Celebrating HBG Design’s 2024 Promotions
At HBG Design, leadership is defined by actions that align teams toward a collective vision and inspire collaboration to achieve shared goals. This year, we’re proud to announce the promotion of five exceptional individuals whose dedication, innovation, and leadership exemplify these values. Congratulations to Alexandra Milkovich, Senior Associate, and Associates Kristen Dixon, Ryan Callahan, Kalyn Johnson, and Patty Sprecco Johnson. Read more about their incredible contributions below:
Alexandra Milkovich, Senior Associate
Alexandra Milkovich has been a trailblazer in HBG Design’s San Diego office, showcasing remarkable growth from her early days in documentation support to her current role as a Senior Interior Designer. Known for her empathetic leadership, Alexandra fosters collaboration and mentorship within her team, empowering
junior designers with real-time feedback and opportunities to grow. Her commitment to design excellence and her role as an advocate for innovation through firm-wide initiatives have positioned her as a thought leader within the industry. Notably, Alexandra’s work has garnered recognition from prominent publications and organizations, including Global Gaming Business Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 and the San Diego Business Journal’s “Leaders of Influence” in design. As a Senior Associate, Alexandra continues to inspire and lead by example, ensuring HBG’s future success.
Kalyn Johnson, Associate
Kalyn Johnson’s calm confidence and proactive approach have made her an indispensable leader at HBG Design. Her ability to seamlessly step into key roles demonstrates her adaptability and dedication to excellence. Kalyn’s technical expertise, combined with her strategic thinking and mentorship, has set a high standard within the interiors group. She has spearheaded risk management initiatives and created a knowledge hub to support her colleagues’ growth. Kalyn’s rare blend of technical precision, conceptual creativity, and empathetic leadership makes her a true unicorn in the industry. Her ability to connect and inspire her team ensures that HBG continues to deliver innovative and successful projects.
Kristen Dixon, Associate
Kristen Dixon has emerged as a vital contributor to HBG Design’s success, excelling in her role as a project architect and team leader. Kristen’s dedication to delivering meticulously coordinated and high-quality designs is matched by her ability to foster collaboration among project stakeholders. She approaches challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset and a focus on maintaining strong client relationships. Kristen’s commitment to professional growth and her passion for mentorship have left a lasting impact on her colleagues. As an Associate, Kristen is poised to further strengthen HBG’s reputation for excellence in design and project delivery.
Ryan Callahan, Associate
Ryan Callahan’s enthusiasm for community-focused design has defined his career at HBG Design. His work on projects such as Third Church of Christ Scientist exemplifies his ability to create spaces that inspire connection and enrich communities. Ryan’s thoughtful design approach and attention to detail have earned him recognition as a trusted team member and leader. His collaborative spirit and dedication to fostering innovation within his team make him a natural fit for his new role as Associate. Ryan’s vision and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to HBG’s continued success.
Patty Sprecco Johnson, Associate
Patty Sprecco’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the operations and culture of HBG Design’s San Diego office. Since joining HBG seven years ago, Patty has played a key role in managing the office’s operations, including
overseeing service contracts, coordinating with building management, and navigating California’s complex regulatory landscape to ensure compliance. She has also been a driving force behind fostering a positive work environment that has supported the San Diego office’s growth to four times its original size. Now as HR Coordinator, Patty has taken on the responsibility of leading performance management processes for the San Diego and Dallas offices, demonstrating her ability to handle sensitive and impactful conversations with professionalism and care. Her dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on HBG Design, and as an Associate, Patty continues to champion the firm’s values and mission.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals on their well-deserved promotions. Their dedication, leadership, and passion for design excellence ensure that HBG Design’s future is brighter than ever.
Announcing Our New Senior Associates and Associates!
Announcing our new 2023 staff promotions! HBG Design is proud to announce that seven established HBG employees have been elevated to the positions of Associate and Senior Associate at the firm. This announcement marks another step forward in HBG Design’s strategic plan to grow its next generation of leaders, ensuring our practice's longevity far into the future.
