TEXAS ARCADIS - Key Persons


Aaron Sanders

Job Titles:
  • Principal
  • Principal / Houston, TX
  • Registered Architect in the State of Texas
Aaron Sanders is a registered architect in the state of Texas with over 20 years' architectural experience that consists of PreK-12, commercial and public sector projects. He is a multi-faceted Associate Principal who acts as a go-to source for many of our staff members while leading project management efforts throughout the programming, design, technical production and construction administration phases. Where most architects' strengths lie on either the design side or the technical side of the profession, Aaron is talented in both arenas. He has a passion for mentoring which is spawned from his belief that it is our obligation to teach, coach and share information with our next generation of emerging professionals.

Amanda Hsu

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Project Manager
  • Assistant Project Manager / Austin, TX
With international working experience and a diverse range of industry practice including IT (Information Technology), marketing/communications, and the construction industry, Amanda is a team-oriented individual that applies her business and construction knowledge into all of her projects that she works on. As assistant project manager, she is involved in all project phases through construction administration. Amanda is adept at communicating with clients and keeping the bottom line in mind.

Blake Norris

Job Titles:
  • Project Designer
  • Project Designer / Houston, TX
Mr. Norris has been with Arcadis for 3 summers as an intern and is now a full-time project designer in 2023. As a Project Designer, his various types of experience range from assisting interiors and working on finish boards to creating renderings on Revit and designing future-ready learning environments. He is recognized for her attention to detail and strong communication skills, and thoroughly enjoys building relationships and collaborating with communities and school districts to elevate education.

Brad Hughes

Job Titles:
  • Principal
  • Senior Associate
  • Senior Associate Principal / Houston, TX
For over 31 years, Brad has enjoyed working with clever people and solving problems with them. As Senior Associate Principal, he specializes in the design and master planning of PreK-12 educational facilities. His unique ability to break complex tasks into a productive and intelligible course of action has proven invaluable on the many successful projects throughout his partnerships with over 20 school districts. Brad designs and manages projects of all sizes: from large 5A high school complexities to the intricate and logistically challenged design issues of a schedule burdened, multi-phased, renovation of one facility while maintaining school functions. He has played a key role in many award-winning projects and actively employs sustainable LEED®/Texas-CHPS principles to produce informed and quality designs.

Carlos Perez

Job Titles:
  • Field Representative
  • Field Representative / Houston, TX

Carolina Jaramillo-Alfaro

Job Titles:
  • Associate
With 19 years of experience, Carolina is known for her attention to detail and expertise in Revit Autodesk and autoCAD. She has the ability to individualize and coordinate construction documents and specifications based on the client's interests and needs. She has extensive knowledge in local codes and has a demonstrated track record for her experience in project instruction and design.

Charles Jacobs

Job Titles:
  • Senior Project Manager
  • Registered Architect in the State of Texas
  • Senior Project Manager / Houston, TX
Charles Jacobs is a registered architect in the state of Texas with a focus of educational and PreK-12 architecture since 2013. As an expert in construction management theory and practice, Charles is able to lead a team and work personally from schematic design to construction documents all the way through completion in construction management. He takes his skills learned from various architecture projects throughout his career and has applied them into education architecture since 2013 with a goal of building meaningful relationships with the districts he works in.

Chris Hunter

Job Titles:
  • Architectural Technologist
  • Architectural Technologist / Houston, TX
With over 18 years at Arcadis as an Architectural Technologist, Chris has had the opportunity to be a part of some unique and challenging projects.

Chudi Abajue

Job Titles:
  • Green Associate
  • Green Associate / Associate Principal / Houston, TX
Mr. Abajue joined Arcadis in 2006 and is a proud University of Houston graduate where he obtained his Master of Architecture. His portfolio includes projects in the educational and retail sectors. Chudi enjoys not only the challenges of architecture and design, but the opportunity to realize countless solutions to complex problems. He is involved every step of the way throughout the life of a project-from budgeting and creating construction documents to bidding and administration. Chudi in an enthusiastic board member of AIA Houston and the Texas Society of Architects. He is also passionate about mentoring students interested in architecture through Reimagine America's Schools.

