Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Principal, Joanna Schmickel, FAIA.
Years at CGS?
38 Years
Is there a quote that speaks to you?
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” - Henry Ford
The power of positive thinking is strong! When faced with a challenge, a professional challenge or a life challenge, the outcome is largely determined by believing that success is attainable. Hard work, commitment and determination are still needed to achieve difficult goals… but the first step is to believe.
What inspires you?
The design process, my CGS colleagues and our clients constantly inspire me. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to listen to the needs of our clients, imagine something that does not yet exist, bring the various elements together, and see it built. Each project is new, is full of opportunities, and has beautiful puzzles to solve. The process is always exciting and inspiring!
Fun Fact
In 2016 I founded the Design Like a Girl Mentor Program to provide an opportunity for middle school girls to learn about the architecture, engineering, and construction industries from professional women. By pairing students with architects and engineers in full day, hands on workshops, girls explore architecture and other related professions with female role models.
“No matter their age or background, girls envision their future based on role models they can see … because when they see it, they believe they can be it.” (From The National Coalition of Girls Schools)
For me, it’s great to give back to the field of architecture that has been so much a part of my life, and I love seeing a spark of interest and excitement in a next generation architect!
We are CGS.
Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Principal, Ed Foley, AIA.
Years at CGS?
26 Years
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Whenever you are given an opportunity to be involved with something, don’t ever miss the chance to make a difference. I have always tried to bring passion, hard work and determination to even the smallest efforts and I think it has paid off in the quality of the products.
What inspires you when it comes to architecture?
Being involved in defining the character of the built environment around us is both exciting and an awesome responsibility at the same time. From an early age, I have always been fascinated by building spaces and how they make people feel when they experience and move through them. As the son of 2 educators, school spaces in particular have been such a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. Being able to do the kind of high quality educational and community-based projects that CGS is known for is the best work I could ever hope for.
What made you want to work in the architecture field?
I have been a passionate Sports guy my whole life, both as a participant and a fan. It’s just how I am wired. As I see it, Architecture is just like any team sport requiring collaboration, coordinated efforts, and clear communication to be successful and fulfilled. As Architects we are the captain of the project team – needing to provide guidance with design visions and strategies, be both creative and efficient in coordinating the various disciplines, and make critical decisions to reach the common objectives of the building process. Every project is a unique challenge in this way, but one that I love being a part of.
We are CGS.
Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know John Peck.
Years at CGS?
1 Year
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
When I moved to LA to study architecture, I was advised to pick up a Thomas Guide before driving anywhere. It opened up all of Southern California to my curious mind. From hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains to visiting Case Study Houses, Eichler Homes, or classic “coffee shop” diners like Bob’s Big Boy, I became acquainted with a whole new world that inspires me to this day.
What made you want to work in the architecture field?
Always attracted by architecture and design in general, in college, I came across a book on Morphosis’ Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona, CA. A typical public high school with an atypical design, it opened my eyes to the potential of architecture to engage creatively in the public realm. It took a couple more years before I realized the obvious and moved to LA to study architecture.
What do you like most about working with CGS?
Educational design has fascinated me for many years, primarily for the potential to create inspiring places for learning. The program type allows for a relatively high level of creativity and design experimentation that reflects the aspirations of a caring community. I feel most fortunate to be working with others equally passionate about designing places for learning.
Current Project
Holton-Arms' Learning Commons in Bethesda, MD.
We are CGS.
Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Brett Winterberg.
Years at CGS?
5 Years
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
An architect I worked with told me, “If the biggest argument you have with your girlfriend is her falling asleep while watching a movie, you should marry her immediately.”
What do you like most about working with CGS?
There’s an old saying that the people you work with really do determine how much you enjoy your job. I think about that sometimes when we have design teams working around the clock to meet a seemingly impossible deadline. We have one of the most intelligent, creative, and colorful cast of characters you could find anywhere who really care not only about the projects but each other as well. There is a strong collaborative dynamic at CGS where everyone’s contributions are incorporated into the final product. Whether it is an amazing building design, an NCAA bracket, sports outing or a tour of projects under construction, the CGS team genuinely enjoys being together.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I have a twin brother! In college many of my cohorts in the architecture program thought that I would deliberately ignore them when out and about on campus, when it was actually my brother who had grown tired of explaining to disbelieving people that he wasn’t me. If they chanced to meet us together they would always ask if he did half of my work in the studio. That mystery persists. And even to this day people still mix us up when we’re together.
Current Project
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, VA.
We are CGS.
Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Principal Bill Spack, AIA.
Years at CGS?
41 Years
What made you want to work in the architecture field?
Like a lot of Architects I’ve met, I ‘just knew’ from an early age that this is what I wanted to do. Growing-up I spent countless hours in the family basement tinkering, building, creating – it was the original ‘Maker Space‘ ! The process of bringing an initial concept to a built reality started there and continues to fascinate me. I’m awed by the power that Architects wield in this regard.
