LCM Architects announced two promotions within its Chicago office. Todd Douglas, AIA, LEED AP was elevated to partner while Kate Susimilch, AIA, CMCA, AMS, PCAM was promoted from associate to associate principal.
Since joining LCM in 2013, Douglas has diversified the firm’s architectural portfolio, particularly in multifamily residential design. He leads the design team for a phased mixed-use development in Champaign, Illinois. By earning repeat clients, Douglas has grown LCM’s architecture practice with large developments underway in Colorado and Arizona.
Strongly influenced by environmental and social sustainability concepts, Douglas’ vision for clean and modern design aims for comfortable and universally functional human environments. He favors architecture that considers physical orientation and materiality.
His approach encourages individual satisfaction and advances a client-focused practice. “Collaboration is the key to successful projects and a collegial environment that is essential to work satisfaction,” Douglas said.
Susimilch joined LCM in 2015 as an accessibility specialist with experience in the building and real estate industries as a business owner, architect of record, owner’s representative, managing architect, team leader and property manager.
With 20 years’ experience, Susimilch’s diversified background is well-suited to her work at LCM, where she manages accessibility consulting projects for clients with multi-site education, residential and commercial properties. As an architect and project manager, she helps clients understand the imperatives of designing to codes and standards and guides them through corrective processes when non-compliant conditions arise.
Susimilch is managing two of the largest projects in the office: the City of Los Angeles Housing & Community Investment Department’s 10-year initiative for an Accessible Affordable Housing Plan and the assessment of 350 Chicago Public Schools for polling place accessibility. She serves as the primary liaison with these clients, monitors the scope and designates the teams’ assignments.
As an author and presenter, Susimilch has addressed facilities management topics ranging from capital improvement funding and phasing to decision-making in homeowner associations. She holds elite certifications within professional community association management organizations.