Daniel Brewster

Job Titles:
  • Director
Mr. Brewster joined Arcadis in 1999 and brings over 33 years of institutional and commercial architectural experience to the firm. He is the Managing Principal of the Texas studio and has successfully managed projects with tight constraints and budget parameters including new facilities, additions and renovations. Daniel is involved in every project phase and has a reputation for effectively leading large, complex teams and creating sustainable solutions for clients. Mr. Brewster's experience with Arcadis includes projects in the educational, religious and civic sectors. His work with our educational clients centers on the transition from traditional to next generation learning environments and pedagogies. Daniel also has experience in managing extensive multi-facility expansion and enhancement projects and understands the natural relationship between a school facility and best practices for teaching and learning. He has developed the skill of being able to work toward the large project goals while simultaneously focusing on the minute details. His passion lies within the future of cities and the relationship between facilities and community members. Daniel was recently awarded the 2022 Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Southern Region Planner of the Year and is currently the President Elect of the A4LE Southern Region Board. He is professionally active in various organizations and believes in connecting professionals to help lead innovation at the intersection of learning and place.

Darla Allen

Job Titles:
  • Senior Accountant
  • Senior Accountant / Houston, TX
Ms. Allen has been with Arcadis for over five years. She offers extensive accounts receivable experience, provides direction toward BST software support and is conscientious about her working relationship with colleagues, clients and vendors. Darla works closely with the Principals and Project Managers to monitor and control all project related financial data. She determines fees to be billed while ensuring all re-billable expenses are included on invoices.

Derek Bankston

Job Titles:
  • Associate
  • Principal
  • Associate Principal / Houston, TX
Mr. Bankston joined Arcadis in 2005 and brings 19 years of institutional, transit, high-rise and hospitality architectural experience to the firm. Derek has experience managing local institutional projects with challenging budgets up to $2B mega projects with multiple international stakeholders. He has championed large teams through phased campus projects with complex interconnecting utility infrastructure in addition to leading focused renovations over a strict timeframe. In addition to project management, Derek has a background in technology, is an early adopter of Building Information Modeling and has taught BIM at the college level. He regularly engages project teams to guide the coordination process across multiple disciplines and ensures clients benefit from the latest vetted practices and workflows. Mr. Bankston has recently returned from working internationally across a variety of building typologies and is eager to apply his fresh perspective to the success of challenging projects in Texas.

Elizabeth Westmoreland

Job Titles:
  • Project Architect
  • Project Architect / Houston, TX
Ms. Westmoreland has been with Arcadis for over five years. As a Project Architect, Elizabeth's various types of experience range from small residential designs to future-ready learning environments. She is recognized for her attention to detail and strong communication skills, and thoroughly enjoys building relationships and collaborating with communities and school districts to elevate education.

Ezequiel Campos

Job Titles:
  • Project Designer
  • Project Designer / Houston, TX
Zeke is a thoughtful Project Designer who believes in the power of creative, inclusive and sustainable design to promote connection and to retain a community's identity. He understands how cultures shape spaces and has helped create future-ready learning environments for thousands of students in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.

Gene Simmons

Job Titles:
  • Associate Principal of Field Services
  • Associate Principal of Field Services / Houston, TX
Mr. Simmons brings over 45 years of experience in the commercial and industrial sectors of the industry. Initially, he worked on the contractor side where he gained skills in lighting protection, carpentry, surveying and concrete placement. Moving into management, Gene worked as an estimator, project manager and handled client relations. In 1991, he shifted to the architectural side and in 1995, became one of 19 professionals to help establish Bay Architects and has served as Director of Field Services since 2000. Gene has successfully completed a number of projects ranging from $25,000 up to $150MM. His experience is vitally important to maintaining communication among team members during construction.

Greg Wang

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
  • Project Manager / Houston, TX
Mr. Wang is a well rounded Project Manager who utilizes a collaborative approach in space planning, design, detailing and coordination with multi-disciplinary teams. He represents the firm with clients, consultants, contractors and public authorities through all project phases. His project execution results in aesthetically and emotionally appealing spaces while integrating the client's vision, needs and budget.

Halie Reisinger

Job Titles:
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Marketing Coordinator / Houston, TX
As the Marketing Coordinator for the Texas studio, Halie works with cross-functional teams to deliver marketing messages to help improve Arcadis brand awareness. She stays informed about the market, industry trends and the competitive landscape, while helping strategize and implement marketing, branding and advertising plans. Halie plays a vital role in chasing industry pursuits while attracting audiences and clients through various social media platforms and supporting content.

Jay McNeil

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Project Manager
  • Assistant Project Manager / Houston, TX
Mr. McNeil joined Arcadis in 2015 and brings over 16 years of experience. As an Assistant Project Manager, Jay has an extensive PreK-12 educational background ranging from ADA upgrades to multi-million dollar phased comprehensive renovation projects.

