Faces of Gresham Smith
From architects to engineers, interior designers to planners, construction managers to commissioners, program managers to environmental consultants and everything in between, Gresham Smith is full of genuine people who are passionate about their work.
Every day, we embrace opportunities to find solutions to some of our clients’ most pressing challenges. Our dedication extends beyond our projects; it also influences how we spend our time outside of the office. Whether we’re using our expertise to support community organizations or sharing our knowledge to build the next generation of leaders, we know that what we do matters—both now and in the future.
Meet some of the friendly faces of Gresham Smith who are helping us live up to our Core Purpose: to plan, design and consult to create healthy and thriving communities.
Breaking Cycles: Designing With Purpose for the Greater Good
Armed with an anything-you-want-is-attainable belief instilled by her parents, Senior Interior Designer Sivilay Xayasaene is making a positive difference in her local community.
Designing Beyond the Four Walls: Fusing Artistry and Community-Centric Design
From a young creator influenced by his father’s handy skills to an award-winning architect, Market Design Leader Chris Hoal’s work is marked by his passion for connecting communities.
A Roundabout Career: Mentoring Others as They Navigate New Roles
After a 30-year career at the Georgia Department of Transportation, Deputy Program Manager Sonja Thompson transitioned to Gresham Smith and found a new niche: mentoring junior staff as they navigate complex projects.
A Touchdown Career: Tackling Engineering Challenges and Community Outreach
Dante Ferguson, a structural engineer-in-training, combines his love for math and problem-solving with his passion for football, demonstrating that it’s possible to excel in multiple fields.
Making a Difference: Capturing Stormwater and the Imagination
With a love of nature developed during her childhood in Ukraine, Project Engineer Diana Chumak marries her passion with her profession by helping clients practice environmental stewardship.
Living to Serve: From Childhood Dreams to Community Impact
Architect Jose Tavarez’s commitment to service, a principle ingrained by his mother, is not only a guiding force in his life, but also in his work at Gresham Smith.
Trailblazing Engineering: Connecting Communities Through Innovative Problem-Solving
Amid designing award-winning roadway projects, East Tennessee Roadway Design Group Leader Patrick Fiveash discovered another passion: encouraging the next generation to consider careers in engineering.
Designing a Better Environment: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design
From reducing embodied carbon to eliminating red-list chemicals, Interior Designer Maria Sanchez’s spirit of innovation leads others to make sustainable and resilient design choices.
Industrial Ingenuity: Forging Success, One Plant at a Time
Director of Energy Strategy Dave Verner’s childhood fascination with science fiction sparked his unique path to a career in architecture working on the dynamic industrial facilities that shape economies and transform the fabric of communities.
Beyond the Status Quo: Making a Meaningful Impact
From summer intern to full-time landscape designer and community planner, Morgan Dunay is driving positive change in the Louisville, Kentucky community with projects that make a difference.
Make Your Mark
Interested in working alongside genuine people and enjoying genuine opportunities to shape your career? We’d love to hear from you.