Promotion Announcement

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of three individuals who continue to make a positive impact on our work and in our community. They represent the values and dedication that drive innovation, culture-building, and design excellence at Rich?rd Kennedy Architects, and we are pleased to recognize them as leaders within the firm.?

Promotion to Associate Principal

Since 2015, Kevin has played a vital role in promoting innovation and design excellence in the built environment. Involved in every step of the design process from early conceptual design through construction administration, he actively contributes to award-winning projects with the studio, ensuring design intent is executed from start to finish.

“Documenting design intent on any job is paramount to the success of the project. From first concepts we carefully integrate an analytical framework and analysis,” he said. “This data-driven decision-making is complemented with an understanding of placemaking to create an expertise-based intuition for rapid generation of design options that maximize functionality.”

With a Bachelor of Music Performance and a Master of Architecture from 美国亚利桑那州立大学 , Kevin brings a unique philosophy and approach to the practice of architecture that continuously reinforces innovation and creative design-thinking at Rich?rd Kennedy.?

“As a trained classical musician, music and architecture are always on my mind,” Kevin said. “There are a set of materials that create rhythms, patterns, and the palette and structure for each respective discipline. Creating a set of clear instructions is the goal, be that a musical score or construction documents.”

At the close of 2023, Kevin, along with the team, wrapped up permit drawings for the new City of Mesa Gateway Branch Library. At the start of the new year, Kevin is working alongside the team on an international design competition for The Museum of History and the Future in Turku, Finland.?

Demonstrating a keen eye for design excellence, in his new role as Associate Principal, Kevin will assume additional leadership responsibilities and continue to guide the design of major projects alongside senior leadership.

Learn more about Kevin

Promotion to Senior Associate?

Matthew Tehan, who has been a valuable member of our team since 2020, has significantly contributed to projects including the ongoing City of Mesa Gateway Library and the BSA Scouting Arizona, Grand Canyon Council Heard Scout Pueblo Master Plan, which was recently completed in 2023.

"I have a deep personal connection to the Scouts program, and thoroughly enjoyed the chance to give back to an organization that taught me a great deal and provided so many opportunities growing up," he said.

Beyond his professional commitments, Matthew actively engages with the local architectural community by serving on the Phoenix Metro AIA10 committee and co-hosting the Tracing Architecture podcast alongside leading AEC voices in Arizona. In an evolving industry, he is an advocate for providing added value to clients, partners, and the community we serve.?

"With many contractors taking on larger design-build roles, and industry disruptors in development both with and without AI, I feel that architects constantly need to justify the value we provide, and in some cases need to provide more value to remain relevant in the future," he said.

Matthew approaches each project with curiosity and empathy for both the client and end-users, strengthening team relationships and influencing the success of vital projects with the firm.??

Learn more about Matthew

Promotion to Senior Associate?

James Wesala joined the firm in March 2023. In this time, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, not only at Rich?rd Kennedy, but with industry peers.

An active member of the local AEC community, he currently teaches part-time at The Design School at 美国亚利桑那州立大学 and was recently appointed as the Director for the AIA Phoenix Metro AIA10 committee. In his spare time, he also serves as a co-host and co-producer of the Tracing Architecture podcast, which focuses on bringing awareness to some of the most pressing challenges our industry faces today.?

James is actively involved in several ongoing projects with the firm including the City of Mesa Gateway Library as well as the new Police Headquarters with the City of Phoenix ; an adaptive reuse project that consolidates the City's disparate services in a unified facility downtown.?

"The City of Phoenix is the fifth largest city and fastest growing city in the United States, placing it center stage in sustainable development strategies," James said. "It is truly an honor to work on this project with the City of Phoenix and potentially set a critical precedent for sustainability and development for subsequent US cities to follow."

Passionate about community-building, resiliency, and mentorship, James continues to play a vital role in the community and built environment, exemplifying both teamwork and leadership qualities.

Learn more about James

"We are grateful for these individuals and the passion and perseverance they bring to our team. Their dedication to excellence has positively impacted our studio in big ways, to the benefit of the industry and to our clients. We are proud to recognize them as leaders with the firm."

— Steve Kennedy, Partner

Contact: [email protected]