Wight & Company announces promotions

The Darien, IL-based Wight & Company, a leader in integrated architecture, engineering and construction solutions for the built environment, announced today the addition of Leanne Meyer-Smith, AIA, LEED AP, as a senior project manager. Wight also announced the promotions of Ray Prokop, LEED AP, as Vice President, Support Services and Stella Koop, AIA, LEED AP, as Director, K-12 Education Practice. 
 
Leanne Meyer-Smith, AIA, LEED AP, Senior Project Manager
“Leanne understands the education market, and her expertise in school design and project management will be invaluable to our well established K-12 practice,” said Richard Carlson, group president of architecture at Wight.” With her talent, enthusiasm, and attention to client needs, Leanne is a great addition to the Wight team.”
 
In her commitment to delighting clients, Ms. Meyer-Smith, 46, draws from over 20 years of extensive experience ranging from building design, facility analysis and master planning. Her responsibilities have included the design and project management of educational and religious facilities in the Chicago metropolitan area, most recently as a Principal at an architectural firm in Naperville, IL.
 
She earned her Masters of Architecture with high honors from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is a licensed architect, Treasurer for the Northeast Illinois Chapter of AIA and a LEED AP.
 
Ray Prokop, LEED AP, Vice President, Support Services
Mr. Prokop, 59, has been with the firm since 2002, most recently as vice president, director of construction. In his new role as vice president, support services, Ray will focus on providing project team support, enhanced client service and consistency across all business units. Ray will lead the consolidation of our project delivery resources including estimating, scheduling, procurement, risk management and MEP coordination. He will remain active with many of Wight’s clients and will continue to participate in the planning and construction of major projects.

Prokop has over 33 years of experience in providing architectural, engineering and construction management professional services. His experience includes large, complex project management assignments for high technology manufacturing facilities, educational facilities and food manufacturing facilities. Project management skills include planning, scheduling and budget control and contract negotiations for multiple projects over $100 million. Additionally he has previous experience as an operations manager.

“Ray has been an integral part of our construction team and has demonstrated his technical expertise, strong client relationship skills and commitment to furthering our integrated services group,” said Mark Wight, CEO of Wight & Company. “As the complexity of projects continues to grow, I see Ray’s role in developing a comprehensive support services and pre-construction group as a critical part of Wight’s future. With our integrated approach to design and construction—his group will be essential to the success of our projects.”

Prokop earned his Bachelor in Architecture, Structures emphasis from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is a member of the Design Build Institute of America and the U.S. Green Building Council.

Stella Koop, AIA, LEED AP, Director, K-12 Education Practice
Ms. Koop, 43, has been with the firm since 2006, most recently as senior project manager. In her new role as Director, K-12 Education Practice, Ms. Koop will work with management to set and implement the direction and long-range plans for Wight’s K-12 business initiatives. She will continue to work with school districts to provide design solutions that enhance educational objectives. Ms. Koop has recently been working with school districts on a variety of life safety issues and to create 21st century learning environments.

“We are excited to add her diverse project experience, technical expertise and strong client relationship skills to our K-12 Education Practice,” said Brad Paulsen, vice president of business development at Wight & Company. “In her new role Stella will focus on business development activities, while also broadening our network within the K-12 education arena. Stella will still continue to work closely with other members of our design, construction and marketing teams to bring value to our new business pursuits.” 

Ms. Koop is a graduate of University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and is registered with the American Institute of Architects and is a member Phi Beta Kappa Association of the Chicago Area.
 
About Wight & Company
Wight & Company is a leader in integrated solutions for the built environment. Its professional staff of more than 150 specialists has been providing clients with architecture and engineering services since 1939, and design-build and construction management services for more than a decade. As the architect for one of the first LEED certified buildings in the country, the first LEED certified school in Illinois, and one of a handful of LEED Platinum buildings in the nation, Wight is committed to green design and construction principles. Wight currently has nine LEED Certified projects including silver, gold and platinum designations, and 13 others in the registration and review processes. It maintains offices in downtown Chicago, Darien, Ill., and South Bend, Ind.