Lawrence Group announced the promotion of President Mike Schnaare, AIA, NCARB, to President and Chief Executive Officer. Co-Founder and current CEO Steve Smith, FAIA, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman.

The leadership transition represents a natural evolution for the firm and reinforces Lawrence Group’s commitment to continued growth, innovation and long-term strategic vision.

Describing the change as a thoughtful next step for the firm, Smith noted that Schnaare’s promotion reflects both the strength of the firm’s leadership bench and its focus on building for the future.

“In the almost 30 years that Mike has been with Lawrence Group, he has excelled at every challenge and every responsibility that he has been given,” said Smith. “I am confident that with Mike taking on the CEO role, he will lead Lawrence Group to even greater success.”

Schnaare, who joined Lawrence Group in 1997, has grown his career with the firm while helping lead its healthcare practice. In his new role as CEO, he will continue to champion the firm’s mission, values and strategic direction while collaborating closely with leadership to shepherd Lawrence Group’s continued growth and national expansion.

“I am honored to assume the role of CEO and to build on the extraordinary foundation Steve Smith and our leadership team have created,” said Schnaare. “My focus for the future is to continue strengthening Lawrence Group’s culture of legendary service, investing in our people, and expanding the depth and reach of our design expertise in markets where we can make the greatest impact. As we look ahead, I am committed to thoughtful growth, design excellence, and helping our clients turn vision into reality in ways that are meaningful, enduring, and transformative.”

Schnaare specializes in healthcare planning and design and has helped drive more than $40 million in annual revenue for the firm. Under his leadership, Lawrence Group has expanded its national footprint through the opening of new offices in Texas and Florida, positioning the firm to better serve clients across key growth markets.

Driven by a passion for uncovering client goals and translating them into impactful environments that foster wellness and human connection, Schnaare has led award-winning healthcare projects across the country. He currently serves as principal-in-charge of the $410 million Health First Cape Canaveral Replacement Hospital, one of the firm’s largest projects now under construction.

Additional marquee projects in Schnaare’s portfolio include the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Replacement Hospital, SSM St. Mary’s Jefferson City Replacement Hospital, SSM St. Joseph Hospital Campus Expansion, Touchette Regional Replacement Hospital and SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.

Schnaare holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University. He is a registered architect and member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE). He serves on the SSM Health Foundation–St. Louis Board of Trustees and the Kansas State University Dean's Advisory Council.