Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Russell Harmon, AIA.
Years at CGS?
4 Years
Tell us a little bit about yourself + your past experience.
After earning a Bachelor’s architecture degree in my home state of Oregon, I decided to explore the country. I went to Pittsburgh and earned a Master’s of Science in Building Performance and Diagnostics from the Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture. Denver Colorado was my next destination. When I wasn’t exploring the Rocky Mountains, I was hard at work earning my architecture license. Most recently, I call Washington home and it has proven to be an exciting place to live.
What inspires you when it comes to design + architecture?
I am always amazed at the ingenuity and beauty found in nature. Lessons ranging from the functional to the metaphysical can be applied to many aspects of the built environment. Nature inspires me everyday.
What has been your favorite project with CGS Architects and why?
Dorothy Height Elementary School is an engaging combination of new and historic buildings. I have grown significantly as a professional managing this project and it has been a joyful experience working with the school community to create their new place to call home.
Current CGS 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 Richard Warren.
Years at CGS?
1 Year
What inspires you when it comes to design + architecture?
Natural formations and elements. My favorite being rivers, wind patterns, and topography because of their ability to twist and curve in directions that have no regular pattern and are so unique in shape. Their curves have a story to tell, and that organic design plays an important role in the human experience of the built environment.
What made you want to work in the architecture field?
Growing up near New York City in the suburbs of New Jersey, we would take trips to the city where some of my core memories were formed around architecture. Standing next to the empire state building and feeling the grandeur of the size and art deco ornamentation always left me awestruck. I later discovered an architecture course in my high school where I developed some foundation of space making and design. I was pushed by my amazing teachers, counselor, and family to pursue this passion further in my higher education, and I have never regretted my decision.
What do you like most about working with CGS Architects?
As a recent graduate, I love the office culture and how helpful everyone is. When I started out, I appreciated that I could feel comfortable turning around and asking anyone in my studio a question, which was often! My favorite times are the moments we get together to talk, catch up, and laugh over a Lunch + Learn, First Friday presentation, morning bagels, happy hours, and all the other events where we are all together. Before I forget, I have to shout out the office’s location in Georgetown too. The scenery is perfect and there are amazing food options just a walk away!
Current Project
Elizabeth Seton High School Master Plan in Bladensburg, MD.
We are CGS.
CGS Architects is happy to announce Kelsey Wilson, AIA passed all of her AREs, completed her hours, and is officially a Registered Architect in DC! Join us in giving her a well deserved round of applause.
Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know our Controller, Peter Novick.
Years at CGS?
6 Years
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Even though we learned this in Kindergarten, it still holds true as an adult in the workplace:
“Treat others how you want to be treated.”
What do you like most about working with CGS Architects?
The collaboration and creativity. We collaborate in everything we do as a firm and as a business. When you couple that with the creativity of our architecture, it makes for a great work environment. As a CPA who did not have any architecture background prior to working at CGS, I’ve been so impressed with the level of detail that goes into our design work.
What has been your favorite project with CGS Architects and why?
All the projects that make money are my favorites 🙂 All kidding aside, our recent Georgetown Prep project is my favorite; it’s very close to where I grew up and my high school track coach is now the coach at Georgetown Prep. I am thrilled we could design a new facility for him and his athletes.
Favorite CGS Project
Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda, MD
We are CGS.
Every other week we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Jonathan Chung.
Years at CGS?
21 Years
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Remember to be grateful for what you already have.
What inspires you when it comes to design + architecture?
Design in General: I’m inspired by Techonics and materiality, especially with traditional materials such as wood, stone, glass, and metal. I am sort of a Paleo when it comes to design. I like work that expresses ‘Techne’, or brilliant human creation/construction of things. Architecture Specifically: I am inspired by the collaborative nature of our work, particularly in work with our team and with the builders, especially when they express passion for their work.
What do you like most about working with CGS Architects?
A culture of treating people respectfully.
Recent Project
Marriott Early Childhood Building at Norwood School, Bethesda, MD
We are CGS.
Twice a month we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Isaac Bonilla.
Years at CGS?
6 Years
What inspires you when it comes to design + architecture?
