Chicago-based architecture firm Lucien Lagrange Studio has promoted Victor Krasnopolsky, AIA, to the role of design principal after four years with the company. Additionally, the firm has hired Joseph Lai, NCARB, LEED, as senior associate.
“The intimate studio environment we’ve cultivated at Lucien Lagrange Studio truly distinguishes us from other firms, and the hands-on collaboration this company culture allows is only possible because of the experienced staff and strong leaders we have in place,” said Alfredo Marr, managing principal with the firm. “We’re incredibly pleased to not only recognize Victor’s ongoing contributions to our business with this promotion, but also welcome Joseph as a new addition who will further enrich our team.”
Krasnopolsky, an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, has expertise working on a variety of projects, from residential high-rises to baseball stadiums and elementary schools. Since joining Lucien Lagrange Studio in 2016 as a senior associate, he has been integral to managing workflow and scheduling, as well as overseeing the design of projects from the studio.
“This promotion to design principal acknowledges the critical role Victor has always played in our firm’s design function and the leadership he brings to our entire team,” said Marr. “His breadth of experience has been especially valuable as we continue to expand our work into new project types and markets, and we expect in this position Victor will continue to lead that effort as we pursue a range of new opportunities.”
Previously, Krasnopolsky served as design specialist and senior project manager at Bailey Edward Architecture in Chicago, and director of design at L. R. Kimball Architecture / Engineering in State College, Pa. His tenure at Lucien Lagrange Studio reunites him with Founding Principal Lucien Lagrange and other members of the firm’s executive team who he worked with for a number of years as a senior designer and associate at Lucien Lagrange Architects, Lagrange’s previous firm. Krasnopolsky holds a bachelor of architecture degree from the University of Illinois, and also completed the University of Illinois European Architecture program in Versailles, France.
Lai brings 13 years of experience to his role as senior associate at Lucien Lagrange Studio. With a background encompassing commercial and mixed-use developments, he has expertise in scheduling, budgeting and negotiating, as well as managing junior staff.
“Joseph has a proven track record with skill and talent that meshes perfectly with our design approach,” said Marr. “Our portfolio of active projects spans everything from residential developments in early design phases, to multifamily properties under construction, to a hospitality project nearing completion, and Joseph is already jumping in and seamlessly collaborating with our team and our clients to move these projects forward.”
Prior to joining Lucien Lagrange Studio, Lai was an associate/project architect at Callison RTKL and, earlier, at Perkins Eastman, both in Chicago. His previous experience also includes positions at Torti Gallas and Partners in Silver Springs, Md. and Wiencek + Associates in Washington, D.C. Lai holds a master of architecture degree from Tulane University’s School of Architecture. Active in various industry organizations, he currently serves as Chicago Director to the AIA Illinois Board of Directors.