These seven individuals have each demonstrated leadership, not only in their role but, perhaps most importantly --- in the way they create an environment where others in the firm can learn, grow, and contribute great things.
These newly elevated employees foster ingenuity; they listen, teach, and invest in themselves to grow and develop those who work with them. That is the truest mark of a leader – to heed the calling not only to reach for excellence on your own but to have the desire and ability to create opportunities for others to thrive.
Announcing our new Associates:
Thor Harland, AIA, Associate / Lead Architectural Designer
Thor has created a significant impact on the design narrative at HBG Design. Inspired design is at the heart of our purpose; Thor embodies this ethos with a depth that resonates. Thor's distinctive, lyrical approach to design serves as a pivotal force. His work embodies elegance and simplicity; it is fluid and graceful, rich in concept, and steeped in contextual relationships that evoke a sense of place. Thor communicates design by telling visual stories, helping clients embrace the vision behind the design through artfully nuanced drawings and conceptual diagrams. He doesn't merely present design, he encapsulates a thoughtful dialogue that resonates with both architects and clients alike.
Wielding vision, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to advancing HBG’s position as an industry leader, Thor’s passion for design, spanning architecture to interiors, injects a holistic perspective into every project. What distinguishes him most is his ability to navigate beyond design constraints, composing solutions that are not only cost-effective but remain true to the overarching vision. Thor has been promoted to Associate at HBG Design. Congratulations, Thor!
Nathan Blair, AIA, Associate / Lead Architectural Designer
An integral part of our success, Nathan is expanding horizons in our San Diego office. Bringing people together while demonstrating an unwavering passion for design execution are Nathan’s superpowers. He’s helped transcend the miles between teams in different office locations by aligning everyone together and uniting our project teams across the continent.
Under pressure, he's the embodiment of professionalism and leads teams with contagious positivity. His influence doesn't stop at the end of the workday; Nathan represents HBG at local business and design community events participating in after-hours gatherings supporting The Downtown San Diego Partnership and Friends of San Diego Architecture. Nathan has been promoted to Associate at HBG Design. Cheers to Nathan's Achievements!
Tava Frazier, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, Associate / Interior Designer
Tava Frazier has been promoted to Associate at HBG Design. She’s not only a highly skilled leader, but she has an extraordinary ability to adapt to a variety of project roles and responsibilities quickly. She has a gift to see beyond the strict definition of a project role, and adjust her focus on what the project needs to be successful. One moment, Tava may be an Interior Design Project Architect, who takes the reins and leads as the project manager. Or, her role might be Interior Design Project Manager, who also juggles the responsibilities of a project architect.
Without exception, Tava always brings exceptional efficiency and commitment to her projects. A dedicated mentor, Tava advocates for those she sponsors, seeking out opportunities for junior staff to learn new skills, build deep industry knowledge, and shape an immersive career experience at HBG. Congratulations, Tava!
Morgan Streitmatter, Associate / Human Resources Manager and Memphis Office Manager
Morgan is the epitome of designing a career experience, showcasing versatility and excellence in diverse facets of operations, office management, and communications. Morgan's career journey has touched various aspects of our operations, and her impact has been transformative. As the senior member of our Office Management team, Morgan played a pivotal role in creating a unified "One HBG" office structure. Her dedication led to the implementation of consistent operating procedures and standards across all three nationwide HBG locations.
Morgan's shining moments come to life in her role as Human Resources Manager. Her business acumen and steadfast work ethic have not only helped foster a more positive work environment, but her empathetic leadership has also elevated each employee’s experience with Human Resources. Morgan's journey from being a part of the team to leading it is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence have propelled her into a leadership role where she continues to make a profound impact on our organization. Congratulations, Morgan!