Jennifer Paaverud

Job Titles:
  • Front Desk Administrator
  • Front Desk Administrator / Houston, TX
Mrs. Paaverud is the friendly face you see at the front desk upon entering the Arcadis Houston office. She greets all incoming visitors and is happy to answer any questions, plan for appointments and resolve concerns while making every visit to Arcadis a positive one. Jennifer helps with general office maintenance (ordering supplies, maintain upkeep, booking conference rooms, etc.), coordinates outgoing and incoming mail/courier packages, answers telephone calls (VOIP system) and supports Arcadis staff through an administrative function.

Jesse Lemus

Job Titles:
  • Field Representative
  • Field Representative / Houston, TX
Mr. Lemus brings bring value to the construction administration process from start to finish. He is highly experienced and will hold everyone accountable with consistent and open dialogue to connect the entire team throughout the pipeline of the project. Jesse is very proactive and will work closely with the contractor and Owner in order for construction to maintain or recover schedules.

Julianne Stark

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Administrative Assistant / Houston, TX
Julianne ensures the smooth operation of the firm with her robust knowledge of office management and efficient handling of client inquiries, consultants and timely responses as required. She provides support to the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD team in fulfilling their ongoing projects and with overflow Texas studio assignments.

Karen Wagner

Job Titles:
  • Senior Administrative Assistant
  • Senior Administrative Assistant / Houston, TX
Mrs. Wagner is a Senior Administrative Assistant who possesses strong organizational and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail. Karen assists with progress drawings, change orders, submissions, document management, coordinating meetings and other architectural tasks as required. She has been with Arcadis for 15+ years and values the collaborative process and believes in making change with collective effort.

Kaylee Cadena

Job Titles:
  • Accounts Payable
  • Accounts Payable / Houston, TX
Kaylee manages accounts payable and ensures bills and payroll are paid in a timely and accurate manner while adhering to departmental procedures. She analyzes workflow operations, processes due invoices for payments and performs accounting duties such as account maintenance, recording entries and reconciling books of accounts.

Larry Lynn

Job Titles:
  • Field Representative
  • Field Representative / Houston, TX
Mr. Lynn brings over 46 years of experience in the residential, commercial and education sectors of the industry. He is dedicated exclusively to construction observation, project coordination and adherence to the project documents. Larry remains onsite for all major activities, as well as participating in trade start-up meetings and all cover-ups.

Laura Carroll

Job Titles:
  • Principal
  • Principal / Houston, TX
  • Registered Architect
Laura Carroll is a registered architect with over 20 years' experience. She has successfully worked on numerous educational, religious, commercial and historic preservation projects, with an emphasis on PreK-12 educational work. Laura's ability to understand and meet the needs and goals of her clients and her ability to provide creative design solutions for difficult problems have been invaluable to the success of her projects.

Luis Fernandez

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
  • Project Manager / Houston, TX
Luis is a well rounded Project Manager who utilizes a collaborative approach in space planning, design, detailing and coordination with multi-disciplinary teams. Mr. Fernandez represents the firm with clients, consultants, contractors and public authorities through all project phases. His project execution results in aesthetically and emotionally appealing spaces while integrating the client's vision, needs and budget.

Maria Fernandez

Job Titles:
  • Interior Designer
  • Interior Designer / Houston, TX
Ms. Fernandez has been with Arcadis for over three years. Maria sees the greater connection in which well-designed interiors could elevate user experience, provide modern solutions in a variety of building envelopes, follow sustainable practices and harness natural elements to enrich interior spaces.

Maryssa Morrison

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Project Manager
  • Assistant Project Manager / Houston, TX
When Maryssa joined Arcadis, she brought 5 years of education architecture experience with her. As an Assistant Project Manager, Maryssa has an extensive Higher Education and PreK-12 educational background. Maryssa primarily focuses with Conroe ISD and makes her clients wants/needs a priority.

Myrna Norman

Job Titles:
  • CDFA / Principal of Operations
Ms. Norman joined Arcadis in 2000 and is the Principal of Operations with the firm. As a CPA, she honed her analytical and organizational skills through her work with doctors, lawyers and public accountants. Myrna currently oversees business operations for Arcadis in Texas and Oregon and is responsible for managing and monitoring project-related finances. She also manages the day-to-day operations of the accounting department while working closely with the Leadership Team to advance the firm's strategic financial goals.

