CetraRuddy has appointed five longtime members of the architecture and interior design firm as partners: Brian J. McFarland, AIA, NCARB; Theresa M. Genovese, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB; Paul-Arthur Heller; Charles Thomson, AIA, LEED AP; and Jonny Whitaker.
The appointments expand CetraRuddy’s leadership to nine partners, two principals, and 10 associate principals, working with a staff of more than 140 professionals across architecture, planning, interior design, product design, and related fields.
Co-founders John Cetra, FAIA, and Nancy J. Ruddy, along with partners Eugene Flotteron, AIA, and Ximena Rodriguez, announced the expanded partnership as the firm continues work across higher education, institutional, civic, multifamily, mixed-use, and adaptive reuse projects. Current commissions include a new building for Columbia University, the Bronx Borough-Based Jail, where CetraRuddy serves as design architect and interior designer, a residential tower in Seoul, and the renovation of a landmark synagogue in Miami.
“Bringing design innovation, operational and project stewardship, technical excellence, and a passion for our craft, these leaders represent the best of the next generation in building design, planning, interior design, and the future of our practice,” says Cetra.
Ruddy says, “These five leaders who have become an important part of the firm’s success are also integral to the CetraRuddy family, partnering with our clients and mentoring our next generation of talent. Our expanded partnership forms an ideal constellation of talents and experience that reinforces CetraRuddy’s vision for our future.”
The new partners bring experience across residential, cultural, educational, commercial, mixed-use, life sciences, and operations leadership.
McFarland has more than 40 years of experience in multifamily residential design, including new construction and adaptive reuse. His work includes residential projects such as Walker Tower and Eastlight, as well as projects in the education, institutional and hospitality sectors.
Genovese leads the firm’s cultural and educational practice. Her portfolio includes university, school, library and museum projects, including Fotografiska Museum and Lincoln Square Synagogue. Her work emphasizes site, materiality, light and sustainable design strategies.
Heller brings experience in life sciences, higher education, cultural, commercial, mixed-use and master planning projects. His current work includes projects in North Carolina and Texas, as well as the Bronx Borough-Based Jail project in New York City.
Thomson has led high-rise and large-scale urban projects, including Rose Hill in Manhattan and Tower 77 in Brooklyn. His work focuses on design execution, technical coordination and project delivery.
Whitaker, managing director, oversees day-to-day operations and management of the firm while helping guide strategic direction and firm culture. His background includes interior architecture and operations leadership in the design industry.
Flotteron says, “We have been creating this outstanding firm with these exceptional professionals, some for longer than a decade or more. We share a collective vision for making cities and places better, an authentic passion for design excellence, and each of these new partners is a visionary in their own way.”
—With files from CetraRuddy via C.C. Sullivan