Announcing our new Senior Associates:
Ferran Espin, AIA, NCARB, Senior Associate / Project Architect
As a Project Architect at HBG Design, Ferran leads many of the firm’s largest and most complex entertainment and hospitality projects. He conveys intricate concepts straightforwardly, instantly instilling confidence among his peers, clients, and consultant/contractor teams. Ferran has exceptional character and has earned the trust and attention of HBG clients due to his direct, composed communication and his prolific technical acumen. He is a driving force behind the delivery of recent large-scale HBG projects.
Ferran exemplifies project and people leadership at HBG. He has a flair for making personal connections and is a passionate, committed advocate for the growth of his team members. As a trusted mentor, Ferran is always seeking to educate and inspire others with wisdom imparted in a direct and soothing communication style. Congratulations, Ferran!
Dana Ramsey, CPSM, Senior Associate / Director of Marketing
With 10 national SMPS Marketing Communication Awards and 2 regional ADDY Awards under her belt, Dana contributes her 25 years of marketing and communication experience, insight, and creativity to HBG. Her strategic thinking and talent for creating compelling content and messaging have made a lasting impact on the firm.
Dana is infinitely curious and instigates meaningful change, perpetually seeking ways that add value to HBG’s processes. An intuitive, empathetic listener, her 18-year journey at HBG has been marked by an intense spirit of teamwork and collaboration as she guides the marketing team in the creation of high-impact promotional campaigns and effective project pursuit messaging. Congratulations, Dana!
Jeff Phipps, Senior Associate / IT Director
Jeff Phipps began his journey at HBG supporting a single office. Today, he's the backbone of three thriving offices nationwide, supporting over 100 team members. His leadership across all aspects of IT influences everyone and everything at HBG - from hardware to software, connectivity to cybersecurity. He's not just a troubleshooter; he's a strategic thinker, meticulously planning budgets, maintaining equipment, and ensuring our technology and infrastructure advance and are seamlessly integrated into our workflow.
Sometimes IT can seem like a never-ending rollercoaster, but Jeff maintains his signature calm, positive and helpful attitude every day. He’s our IT symphony leader, ensuring every HBG employee has the tools they need to excel in their own role. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Jeff is how he leads through service and support. He embodies the spirit of HBG – thriving on collaboration, innovation, and unwavering support for the collective HBG team.
We are so proud of this group and the entire team of HBG next-generation leaders who continue to raise the bar and move the firm to new heights.
Nathan Peak, AIA, LEED GA
Practice Leader
HBG Design
HBG Design Welcomes a New Generation of Leaders
Earlier this year HBG announced the promotion of Nathan Peak, AIA, to Practice Leader. Today, HBG is excited to announce additional promotions and elevations of staff that emphasize the depth and breadth of talent across the span of our entire firm. We welcome these next generation of leaders whose voices are already making an impact on how we operate and practice industry-leading design.
Congratulations to the following HBG Design employees on their recent firm promotions and advancements!
- Deidre Brady, AIA, NCIDQ, LEED AP BD+C, Promoted to Principal / Project Management Leader
- Chris Devine, AIA, Promoted to Senior Associate / Documentation & Specification Leader
- Leslie Thompson, Promoted to Senior Associate / Process Improvement & Resource Leader
- Jason Fox, Promoted to Senior Associate / Construction Administration Leader
- Michael Ochoa, AIA, Project Manager, Promoted to Senior Associate
- Chase Percer, AIA, Associate, Promoted to Design Technology Leader
- Christopher Wood, IIDA, NCIDQ, Interior Designer, Promoted to Associate
- Tamara Goff, CPSM, Principal, Transitioned Role to Director of Communications & Brand Experience
- Dana Ramsey, CPSM, Associate, Promoted to Director of Marketing
- Paul Towery, AIA, ICCC, Senior Associate, Promoted to Codes & Compliance Leader
- Morgan Streitmatter, Promoted to Human Resources Manager
- Patty Sprecco, Promoted to Human Resources Coordinator
- Leah Goodwin, Promoted to Practice Operations Facilitator
