USGBC), and is registered with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

“I was born in Ann Arbor and have many happy childhood memories of growing up here. My family relocated to North Carolina when I was in grade school. After graduate school, my professional life took me to California and then to New York where I joined HBT. A few years ago, when my wife was offered a faculty position at the University of Michigan, I had mixed feelings. On one hand, I was excited about the possibility of moving back to my hometown. On the other hand, I was saddened by the prospect of leaving my colleges colleagues and friends in Rochester. It was the best of both worlds when we relocated to Ann Arbor and I was able to continue working for HBT remotely. Over the past year, we have opened a new HBT office in Ann Arbor, I have been promoted to Partner, and my wife received tenure at the University of Michigan. We both feel very fortunate to have had so many bright spots in our life recently, especially given how difficult this time has been for everyone around the world. Our roots have grown deep in a short period of time, and we are looking forward to raising our family and developing our professional lives here in Ann Arbor.”

Flannery brings more than 15 years of AEC industry marketing experience, most recently as marketing coordinator for a full-service architecture and engineering firm.

“As HBT Architects enters its 21^st year of impact, we are fortunate to have Erin Flannery lead our marketing and communications efforts. Her expertise in our industry will enable us to promote our firm and increase partnerships that will open new opportunities to further our mission.” said Harrison.

In her new role, Flannery will support the firm’s leadership with business development efforts and will provide leadership, insight and direction to the firm’s brand and the execution of strategic marketing plans, collateral, digital content, events, and other marketing initiatives.

“I am thrilled to have joined the HBT team. I joined the HBT for the firm’s excellent reputation and have found the opportunity incredibly gratifying, as it has enabled me to combine all the skills I’ve learned over my career into one comprehensive role. I look forward to continuing to use my knowledge and experience to make a meaningful contribution to this firm and the clients and communities we serve.”

Having joined HBT Architects at a time of growth and expansion, including the addition of an office in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Flannery has been involved in helping to seamlessly integrate the office with the overall firm, while developing content, refining collateral, building relationships and creating business development opportunities for both offices.