emersion DESIGN, a leader in architecture, planning, interior design, structural engineering, and sustainability consulting services, announced the appointment of Michael Chapman as a managing member. In addition, Alan Hautman transitions to chief operations officer (COO) and Chad Edwards moves to president and chief executive officer (CEO). Hautman formerly held the role of president, while Steve Kimball was CEO. The C-suite appointments become effective December 2020. Chapman’s role is effective immediately.
The leadership transitions are a result of long-term strategic planning. “When we established the firm in 2007, we understood that leadership would evolve alongside our clients’ needs and respond to the ranging ages of our founding partners. Today’s announcement is part of our ongoing plan to ensure stability and consistency as we continue to advance clients who advance society.” said Edwards.
Michael Chapman’s appointment as a managing member recognizes his leadership in serving government clients since 2014. Government clientele are the largest of emersion’s practices and encompasses federal clients such as NASA, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and Veteran’s Affairs, as well as civic clients representing local cities and townships. “Michael has shown exceptional dedication to his clients while also contributing to significant growth of the firm,” said Hautman. “It was a natural next step to add him as a managing member providing years of future leadership and representation for our long-standing and successful government clients.”
The exchange of roles in the C-suite responds to the individual strengths of the team. Alan Hautman in the COO role will be able to better focus his skills on internal processes associated with production planning and management. This allows Chad Edwards to assume the president and CEO role with a focus on client advancement, thoughtful design, sustainability, and the priorities outlined in emersion’s 2030 Commitment including community, health, resiliency, and sustainability.
About emersion DESIGN
emersion DESIGN, the 11th largest architectural firm in Cincinnati, OH is a collaborative architecture, interior design, planning, structural engineering and sustainable design firm driven by thoughtful expertise and exceptional designs that advance clients and society. For more information, visit www.emersiondesign.com, @emersionDESIGN or #emersionDESIGN.