Firm Leadership

Samuel Vela, PE

President

"It gives me great pleasure to say I have lived and worked in Chicago since returning from active military duty in 1992."

My move to Chicago occurred when I started my studies at The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in the College of Engineering. I am taken back in memory looking out of my dorm window on Damen, staring at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.

It was here that I underwent three reconstructive surgeries to heal injuries sustained during my service during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. However, I did not know that one day I would lead a Chicago-based architecture and engineering firm currently working at both Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

I am very proud to look back on those early days after moving to Chicago in 1992. It turned out to be the best thing I ever did.

Featured Work

Jesse Brown VA Medical Center

University of Illinois at Chicago

Eric Person, PE, LEED AP

Vice President, Director of Operations

"Solving problems creatively and strategically is something that makes this field rewarding."

Having spent my entire engineering career in Chicago, I have had the pleasure to work on a number of challenging buildings and projects.

With over 17 years of experience as a mechanical engineer in the Chicago market, I lead the engineering group and serve as the Director of Operations, providing strategic planning for the firm’s long-term goals.

Harbor Oaks Psychiatric Hospital

Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment

Eric Olson

Vice President, Director of Technology

"I love Chicago. It was always home. But when I was young, my family moved out of state. All I ever wanted to do was come back."

As a kid, I always knew I was close to home when I saw the “Magikist” Lips on the highway. Or that we were going to a cool museum if we got on Lake Shore Drive. I’d sled Cricket Hill in the winter with my grandparents. I’d smelt fish in Montrose harbor with my dad. And the airshow on Montrose beach was always bittersweet because we knew the summer was coming to an end.

In June 1998, I started my first day of work in downtown Chicago as an entry-level mechanical designer. Chicago was where I wanted to be! It was the best job I could ever have imagined. 2 years earlier, I was deployed with the U.S Army. I lived in a canvas tent, with wood floors packed with straw in a mud field in Bosnia. It was quite a transition! I was very motivated to find success!

Looking back since we started the firm, to see how far we've come is humbling. We get the privilege of contributing to the success of the most icconic buildings and get to use the most innovative technology. We're designing with 5d technology, surveying with remote flying drones, and walking through point cloud models with VR headsets. What’s cooler than that?

Gately Stadium Indoor Track & Field

G. Iain Dickie, AIA, LEED AP, PMP

Director of Architecture

"Job one is to actively help clients successfully reach their goals by leveraging my 31+ years of experience with a multitude of program and project types, both locally and nationally"

I am an accomplished building design and architectural professional with 31 years of experience with various project types, including healthcare, residential, and commercial. My proven abilities include successfully working with multi-discipline project teams, actively guiding clients & stakeholders, proactively identifying potential challenges, delivering practical solutions, and providing strong team leadership.

I possess comprehensive knowledge of all phases of the project delivery process: conceptual design through activation and project turnover to deliver the best solutions for my clients

I have professional licensure in Illinois and multiple states, active leadership with the American Institute of Architects, NCARB certification, Project Management Professional (PMP), and LEED AP.