Asher Associates Architects of Jenkintown, Pa., announced that Deborah E. Slaunwhite, AIA, NCARB, has been promoted to Partner, joining founder Mark Asher, AIA, NCARB, in firm leadership. In recognition, the firm has changed its name to Asher Slaunwhite Architects.

Slaunwhite joined the firm in 2008. Over the last 10 years, she increased her leadership in firm management, client relations, and business development. Her even personality, design creativity, and management acumen endeared her to clients and colleagues alike. She was promoted to associate in 2012.

“From the day Deborah joined the firm, there was instant chemistry in terms of design, client relations, and project management,” said Asher. “She has become the person everyone in the office looks to for advice. Her promotion marks an evolution of the firm, a recognition of how far we’ve come, and a promise that we’re only getting better.”

Slaunwhite’s prior experience includes working in single- and multi-family residential design and historic preservation throughout the eastern United States. Her early career included collaboration on permanent cottage residences for Hurricane Katrina victims, restoration of the Taft Museum of Art 1820s House, and design for affordable housing. Her earliest Asher projects included residences in Avalon and Stone Harbor, N.J., and Glenside, Pa., where her design background helped broaden the firm’s aesthetic vocabulary to include more contemporary elements.

“I had never been to the Jersey Shore when I met Mark,” said Slaunwhite, referencing the firm’s extensive portfolio of coastal architecture. “But we spoke the same language of quality and attention to detail. The type of architecture we do here is what I’m most comfortable doing. I look forward to playing an active role in the firm’s continued growth and direction.”

Presently, she is managing renovations of a home in historic Mystic, Conn., as well as several new custom homes in Avalon and Stone Harbor, N.J.

Slaunwhite holds a B.Arch from the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture for which she remains an active alum, recently coordinating her 20th class reunion. She holds professional licensure in three states, and is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Institute for Classical Architecture and Art. She is an avid cyclist and led the formation of team ‘Drafting Ashers,’ which has completed the MS City to Shore ride for the past several years. She lives with her two children in Glenside, Pa.