Wright Heerema Architects, the award-winning Chicago architectural design firm, has welcomed renowned architect Richard (Rick) H. Fawell, AIA, IIDA, NCARB, as principal. Fawell brings more than 35 years’ experience designing walkable, livable and thoughtfully planned destinations, including large mixed-use developments, hotels and resorts, multi-family communities, government buildings, higher education facilities, theaters, and master-planned developments. At Wright Heerema, Fawell will lead and grow the firm’s Hospitality & Mixed-Use practice, directing conceptual and design development, client and team coordination and management.

Fawell joins Wright Heerema from VOA, where he served as a Design Principal and Group Leader for more than two decades, including managing principal for the VOA China offices in both Beijing and Shanghai, China, completing 30 masterplans and 30 design projects. His work has also shaped the work, life, academic and performance landscape in cities around the world.

In Chicago, his projects have included the Navy Pier Renovation and Reconstruction program including Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Skyline Stage; the renovation of Marriott Michigan Avenue; the design of North Shore Westin Hotel and Conference Center; Rosemont Intercontinental; Lombard Westin and Conference Center; University Center vertical campus; and outside of Chicago, the Milwaukee Theater; Colleges of Business at Illinois State University and the University of Wisconsin; and student recreation centers at the University of Illinois and at Fairmont State in West Virginia, winning AIA design awards and LEED certifying several of these projects.

“Rick’s work defines the interplay of innovation, usability and artistry,” comments Roger Heerema, principal, Wright Heerema Architects. “We are pleased to offer our clients the benefit of his singular vision for the design of highly livable and productive mixed-use destinations.”

Fawell began his career with Cambridge, Mass.-based firm Benjamin Thompson Associates after working for four years in Helsinki, Finland. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture, and a Master of Business Administration, from the University of Illinois.

For more information, please visit wrightheeremaarchitects.com.