Bringing added experience, resources and infrastructure to grow the firm’s PreK12 marketshare and position in region

HMC Architects announced that Brian Meyers, LEED AP was promoted to practice leader of the firm’s PreK12 market and Julie Strauss, who previously served as HMC’s education market leader was promoted to director of School Advisors.

The moves come at a time when the firm is taking important steps to invest in the future of its PreK12 practice and overall position in the region. Previously serving as principal-in-charge in HMC’s Sacramento, Calif. office, Meyers—in his new role—is responsible for the strategic direction and overall performance of the practice.

“We are delighted that Brian wanted to take on this leadership role to grow such an important practice to our firm,” said Brian Staton, president and CEO of HMC Architects.“He has a fantastic reputation with the clients he serves, and this will no doubt bring added energy and experience to grow HMC’s marketshare and reputation in PreK12.”

Since joining HMC in 2007, Meyers has earned an amazing reputation with the clients he serves in the firm’s education market. He began his career in the K12 education studio of a large architecture firm in his hometown of Omaha, Neb. He later joined HMC’s Sacramento office where he’s been largely involved in the active pursuit of new work, and management and development of large PreK12 projects. In the last decade, Meyers and Strauss have worked together with many northern California clients to help them navigate the complexities of the School Facility Program and provide them solutions to problems they face.

As director of School Advisors, Strauss—who has been with the firm since 2008—will oversee and assist with entitlements and funding for HMC’s PreK12 projects. Working closely with Meyers, she will continue to collaborate with both clients and project teams in order to help clients overcome unique challenges such as market uncertainty, cash flow issues, and rising construction costs.

“Julie is more than a funding expert,” said Meyers. “She is a client leader, a market leader and a powerful voice in our PreK12 practice who offers a unique perspective that challenges us to all be better servants to our clients.”

For HMC clients, the leadership moves indicate considerable support towards the firm’s PreK12 practice by bringing in proven leaders to improve the quality of its deliverables and project approach.