Firm Ground Architects & Engineers

Tom is the managing principal of Firm Ground. He is a registered architect and interior designer with experience in the design of retail, commercial, office, hospitality, healthcare, multi-family, student and senior housing projects through his many years working for the likes of KKE, Ryan Companies, and Hartford Group. Tom’s greatest strength may be his ability to blend architectural and engineering design services into a collaborative team with the owner and contractor in the design/build delivery system.

Having worked directly for national development companies has given him an owner’s focus and an understanding of what it means to create “Raving Fans” and deliver outstanding customer service.

Notable Projects: People Incorporated Treatment Center, Ronald McDonald House, Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Temple of Eck, Seasons at Apple Valley, Regent at Plymouth, Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Associations & Affiliations: American Institute of Architects (AIA), Certified Interior Designer (CID), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Professional Business Consortium (PBC), President of Board of Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir

Making a determined effort in mastering organizational skills, David finds this to be indispensable, since managerial duties encompass so many facets: setting team goals and expectations, providing resources, allocating assignments, and being better prepared for the events of the day.

After spending many years simply admiring architecture from afar or through the lens of a camera, Gillian decided she needed to be surrounded by it on a daily basis.  With a background in photography, design, textiles and residential interiors; and having lived in cities like Chicago and Savannah, it was inevitable.  Having grown up in St. Paul, Gillian also brings with her a great passion for historic architecture.

Ryne is currently working towards his Master’s of Architecture at the University of Minnesota.  His design interests lie within the movement of architecture; how one circulates through a space or site, the transitions between both programmatic and built elements, and creating a dialogue of how the building engages its larger context.  Ryne believes these relationships are essential to create an effective design that both achieves its program and is beautiful.