L-R: Rob Atkins, Samantha “Sami” Szeszulski, Brendon Pollard, Dan Tryles, Sarah Haselschwardt and John Davids.
Kingscott Expands Leadership; is Creating Education Spaces in Detroit, Lansing and Saline
(Feb. 22, 2023)
KALAMAZOO, Mich.– Architects John Davids, Sarah Haselschwardt and Samantha “Sami” Szeszulski join principals Rob Atkins (President), Brendon Pollard (Vice President) and Dan Tryles (Secretary and Treasurer) on the firm’s leadership team.
“The ability to reimagine and reinvent ourselves has been key to Kingscott’s success and longevity as an industry leader for nearly a century,” Atkins said. “This is another step in our evolution as we continue to foster a dynamic, diverse and inclusive company culture.”
Established in 1929, Kingscott is the second oldest architectural, engineering and interior design firm in the state of Michigan and has office locations in Royal Oak, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Chelsea. Kingscott specializes in the design and planning of K-12 schools, commercial buildings, and senior living communities and is continuing to expand its portfolio in other development areas.
Kingscott is currently working with Detroit Public Schools to prepare documents to re-occupy portions of the former Detroit Northern High School. Kingscott was also recently selected to lead 2022 bond projects by the Lansing School District and Saline Area Schools. Lansing School District’s bond includes updates to J.W. Sexton High School and replacing Lewton and Willow Elementaries with brand new, 21st century schools. Saline Area Schools’ $180-million bond will address district-wide building and site improvements as well as ongoing facility needs with a heavy emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) programs.
“John, Sarah and Sami will help drive the planning and design for projects with Detroit Public Schools, Lansing School District and Saline Area Schools,” Atkins said. “The insight of these highly talented, innovative individuals is critical to our firm and fulfilling our company vision of ‘Creating Places You’ll Love.’ We are excited to announce their addition to our leadership team. Each of these team members bring a unique perspective and approach to our work.”
Davids has over 38 years of experience in architectural design and has been a Senior Design Architect at Kingscott since 2017. His diverse career includes professional practice as a designer/studio leader, faculty member at three universities, and as Architect-in-Residence at Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Snowflake House.” In 1999, he was the recipient of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Michigan “Young Architect Award.” Davids has designed award-winning projects for school districts across the country, including Davison Community Schools, Novi Community Schools and Huron Valley Public Schools in Michigan. He has authored multiple architectural articles and co-edited “Tiger Stadium: Essays and Memories of Detroit’s Historic Ballpark.” Davids is REFP, LEED AP BD +C accredited.
Also a Senior Design Architect, Haselschwardt has 30-plus years of experience leading project design across Michigan and the United States. A few of her notable designs include Fremont High School (MI), Chelsea High School (MI), and a new prototype elementary school for Washoe County School District in Nevada. She has served as vice president of the Southwest Michigan AIA, on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity, on her local planning commission, and was appointed to the Michigan Construction Code Commission for several terms. Haselschwardt co-authored an article on women in architecture and was featured in the AIA’s “Women in Architecture” exhibit in Chicago. She is LEED AP BD+C accredited.
Szeszulski has over 10 years of experience spanning K-12 and higher education markets as well as libraries. She has been a member of the Kingscott team since July 2021, serving as a Design Architect and Project Manager. Szeszulski has held AIA leadership positions at the local, state and national levels, and was named the 2018 AIA Detroit Associate Member of the Year. She was a scholar in the AIA Detroit Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) and was a fellow in the highly competitive Challenge Detroit fellowship program. Szeszulski holds degrees from the University of Detroit Mercy and Lawrence Technological University, where she has served as an adjunct instructor. She is a LEED Green Associate and holds an NCARB certificate.