Going from paper to reality: seeing the final outcome is gratifying knowing all the hard work that goes into it. My first project out of school was a custom metal railing for a building in Ft. Worth, TX. I designed a motif that resembles a longhorn and was amazed by the sample. Even more so when I saw it on the building. That feeling never changed; whether I’m working on railings or much larger scale projects, it’s always inspiring to see and touch something that were once lines on paper.
What made you want to work in the architecture field?
There wasn’t a moment that led to my career path; I grew into it. As a child, I drew everything from cartoons and self portraits, to landscapes. This led to technical drawings in high school where I discovered drafting and CAD software. After 3 years of courses I knew this was for me.
Tell us a little bit about yourself + your past experience.
During my first weeks in college, I lived through the 9-11 tragedy. That moment was very impactful for me being that I was from NY and have a lot of family in that area. It was alarming. As I watched the events unfold in my dorm, I seriously considered dropping the books and joining the military. However, after several conservations with my family and school faculty, I was convinced to stay in school. After 5.5-years I achieved my goal and graduated with a Masters in Architecture. After school I moved to DC where I worked on mostly national projects. After about 10 years, I was ready for something completely different; moving from traditional to more contemporary designs. Luckily, I found CGS where I was captured by their portfolio, specifically the Wilson Bridge Control House. I saw that and I was sold.
Favorite Project
Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge Control House, Washington, DC
We are CGS.
Twice a month we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Rodney Howlett.
Years at CGS?
1 Year
What inspires you when it comes to design?
I find inspiration in designers that truly design for the human scale. It takes true talent to create intimate and cozy environments in large spaces like airports, grand halls, auditoriums, etc.
What do you like most about working with CGS Architects?
I've enjoyed working in smaller architectural firms where people get to know one another. I love working at CGS because it feels more like a family than a firm.
What made you want to work in the architecture/design field?
I grew up loving to draw, but never considered architecture until my sophomore year in high school. In preparation for an addition on the family home, my mother purchased some house plan magazines. I became entranced and soon I began buying the residential planing magazines more than comic books I had been collecting! I was hooked.
Favorite Project
Suitland High School, District Heights, MD
We are CGS.
Twice a month we highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Lexa Rio.
Years at CGS?
15 Years
What do you like most about working with CGS Architects?
The People! I love working with a group of colleagues so enthusiastic about architecture, design, and creating great spaces for our clients and the community.
What made you want to work in the architecture/design field?
I had the opportunity to travel a fair bit as a young person, and I was awe struck by the beauty and artistry of the buildings in places I visited. As I learned about the profession, I saw how good design could impact people’s lives for the better, and I wanted to be a part of that.
What inspires you when it comes to design/architecture?
I have always been fascinated by how things are built, from the broad concepts to small details of craftsmanship. I love how architecture takes the talent and expertise of so many people and creates something that is more than the sum of its parts. I find that really inspiring.
Current Project
Landon School, Bethesda, MD
We are CGS.
On the second and last Monday of every month we will highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Patrick Masterson.
Years at CGS?
4 Years
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The best piece of advise I have ever received is from my Middle/High School math teacher. As a succinct self fulfilling statement: “Keep it simple, Stupid.”
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
Before working at CGS, while pursuing a masters degree in education, I did a year of student teaching at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. The school was still under construction; students and teachers would always talk about how they were excited to move into the new building, designed by CGS!
Tell us about your past experience.
Before working at CGS my degree was in Fine arts and Education. Originally, I was interested in teaching pottery and spent many years trying to make that work. One day I was filling in at CGS as a temporary office manager and found the people, projects, and company created a simply amazing work environment. Now, 4 years later, the projects, people, and company continue to make this a great place to be.
Favorite CGS Project
Martha's Table, Washington, DC
We are CGS.
On the second and last Monday of every month we will highlight a member of our CGS team. Let's get to know Virendra Rawat, affectionately known as VR at the studio.
Years at CGS?
1 Year
What inspires you when it comes to design + architecture?
To appreciate and understand the history of the built form around the world and enjoy a profession that provides the opportunity to create, contribute and shape future human landscapes.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I received my master’s degree from the current monarch of United Kingdom, King Charles III.
Favorite CGS Project
Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Washington, DC
We are CGS.