EOP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Architectural Staff Model Shop Coordinator
- Staff Model Shop Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Architectural Staff Member
- Interior Designer
A passionate designer, Alexa completed her Master of Arts in Interior Design at the University of Kentucky. Alexa's curiosity has led her to study and appreciate other design disciplines, such as architecture, urban design, and historic preservation, ultimately influencing her interior design approach. Alexa obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and minor in Business Marketing at Berea College. She appreciates Berea's values for sustainability and community, which are pertinent design considerations in her work.
Alexa served as the 2022-2023 Advocacy Coordinator for IIDA KY OH Chapter. Additionally, she is working towards becoming an NCIDQ certified Interior Designer.
Andrew Moore has played a key role in many of EOP's most high-profile projects. He has served as project manager for large mixed-use developments, academic/institutional facilities, research facilities, historic preservation/adaptive reuse projects and the largest Net Zero project in the Commonwealth. His areas of expertise include cost and schedule control, project management, construction administration, life/fire safety and code compliance.
Hailing from Jerusalem and having lived around the world before settling in Kentucky, Arein's approach to design is deeply centered around people. With a rich academic background in architecture complemented by a minor in business, she's an AIA Associate Member with a keen focus on the power of design in everyday life. Arein believes in crafting spaces that not only look captivating but also function in a way that promotes growth, opportunity, and daily motivation. It's this philosophy of combining aesthetics with real-world utility that drives her, ensuring that every space she touches resonates with those who experience it while providing them the opportunities they need to grow.
With bachelor in Interior Design and minors in both Art Studio and Digital Media & Design, Avery Chipman injects art into everything she does. With a strong desire to learn something new every day, she is inspired by ever-evolving human-centered design research and innovative design solutions to everyday problems, big and small.
Born and raised in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Bailey now calls Lexington home, adding her unique blend of graphic and interior design to our team. During her career, she has enjoyed experience in historic preservation, higher education, and science and technology projects, always maintaining a keen focus on using graphics to connect clients with design intent. Additionally, Bailey is working towards becoming an NCIDQ certified Interior Designer.
Bailey's impressive graphic design experience includes designing holiday cards for Amazon and Coca-Cola, highlighting her ability and impressive portfolio. When not immersed in design, Bailey is a trivia whiz and a proud owner of two ginger cats. Her ability to transform complex architectural ideas into accessible visuals, paired with her delightful spirit and fun anecdotes, adds a distinctive flair to our team.
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Architectural Staff Member
- Senior Project Manager
- Bobby Durham / Senior Project Manager Architect
Bobby is a born-and-raised Kentuckian who has been working in the region for over 35 years. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Design with a B.Arch in Architecture.
His passion in architecture is knowing that great design is uplifting and affects the ways that people live their lives. The built environment impacts how we live, work, and play. Architects design with broad gestures via master planning as well as intricate details in building design, and Bobby finds motivation knowing that architecture shapes how we interact with each other.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal Interior Design Principal
Brent Bruner draws inspiration from sources as diverse as New York's High Line to his own backyard. He has designed a range of project types with a focus on private sector clientele across the region. From the initial programming phase through construction completion, he is involved at every level. In 2006, Brent became a principal with the firm.
His passion is driven by a commitment to client relationships and providing each client with a unique architectural response. His experience includes a number of educational, civic, office, retail, restaurant, auditorium and museum projects, both small and large in scale.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Staff Member
- Project Manager
Chris hails from Prestonsburg, Kentucky, and has lived and worked in Lexington for many years. She enjoys getting to know her clients and being able to deeply understand their needs so that she can create the design that best suits the client. She has a wealth of experience managing mid-size projects and loves that each project teaches her something new.
Chris's design inspiration can be traced back to growing up in modern homes her architect father designed and watching him work. Outside of the office, Chris loves music-playing guitar and going to concerts.
Job Titles:
- Managing Principal
- Managing Principal of the Louisville
Chris Estes is managing principal of the Louisville office. His focus is on ensuring the firm's design commitment is executed appropriately with respect to the interior environment.
