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Rice Fergus Miller Announces Four Promotions

Rice Fergus Miller (RFM), a 52-person architecture, interior design, planning, and vizlab firm located in Bremerton, WA, has promoted four individuals to new leadership positions: Blake Webber and Jason Ritter-Lopatowski have been promoted to Associate Principal, and Susie Parsons and Kimberlyn Caoagas have been promoted to Associate.

Blake Webber AIA is a new Associate Principal at the firm. He joined the firm in 2019 with over a decade of experience working as a healthcare architect throughout the country. Blake has worked in the healthcare design field as both an owner’s representative and a traditional design consultant. His experience on both sides has given him the unique ability to truly understand his clients, the facilities they manage and the needs of their end users. He has worked on a wide range of Rice Fergus Miller’s medical projects including rural clinics, assisted living facilities, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) facilities and renovations within large hospitals. Blake worked closely with his mentor, former Principal Mike Miller, who retired in May, 2021. Blake Webber and interior designer Gena Lee now oversee the firm’s healthcare studio.

Jason Ritter-Lopatowski LEED AP BD+C has been promoted to Associate Principal. Jason is an architect in the firm’s hospitality and fire and emergency services studios and has nearly 15 years of professional experience. At RFM, Jason has worked on projects including the 7 Cedars Hotel & Casino expansion, various Tulalip Casino & Resort improvements, and is currently working on four different fire stations for Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue. In addition to project work, Jason has played an active role in firm management and the adoption of new technology and tools.

Susie Parsons NCIDQ has been promoted to Associate. Susie is an interior designer working in the firm’s senior living and hospitality studios, with over 8 years of experience. Most recently, Susie has worked on improvements at the Panorama senior living community in Lacey, WA, various projects with Emerald Heights in Redmond, WA, and an expansion at the Eliseo senior living community in Tacoma, WA. In addition to project work, Susie is active in the firm’s charitable contributions and equity committees and volunteers her time to local high school students as an AVID Program mentor.

Kimberlyn Caoagas LEED Green Associate has been promoted to Associate. Kimberlyn is an architectural designer with a passion for fully-integrated architectural and interior design solutions. She is currently designing and managing the development of two private aircraft terminals for Modern Aviation, a fixed-base operator (FBO) based in New York. Aside from project work, Kimberlyn is a champion of workplace culture and firm growth. Outside of the office, she serves as a board member of NOMA NW, a professional organization which advocates for the advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the AEC industry. Kimberlyn also volunteers as a mentor to local high school students through the AVID Program (Advancement Via Individual Determination), helping underachieving students with high academic potential prepare for entrance to colleges and universities.

 

About Rice Fergus Miller

Rice Fergus Miller, Inc is the professional partnership of Steve Rice, Dave Fergus, Greg Belding, and Jennifer Fleming, begun in Bremerton in 1987. As a Certified B Corporation, the firm is committed to performing meaningful work that builds and strengthens community. Housed in a reclaimed Sears auto service center that is one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the United States, Rice Fergus Miller blends the personal aspirations of its over 50 team members with a vision for sustainable communities. Learn more at www.rfmarch.com.