AEM ARCHITECTS - Key Persons
John is a Sr. Project Manager responsible for a wide range of tasks on all the firm's projects, where his knowledge and leadership are invaluable assets. He is a graduate of Penn State University, where he received a BS in Civil Engineering. Prior to college, John attended Burrell High School in suburban Pittsburgh.
John joined the United States Naval Reserves while attending Penn State and served for 8 years with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (Seabees) as a 2nd Class Builder. This time allowed him to cultivate both his leadership and construction skills.
After graduation, John spent six years with a general contractor working in the field and as a designer and construction manager on commercial, residential, and agricultural projects. He also worked as a Design/Build consultant for a custom builder where he oversaw custom residential projects from concept to completion, providing design, bidding and oversite.
John joined AEM in 2000 as a Designer/Draftsperson and his knowledge of construction and previous experiences allowed him to take on additional responsibilities with AEM. His expertise is in designing and coordinating construction documents for competitively bid projects in all markets. He also leads the drafting and production team and recognizes that their success hinges on cultivating the individual talents and skills of every team member.
In addition, John also provides leadership in the field, visiting project sites to assess contractor progress and compliance with the construction documents, and responding to field conditions and contractor questions. He is an experienced construction administrator and excels at managing communications among all project participants.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Vice President
Pete joined AEM in 1991 and began his career literally in the basement. While running blueprints for eight hours a day was far from career-inspiring, the experience provided the seeds that grew into many more opportunities. In 1995 Pete took over as Business Manager, a role that expanded his duties exponentially over the next 5 years. In 2000 Pete was elevated to Principal and tasked with developing and guiding the firm's multi-year ownership transition.
Today, Pete is Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Corporation and is responsible for tasks ranging from accounting and finance to human resources and business development. With over 30 years of experience, Pete provides leadership to the firm in all areas of administration and operations. Other responsibilities include master planning, feasibility studies, report writing and specialized services for the firm's educational clients.
Pete is a graduate of Governor Mifflin High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Albright College and a Master's Degree (MBA) from St. Joseph's University. In his spare time, Pete volunteers his time as Treasurer for Lincoln Park Fire Company.
Phil joined AEM in 1991 as a Graduate Architect and quickly ascended to Project Architect with his registration in 1994. By the Spring of 2000, Phil was elevated to Principal and offered a share of ownership. With over 30 years of experience, Phil has designed and managed hundreds of projects for the firm's educational, health care, commercial, industrial and religious clients. Phil serves as President of the Corporation and is responsible for the overall management and direction of the firm.
Phil approaches architecture from a construction background having worked at the family construction company from age 12 until age 25. His philosophy centers on the concept that the greatest design is worthless if it cannot be constructed effectively and efficiently by the skilled contractors in the local marketplace. Phil is a hands-on architect driven to create programmatic and operational value for his clients in every element of his designs. He also recognizes that all project participants have contractual responsibilities to each other. Effective administration of those responsibilities is critical to the success of any project.
Phil is a graduate of High Point Baptist Academy and earned a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Temple University. He is a member of the Pennsylvania State Architect's Licensure Board, currently serving as Vice President. He is also a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, serving on various committees during his tenure. Phil is registered in PA, NJ, DE and MD.
Philip Leinbach has provided Forensic Investigation, Consultation and Expert Witness Services on 20 cases/claims over the past 12 years. Our expertise lies in establishing design team negligence and breach of the standard of care on large competitively bid construction projects. This knowledge and experience translates into a stronger understanding of how contract documents should be compiled. We understand which provisions are enforceable and the best methods for administering those provisions. At AEM Architects, we know how to control change orders and avoid litigation!