Chris's diverse and prominent list of clients includes corporate firms, retail outlets, academic institutions, non-profit organizations as well as government and cultural organizations.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal Healthcare Principal
Daniel Ware joined EOP in 2006, and was made principal in 2019. With over 22 years in the building industry, his experience involves varied typologies including healthcare, academic, multi-family residential, residential, retail, fitness/recreation and workplace. A graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Design, Daniel served as the President of AIA Kentucky, and was the first recipient of the AIA Kentucky's Emerging Professional Award in 2010.
Daniel has exceptional organizational and communications skills, design talents and a well-rounded project management process.
Originally from the Boston area, Geoff received his B.Arch. from Wentworth Institute of Technology. He has spent his career seeking new knowledge in a wide variety of projects in the civic, industrial, corporate, higher education, hospitality, retail, and healthcare industries. Geoff delights in the technical challenges of realizing good design, from complex building code analysis, to challenging construction details, and coordination of a project's various stakeholders and contributors. If a project poses a truly unique challenge, and others don't know where to begin, Geoff can't wait to get started.
As a lifelong resident of Lexington and a second generation designer, Haydon comes to EOP with a BFA in Interior Design: Planning/Strategy/Design from the University of Kentucky. Additionally, she brings with her a knowledge of Theatre Production Design. Haydon has particular affinity for hospitality and retail design, and finds her passion in introducing color, texture, and pattern into the lives of her clients, creating inviting spaces that exude fun. Haydon's bubbly personality is infectious and it is clear that she has a love for getting to know her clients and creating spaces fit for their needs.
After an internship with EOP during graduate school, Tyler joined full time at EOP in 2016 and is now an associate in EOP's Louisville office. Growing up in Louisville ignited a passion for architectural theory and urbanism, which were his foci in graduate school. Tyler works on all phases of the project from design to project management. His work has focused on offices, cultural, civic, and retail. Tyler earned his architecture license in 2019.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Staff Member
- Principal
Jason Dunn has led a variety of projects throughout his career for civic, institutional, academic and commercial clients helping shape his understanding of the unique requirements of both public and private sectors. He is an expert at construction administration and documentation and has coordinated teams of multiple consulting disciplines. Throughout the construction process, he reviews the project schedule, work in progress and payment applications to ensure effective implementation of the documents.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Staff Member
- Associate
- Project Manager
- Senior Project Manager
Joey McDaniel is a seasoned project manager with experience in both architecture and construction. An expert at 3-dimensional modeling and detailing, he has worked on large mixed-use developments, government office buildings and the new senior center. While in school, Joey received many awards including the First Year Drawing Award.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Senior Project Manager
Kelly is experienced with a multitude of client and project types, including working with DECA on several large and complex projects. Currently a Project Manager, Kelly was promoted to Associate in 2022 and is looking forward to rocking the boat and pushing boundaries.
Kevin Gough joined EOP in 2017 with over 20 years of experience in architecture. Kevin has been the lead architect on a wide variety of award-winning project typologies including office, multi-family residential, retail, and hospitality. He has a particularly expansive portfolio of historic rehabilitation and preservation projects and is skilled at assisting his clients with the historic tax credit process. He possesses exceptional organizational and communication skills, which he combines with his design talents to deliver a well-rounded project leadership process.
Kevin provides planning and concept services to a wide variety of clientele who rely on his expertise and experience to make good first decisions when trying to determine a project's viability. His knowledge of both contemporary and historic construction practices makes him a specialist in diagnostics and assessments of existing buildings. Together with his deep experience with scheduling and cost control, this expertise ensures his clients have confidence in the data and know what to expect in the process of planning, design, and execution of great projects.
Kevin holds his Bachelors of Architecture from the University of Kentucky, and is currently pursuing his Masters of Architecture from the University. He finds motivation in creating well-designed spaces that speak to one's senses and are sensitive to the perception of space, while also being sure to enhance daily living. In his free time, he enjoys video games and hanging out with his cat.
