ROCHESTER, NY Randal Sickler, AIA and Steven Fernaays, AIA have been promoted to principals at SWBR. Leticia Fornataro, AIA, Dan Glading, AIA, Don Naetzker, RLA, Allison Shannon, AIA and Matthew Weber, PE were promoted to senior associates.
Principals at SWBR serve as the firm’s key leadership, responsible for client relationships, business objectives, strategic vision and overall growth for the firm. Senior associates support the firm’s principals and serve SWBR’s clients on all projects.
“Our team has grown tremendously in the last two years,” SWBR president Tom Gears, AIA said. “We’ve added over 25 team members in both Rochester and Syracuse. This was possible because of our SWBR team — their experience, unwavering dedication, and constant personal and professional growth. We are proud of our fellow colleagues, including these team members who are new to our leadership team. Gearing up for our 50th year in 2019, we’re ready for another successful year at SWBR as we continue to, as our mission states, positively impact lives through meaningful design.”
NEW PRINCIPALS
Sickler joined the firm in 1985 and has acted as municipal practice leader within SWBR’s workplace studio since 2016, focusing on city and county work across New York, including functional spaces for court, law enforcement, emergency services, and public facilities. He’s held a senior associate position for 19 years and has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Sickler earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Syracuse University’s School of Architecture and resides in Fairport.
Fernaays, AIA, LEED Green Associate, has been with SWBR since 2009. He works closely with higher education partners, including Nazareth College, Cornell University, Monroe Community College, and University of Rochester. In his expanded role, he’ll be responsible for relationships among the firm’s key academic clients. Fernaays acquired his LEED Green Associate accreditation in 2013, demonstrating a solid and current foundation in green building principles and practices, and has a broad understanding of sustainability. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University and resides in Williamson.
NEW SENIOR ASSOCIATES
Fornataro, AIA LEED, AP BD+C, is a specialist in design for senior housing communities, specifically skilled nursing, independent and assisted living, and has assumed the role of senior project manager for key clients. Her ability to be responsive to multiple clients, maintain existing client relationships and generate new opportunities has positioned her as a trusted advisor for key clients including St. John’s Home, St. Ann’s Community, The Highlands of Pittsford and Cloverwood Senior Living. She’s been at SWBR for 10 years and resides in Pittsford.
Glading focuses on the firm’s multifamily, supportive and affordable housing projects managing key projects for clients such as DePaul and Rochester Management, Inc. He’s been with SWBR for over 8 years and will continue managing existing client relationships while generating new business opportunities for the firm. Glading continues to educate himself on sustainable design and advances in digital imaging and measuring. He earned a Master of Architecture from the NewSchool of Architecture & Design, as well as a bachelor’s from the University of Washington.
Naetzker, RLA, has 35 years of experience in planning and landscape architecture. Since joining SWBR four years ago, he has implemented many of the Board’s strategic initiatives including expanding the firm’s offerings in urban, revitalization and historic preservation projects regionally as Landscape Architecture Department leader. He received a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Ball State University and resides in Pittsford.
Shannon, AIA, LEED Green Associate, serves as a Project Manager in SWBR’s education studio, where she manages several large projects for K-12 districts in New York, including the Rochester City School District. Shannon joined the firm in 2005 and received her Bachelor of Architecture and Building Sciences from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Shannon volunteers with the Rochester City School District’s Help Me Read program every week and resides in Shortsville.
Weber, PE LEED AP BD+C, has 17 years of experience providing structural analysis and innovative and collaborative design solutions for educational, industrial, commercial and affordable housing projects. He serves on the firm’s finance committee and will continue providing leadership within the structural department at SWBR. Weber earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Clarkson University. He resides in Irondequoit.