Nora Rashid

Job Titles:
  • Green Associate
  • Green Associate / Assistant Project Manager / Houston, TX
Nora's focus is the design of PreK-12 educational facilities with some being quite innovative by bringing her global past experience with her. She excels with her experience using Revit and producing 3D renderings. Nora helps our clients create unique and inspiring spaces while still keeping the focus on programmatic needs and functions.

Oscar Matos

Job Titles:
  • Field Representative
  • Field Representative / Houston, TX
His intent is to make sure expectations are clear from the get-go. At the close of each project, Oscar enters into a lessons learned session during which all aspects of the project are discussed in detail to identify possibilities for potential improvements.

Patrick Reid

Job Titles:
  • Associate
  • Principal
  • Associate Principal / Houston, TX
Mr. Reid joined Arcadis in 2007 and is a graduate of the University of Houston. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Reid keeps projects humming as the local office BIM Manager and head of office drawing standards while continuing to be involved during design, construction administration and project management phases. Patrick is committed to creating quality documents within an efficient time frame and is proficient in Revit and AutoCAD. Additionally, he earned his Revit Certification in 2018.

Sarah Adair

Job Titles:
  • Project Coordinator
  • Project Coordinator / Houston, TX
Sarah is a Project Coordinator and a key member of the team who works directly with staff at all levels. While planning and prioritizing multiple deadlines and ongoing projects, Mrs. Adair works with cross-functional teams on special projects as assigned. She works collaboratively and coordinates with other support staff to help ensure the smooth running of the office on a day-to-day basis.

Sarah Tellez

Job Titles:
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Marketing Coordinator / Houston, TX
As the Marketing Coordinator for the Texas studio, Sarah works with cross-functional teams to deliver marketing messages to help improve Arcadis brand awareness. She stays informed about the market, industry trends and the competitive landscape, while helping strategize and implement marketing, branding and advertising plans. Sarah plays a vital role in chasing industry pursuits while attracting audiences and clients through various social media platforms and supporting content.

Shirley Salazar

Job Titles:
  • Project Designer
  • Project Designer / Houston, TX
Mrs. Salazar has been with Arcadis for over 15 years. As a Project Designer, Shirley thrives on working in all aspects of architecture, such as scope and design development, quality assurance and control for construction documentation and construction administration. She is focused on closing the gap between great architecture and great constructibility, durability and sustainability.

Sylvia Fitzwater

Job Titles:
  • Registered Interior Designer
Sylvia Fitzwater is a registered interior designer, NCIDQ certificate holder and LEED AP ID+C. She joined Arcadis in 2009 as Director of Interiors and is a Senior Associate Principal with the firm. Her previous design experience included commercial tenants, healthcare, hospitality, retail and food beverage. In her 27+ year career, she has managed, designed and specified over $180MM of furniture budgets. Next generation learning environments are her specialty and education is her passion. Sylvia's work at IBI Group focuses on PreK-12, higher education, FF&E consulting and commercial tenant projects. She plays a key role in all phases of the interior design process, specializing in creating material palettes that are innovative and support today's learning environments. In her designs, she tells her clients' stories by mixing materials, colors, finishes and sustainable elements while respecting budgets. She has also worked on Houston Airport Systems projects for 20+ years and had unusual design opportunities of creating and renovating new tenant spaces she had previously designed for existing clients. Her previous design experience included commercial tenants, healthcare, hospitality, retail and food beverage. Sylvia is actively involved with IIDA Houston Center holding numerous positions in the organization including Director, Communications Chair, Professional Panel Moderator of IIDA Student Day and GRA Chair. She currently serves on the Advisory Committee for the Art Institute of Houston Interior Design Program, San Jacinto College Interior Design Program and ITT Technical Institute Technical Drafting Program.

Thomas Clifford

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Project Manager
  • Assistant Project Manager / Houston, TX
With over six years of experience in the architecture and construction industry, Mr. Clifford has successfully managed and delivered projects for various clients and sectors, including commercial, educational, retail, residential and multifamily. His focus on education architecture with Arcadis creates enjoyment in working with diverse teams and clients. He strives to contribute to the design and development of sustainable and liveable communities.

Toun Otegbade

Job Titles:
  • Project Designer
  • Project Designer / Houston, TX
Toun has worked for Arcadis for 3 years, originally starting in the Calgary Office. Working on projects that span from England, Greece, and Palestine to Calgary, Alberta, she brought a new perspective to the Houston Education Architecture Office. Toun works with a variety of education projects across the entire life cycle of the projects, has face-to-face with clients, gives presentations, creates technical working drawings, goes to site visits, and overviews completion of a final design.