Job Titles:
- Interiors Project Coordinator
Krisia Estes, a University of Kentucky alumna with a flair for educational design, holds a unique combination of degrees with a Bachelor's in Interior Design and minors in Cognitive Science and Psychology from the University of Kentucky, and a Master's in Psychology of the Arts, Neuroaesthetics, and Creativity from Goldsmiths University of London. Currently mentoring capstone students at her alma mater and studying for her NCIDQ and LEED certifications, she brings a fresh perspective to design of educational spaces. Her passion lies in creating learning environments that are not just functional, but transformative. Krisia's approach is grounded in her research on how design impacts cognitive and physiological responses, aiming to craft spaces that empower and promote well-being.
Kristina was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, and earned her Bachelors of Architecture from the University of Kentucky. As a lifelong creative, she enjoys using many forms of media including drawing, painting, and sculpting. Architecture was an easy choice of career for Kristina to continue to pursue and hone her artistic abilities.
As an avid learner, Kristina enjoys learning about how things work and innovative solutions that incorporate all disciplines into the building process. Not afraid to get her hands dirty, she is currently completing a total renovation of her 130+ year old house.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate Senior Interior Designer
A graduate from Appalachian State University and a Zimbabwe native, Lesley has worked on a broad range of projects including hospitality, higher education, and private residences.
Libby began her design journey as a studio assistant for wood sculptor, Brad Sells. During graduate school, she had multiple internships in Los Angeles and San Francisco. In 2017, she graduated from the University of Cincinnati's DAAP program with her Master of Architecture, receiving the Distinguished Thesis Research Award. She brings a variety of professional experience to EOP including higher education, multi-family, and healthcare.
Libby is currently the Associate AIA State Director and Liasson for Kentucky National AIA Association Committee.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Staff Member
- Architectural Staff
Logan is originally from Shelbyville, Kentucky. She graduated from the University of Kentucky in May of 2020 with her bachelor's degree in Architecture. She began her college studies in computer science and after meeting a few architecture students around campus and seeing the work they were doing, she quickly fell in love with design and transferred into architecture without looking back. She loves traveling and studied abroad in Germany for a summer semester and midway through her college career, had the opportunity to do a short externship in New York City. EOP is her first professional architecture experience, and she couldn't be more excited!
Mackenzie comes to EOP as a 2022 graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts. She has enjoyed various creative pursuits throughout her life and fell in love with graphic design and photography during her time at UK. Mackenzie has a great eye for detail and finds her passion in human-centered design-understanding the way that design can affect users, including informing our opinions subconsciously. She enjoys seeing her finished work have a lasting, positive impact.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Staff Member
- Principal
After working at leading firms in Louisiana and Mississippi, Matthew joined EOP's Louisville office in 2015. He is an experienced architect whose work has focused on academic, institutional, office, civic, cultural, and retail. He is a valuable project manager who has led design teams on successful projects including new builds, expansive renovations and high-profile restorations.
Matthew's attention to detail and mannered approach provide a great foundation to help navigate complex projects though each phase of the project. Along with delivering a quality product, he strives to provide excellent client service throughout the entirety of each project.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Staff Member
- Senior Project Manager
Born in Havana, Cuba, Mitchel's path to design began early, receiving his first drafting table at age 10. His passion for design led him to earn an industrial and graphic design degree from IPDI in Havana, an degree in drafting and CAD from Louisville Tech, and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kentucky. Mitchel's design philosophy is deeply influenced by Vitruvian principles, harmonizing functionality, durability, and beauty. With many years of experience, Mitchel thrives on transforming inspiration into tangible, livable spaces. Outside of design, his world revolves around painting, sculpting, family, friends, an appreciation for all music genres, and a love for the ocean.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Co - Founder Principal Emeritus
- Co - Founding Partners
As one of the co-founding partners of EOP, Paul Ochenkoski has provided leadership in quality control to ensure that the firm's vision of innovative excellence is carried out through the design and construction process.
