News

MG2 Announces a New Shareholder, an Internal Promotion and Multiple New Hires

January 25, 2017

Firm begins 2017 by naming a new shareholder, promoting an emerging leader in the D.C. office and adding four senior associates to its Seattle staff.

MG2, consistently ranked among the largest architecture firms in the nation and one of the top retail design firms in the world, begins 2017 by naming a new shareholder, promoting an emerging leader in the D.C. office and adding four senior associates to its Seattle staff.

Myra Vaughn elected as shareholder. The addition of Vaughn, who last year was promoted to principal in the Seattle office, creates a total of 15 shareholders for MG2. With more than 20 years of experience and a proven record of leading and developing relationships with top retailers, Vaughn is expected to contribute a unique voice to MG2’s ownership team.

“Myra is a key leader at MG2, and we are proud to recognize her efforts,” said CEO Mitch Smith. “Her passionate advocacy for clients, along with the mentorship she offers young AEC professionals, has greatly shaped our firm’s culture.”

Eric Marks promoted to associate principal. For the past four years, Marks has served as a senior associate in MG2’s Washington D.C. office, leading a variety of retail, office and master planning projects. As an experienced project manager and licensed architect, Marks will now take on an even larger role in leading clients through complex design and construction project opportunities.

“It’s always gratifying to be able to promote leaders from within,” said CEO Mitch Smith. “Eric’s technical knowledge, dedication and demeanor have made him an indispensable part of MG2’s East Coast
operations and earned him a reputation as a leader who gets things done.”

MG2 is also excited to welcome four senior associates to its Commercial and Retail Studios.

   
Adrian Lam                   Shannon Suess              Karen Chalmers            Janelle Schneider

Adrian Lam joins Commercial Studio. With more than 20 years of experience, Lam has led design work on a variety of project types in the commercial, retail and residential categories. At MG2, he will help manage the firm’s expanding list of retail development projects for domestic and international clients.

Shannon Suess joins Commercial Studio. Suess’s career focus is in hospitality environments. During the past 10 years, she designed luxury hotel projects throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In her new role at MG2, she will be relied upon to provide direction and coordination through all phases of design development for large-scope, complex projects.

Karen Chalmers joins Retail Studio. Chalmers joins MG2 after 15 years working for Starbuck’s internal store design team. In her most recent position, she supervised the standardization of in-store programs to ensure brand consistency throughout the Asia Pacific region. Her unique retail design background, project management skills and experience with program management make her an ideal partner for MG2 clients looking to rollout new retail concepts.

Janelle Schneider joins Retail Studio. Prior to MG2, Schneider was a senior production manager for Nordstrom. In her new role, she will manage the selection and delivery of interior architecture finishes, casework and fixture concepts for retail clients. Additionally, she will work internally with studio design leaders to direct new concept designs across multiple markets.