What is the best piece(s) of advice you have ever received?
Be patient. Experience is gained in real time. Focus your efforts on improving the things you don’t do well. The practice of Architecture is multi-faceted and there is much to master. If you’re fortunate, you may start to figure it out before you’re done...
What do you like most about working with CGS?
We’re a quilt. Each Architect is uniquely different, contributing their singular background, talent and experience to the office whole. What we commonly share is a commitment to creating both great Architecture and vibrant settings that strengthen connections, celebrate culture and catalyze change in the communities we serve. CGS has been practicing as a firm for over forty years. We’re cognizant of the legacy we’ve inherited and with great pride look to build on this solid foundation far into the future.
Do you have a favorite quote?
Glad you asked. This has been attributed to Albert Einstein and is as relevant today as it was when he said it...maybe more?
"Information is not knowledge. The only source of knowledge is experience. You need experience to gain wisdom."
We are CGS.
Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Principal Derek Banocy, AIA.
Years at CGS?
22 Years
What do you like most about working with CGS?
I have always appreciated that in my time working at CGS, I have been a part of so many projects, all unique based on their specific needs, location, and client influence. Along with extensive experience in all facets of the design process, from master planning, to concept design and construction.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I have a large LEGO collection that rivals my sons’ collections. I have all of my childhood sets dating back to 1978 and a spreadsheet with all of the sets we own - 94,173 pieces, 657 minifigs, and counting.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your past experience.
I have been very fortunate to work on a variety of projects in the office. One of my first was the operator’s House for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and the Ferrari & Maserati of Washington. My most rewarding experience was on The Duke Ellington School of the Arts. To have started the project through an international competition to working with the contractor, onsite for 18 months, was an experience that I will always remember. The collaboration with sub-contractors and GCS-SIGAL was one of the most fulfilling experiences.
We are CGS.
Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know our Marketing Manager, Mary Butcher.
Years at CGS?
2 Years
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Never stop learning.
What made you want to work in the architecture field?
Before I can remember, I was always fascinated with blueprints, designing cities, and constructing buildings out of Lego Bricks. At the ripe age of 12, I decided I was going to study Architecture at the University of Virginia (which I did). It's always been part of me I guess.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your past experience.
It's been a journey. Quick overview: community set designer, project manager for non-profit construction in the US and Haiti, historic preservation architecture, urban designer focusing on mixed-use and retail, to my current role in AEC marketing where I finally feel at home.
Recent Project
French International School Fence Graphic in Bethesda, MD.
We are CGS.
Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know our intern, Melissa Kazanci, a current Architectural Masters candidate at the Catholic University of America.
Years at CGS?
1 Year
What inspires you when it comes to design?
I have always loved to sketch. I think sketching can reveal a lot more about something than at first glance. Seeing the world around me from a sketchbook can be very informative and inspiring!
What do you like most about working with CGS?
How friendly and hardworking everyone is! Everyone at CGS is super approachable and quick to answer any questions I may have, which I am so appreciative of at the beginning of my career. The projects are also very interesting and unique in their own way.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
Me and my boat placed 5th in the Canadian Henley Royal Regatta finals in the Open Women's category in 2019. The US Women's National team won 1st place.
Current Project
Arlington County Fire House Logistics in Arlington, VA.
We are CGS.
Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Fijoy Fisiy, AIA.
Years at CGS?
5 Years
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
No matter how much experience you have, every project is an opportunity to learn and grow. If you are not learning/growing then something needs to change.
What inspires you when it comes to architecture?
The manner in which people live their lives, come together in community, and interact with the built environment inspires me and my approach.
What made you want to work in the architecture field?
As a teen, I loved flipping through my parent's architectural digest subscription. Every new issue was an opportunity to fantasize about how I would draw my future house. Then I started "drawing" floor plans of fictional houses based on what I was gleaning from the publication. I knew then that I wanted to design houses - it just took me a few more years to figure out that for me, this meant architecture.
Current Project
Dorothy Height Elementary School in Washington, DC.
We are CGS.
Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Ron Nigam, AIA.
Years at CGS?
1 Year
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Whenever there is a major issue that happens, break it down to small, workable solutions. Conversely, whenever there are multiple overwhelming issues, bring them back to the larger overall goal.
What do you like most about working with CGS?
CGS is a group of very talented and knowledgeable people without pretense; the leadership is supportive of individuals finding their own path.
What made you want to work in the architecture field?
I see the architecture field less of a career but more as a passion. Growing up as an only child, I was always a doodler. I still doodle every day and now it's a job requirement!
Recent Project
Concept for Malcolm X @ Green Elementary School RFP in Washington, DC.
We are CGS.