Paul has established a reputation for attention to detail and making sure that projects are completed in a manner which suits the present and future needs of the client. Paul has worked on a wide spectrum of project types including educational, residential, retail, healthcare, equine-related and office facilities. Paul retired in 2021.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Staff Member
- Project Manager
Growing up in the furniture capital of North Carolina, Rachel Klein spent many days tagging along to construction sites with her mother who designs high-end custom cabinetry. This early foundation enabled her to witness the building process from the ground up, and ultimately was her inspiration to pursue a career in architecture. Working in our Louisville office, Rachel brings great enthusiasm to each project.
After joining the firm in 1984, Richard was made principal in 1989. He provides planning, programming and management services for civic, government, educational, laboratory/research, healthcare, industrial, and office facilities. He is a LEED-accredited professional and an expert on sustainable design practices.
Richard works with focused determination, motivated by the challenges he encounters daily. He provides oversight on the firm's most demanding projects and supports project managers as needed to ensure adherence to schedule, budget, and client service.
Richard is the direct line to our clients, working with them to make sure the project is executed with them in mind. His relationships with clients are more than vital; and he continues them well after the building is finished.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Co - Founder Design Principal
Co-founder and design principal on multiple award-winning projects with a versatile portfolio, Rick Ekhoff guides the firm's vision. He has defined and mentored EOP's passion for innovation and fostered its continued commitment to exploration and discovery.
Rick is motivated by the belief that architecture has the responsibility to inspire, transform and provide iconic, cultural and environmental value. Sustainable and energy-efficient initiatives are an integral element of Rick's overall project design vocabulary and echoes the firm's leadership role in conservation.
Sophie received her B.F.A. in Interior Design from the University of Kentucky, while also interning in the EOP Interior Design studio during her final semester. She particularly finds herself drawn to sustainable design and adaptive reuse projects, and the role that designers play in creating environments that improve lives and foster inclusivity. In her free time, Sophie enjoys the outdoors-hiking and camping, and cooking.
A native of Florence, Kentucky, Stephan Inabnit blends academic insight with a heartfelt philosophy of service in design. Holding a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati, Stephan is an AIA Associate deeply fascinated by innovative construction methods, particularly mass-timber construction. His graduate thesis work stands as a testament to his commitment to efficiency and sustainability, wherein he simplified cross-laminated timber construction, proposing prototype homes as sustainable alternatives in the housing market.
As EOP's accountant, Terri is responsible for the financial management of the firm. She designs financial and management solutions that allow our design professionals to achieve excellence. Terri was made an associate with the firm in 2018.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Staff Member
- Senior Project Manager
Originally from Louisville, Tina has traveled extensively for work, returning to Kentucky in 2019. She enjoys the breadth of opportunities for innovation and collaboration throughout the lifecycle of a project - all to deliver a better project to the client. Tina is particularly adept when it comes to large and complex projects, having vast experience with projects that require master planning efforts for multi-phase execution.
Tracey Meyers brings years of organizational experience to EOP. She is responsible for the overall front office activities, coordinating office meetings and lunch and learns. Tracey has held positions in retail management, IT technical support and with several nonprofit organizations.
From Northern Kentucky, Trey Barnes has made Lexington his home for the past three years. Equipped with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Kentucky, Trey's design enthusiasm gravitates towards housing structures, as well as the vibrancy of commercial spaces like restaurants and offices. What sets him apart is his meticulous approach to the organizational components of a project. Whether it's masterfully crafting models, drawings, or renderings, Trey's passion lies in the details. Above all, his designs are grounded in the human experience, always ensuring that spaces are not only visually appealing but also user-centric, catering to the nuanced needs and scales of those who inhabit and interact with them.
Job Titles:
- Architectural Staff
- Victorene Frimpong / Architectural Staff
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Associate
- Senior Project Manager
Originally from Lanzhou, China, Ye (Leon) Jin is a talented young architect motivated by design challenges and has become a strong voice for elevating the firm's design presence and dedication to excellence. Leon sees each project through, turning creative visions into reality and understands that the details matter. He has worked on a range of project types including education, residential, hospitality, healthcare, and workplace. Leon was made associate with the firm in 2022.