BRR Architecture is pleased to announce that Mariah Meyer, AIA, has been appointed as the new president & CEO of the 300-person architecture firm. An experienced architect and exceptional leader, Mariah succeeds James Hailey, AIA, who will remain with the firm as Co-Chairman of the board.
Mariah is the sixth president and first female to be named as president & CEO in the history of our firm, and she joins two additional colleagues in the C-Suite – Andrew Maass, AIA, and John Frank, AIA. Each appointment became effective January 1, 2022.
“One of my top focuses will be on our people. When I look forward, I see the importance of getting the right people in the right place with the right support and knowledge they need. That is what will really make us stronger as a firm,” Mariah said.
Andrew assumes the role of chief operating officer (COO), replacing Rich Majors, AIA, who joins James Hailey as Co-Chairman of the board. Andrew’s focus will be on the places our firm designs and creates. “I will evaluate the standards we have in place across the firm and elevate the consistency we bring for all clients,” Andrew shares. “I will also focus on how we promote our places externally to increase our reach across the country.”
Finally, John has become the firm’s first chief innovation officer (CIO). “Technology has always been a passion of mine and I enjoy keeping up with trends in the industry,” John said. “My goal is to focus on utilizing different technologies which will eventually allow us to devote even more time to designing great projects for our clients.”
The new leadership trio has more than 50 years of collective professional experience and will be responsible for the firm’s day-to-day operations and client service.
About Our New Chiefs
Mariah joined BRR in 2010, working across both retail and hospitality sectors. She was named principal in 2017 and promoted to Executive Vice President in 2019. She was recognized as one of Ingram’s Magazine’s 40 Under 40 in 2019 and has overseen numerous award-winning client projects.
Andrew marks his 18-year anniversary with BRR this year; he opened both the firm’s San Francisco and Philadelphia offices and leads numerous strategic planning initiatives. Based in Philadelphia, Maass will oversee firm-wide operations, including accounting, marketing and client delivery practices. He became principal in 2016.
John leads the Bentonville, Ark. office and has been a principal since 2014. While managing one of the firm’s largest clients, John also leads efforts to drive innovative technologies and delivery methods for client projects; he will also execute the firm’s work around net zero buildings. His experience spans across retail, grocery, hospitality and industrial sectors.
Personal Notes
Mariah lives in the Kansas City Metro area with her husband, Andy, and two daughters, Norah and Ruby. She is an alumna of the KU School of Architecture and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the school. She also serves on the board of the Kansas City Architectural Foundation.
Andrew lives in Philadelphia, Pa. with his wife, Chelsea and a son, Leo. Andrew also graduated from the KU School of Architecture and enjoys gardening, exploring the city and going to concerts.
John lives in Bentonville, Ark., with his wife Jennifer, and three children, Addison, Elliott and Bennett. He is an alumnus of the K-State College of Architecture, Planning and Design, and spends his spare time at his children’s activities, mountain biking and testing out new gadgets.
Back to Main Blog Page
