Gary is driven by his vision to build a great firm. He talks with his hands and loves a passionate philosophical discussion. That passion is also evident when Gary discusses the impact of facilities on the way students learn, and he is known around the country for his contribution to educational planning.

Expertise
Vision, planning, client relationships, motivation and management

What leaders say
“Our visioning process showed Gary at his best – vitally interested, drawing us out, getting our ideas, pulling us further than we could have gone ourselves,” says Gary Blanton,  managing principal for SHW’s Houston studio.

Credentials
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Nebraska
Masters of Business Administration, University of Nebraska

Joined SHW Group: 1971

Having started from the ground up at SHW Group, Kyle knows very well the challenges and creative opportunities that SHW leaders and team members face throughout their careers.  Kyle has a comprehensive understanding of each role at SHW – from being an architect to running a successful studio. His primary role is to ensure that the firm’s services are delivered effectively and efficiently. Toward this effort, Kyle supports the development and growth of all six studios. 

Expertise
Diplomacy, consensus building, facilitation, mediation and exemplifying optimism and open-mindedness when finding clever solutions

What his team members say
“Kyle is a very fair and reliable manager who makes decisions that are truly in the best interests of our clients and the ultimate growth of SHW Group,” says Stephanie Garcia,” General Counsel for SHW Group.

Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design, Texas A&M University

Joined SHW Group: 1980

Matt is avid about understanding SHW Group’s business and then translating that understanding to others.  His previous experience with organizational restructuring, technology and management has earned millions of dollars for large corporations and state agencies. 

Matt works closely with lots of rows and columns of data and has continuous contact with each of the studios.  He then distills all the data and interactions into sound business decisions, providing an environment of insight for SHW’s leaders and employees.

Expertise
Business analysis, business measurement systems, planning and consensus-building

Others agree
“Matt does a great job of making sense of complicated and detailed issues and dialing down the true essence of the matter.  I know that everyone appreciates his style and presentation method,” says Gary Keep, CEO of SHW Group.

Credentials
Bachelor’s of Business Administration, Baylor University
Master’s of Business Administration, Baylor University

Joined SHW Group:  2002

Tom’s parents were both educators, which gives him unique perspective when directing design teams to create the next generation of learning environments.  His interest in architecture was sparked at the age of 6, when he watched his family’s church undergo construction right across the street from his home. 

Because of his love for sports and the positive impact they have had on his life, Tom helped to form SHW Sports – a division that designs various athletic venues.  Now he manages SHW’s Austin Office , where his team believes that schools are the most important facility an architect can design.

Expertise
Organization, team-building, and specific technical knowledge have all contributed to Tom’s management of $1.2 billion worth of construction projects.

How he wowed them
“Tom’s organizational abilities and his experience in educational facilities make him a valuable asset to our architectural team,” says Dr. Marc Walker, superintendent of schools for Comal ISD.

Credentials
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Oklahoma

Joined SHW Group: 1990
Founded SHW’s Austin Office

Having taught college classes on business practices, Margie understands the demands of both teaching and business management.  At SHW’s award-winning Michigan studio, Margie exercises sharp fiscal dexterity while personally serving on the Executive Overview Committee to preserve each clients’ vision and ensure all goals are met and exceeded.

Expertise
Financial, business and marketing acumen combined with a tremendous drive for success….with clients, for staff and our firm.  Margie “makes things happen” as evidenced by founding our Michigan practice as well as leading the Higher Education practice at SHW.

What others say
“Margie holds a strong belief that buildings, products, systems and processes must be well designed to be truly successful,” said Kyle Bacon, COO of SHW Group.

Credentials
Bachelor of Arts, Michigan State University
Certified Public Accountant

Joined SHW Group: 2003
Founded SHW’s Michigan Office

Gary’s core belief of honoring the gifts he’s been given has guided his work for more than 23 years at SHW Group.  He and his team are inspired by the effect their work has on generations of students.

Gary believes education is the cornerstone of our democracy, and he was instrumental in SHW’s evolution as education services expanded to include visioning, master planning, community engagement and bond planning in addition to comprehensive architecture and design services.

Expertise
Managing creative ideas toward a unified goal, listening, collaborating, bringing innovative options to clients, adhering to tight budgets

Most often-used quote
“To those more has been given, more is expected.”

Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design, Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Science – Building Construction, Texas A&M University

Joined SHW Group: 1984

Having coached sports for many years, Mark not only has a passion for winning, but he possesses a unique ability to strategically lead teams toward goals. 

Applying a blend of proven business acumen and gut instinct, he has been an integral part of SHW Group’s growth over the last three years.  Mark’s role gives him an opportunity to work with creative, passionate people like him—making the journey a lot more fun.

Expertise
Recognizing, attracting and motivating talent; mentoring; and establishing creative freedom

His famous quote
“It’s amazing what we can accomplish when no one worries about who gets the credit.”

Credentials
Bachelor’s of Arts, Texas Tech University
Master’s of International Management,
American Graduate School of International Management

Joined SHW Group: 2003

Managing Principal
East Coast Office

Derk Jeffrey believes in “aggressive listening” – a concept that famed musician and composer Wynton Marsalis says is key to the creative process. With an open mind and the ability not only to follow another’s lead but to guide when the time is right, Derk helps to create new and meaningful places for learning.

Expertise
 “Big picture” thinker who also possesses a keen eye for details

What people say about Derk
“Derk’s working relationships with colleagues, clients, educators and community members have resulted in many late nights, good times, lifelong friends—and some wonderful places for learning,” says an SHW client.

Credentials
Bachelor of Architecture, Virginia Tech

Joined SHW Group: 2002

Don is passionate about bringing great talent and remarkable design to our higher education markets. Don’s leadership is built on the belief that the works we leave behind are important and that our buildings should carry out their duty well, fulfill the mission of the institution, and honor the place in which they exist with dignity and grace.

Don leads with a genuine joy in seeing others succeed. He is creative, determined, diplomatic and fair.

Expertise
Connecting the dots in relationships, networking and capturing ideas when they’re inspired and translating complex ideas into successful solutions

Favorite quote
His favorite quote is from Henry Ford: “If I’d asked my clients what they wanted, they would have told me a faster horse.” In this spirit, Don builds teams of creative experts driven to understand the client’s desires so deeply that they deliver solutions the client never dreamed of. 

Credentials
Bachelor of Architecture, Texas Tech University

Joined SHW Group: 1989

Daniel has more than 28 years of experience in educational facility design, including 11 years of managing educational facilities.  He is passionate about listening and delivering what clients want, and he finds inspiration in teaching and in his 8- and 10-year-old sons.

Expertise
Client relationships, construction costs, team building and simplifying the complex

What clients think
”Daniel always has the big picture in mind, but does not allow the details to fall through the cracks.  And as a bonus, he understands the complexities of finance far beyond what would be expected of an architect or facilities professional.” Janis Koenig, provost, Austin Community College

Credentials
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Texas at Austin

Joined SHW Group: 2004
Founded SHW’s San Antonio Office