Following long and celebrated careers over the last four decades, leading EskewDumezRipple, principals Mark Ripple and Tracy Lea will retire at the end of 2022.
They both have brought their unique and complementary talents in the leadership of this nationally acclaimed architecture, interiors, and urban planning firm.
In 1989, Mark Ripple, FAIA, joined the staff of EskewDumezRipple (formerly Eskew Filson Architects), under the leadership of founding partner Allen Eskew. Drawn to Eskew’s ethos of architecture as a catalyzing force for civic good, Ripple emerged as a vocal leader on projects centered around building community. This vision came into focus during the recovery following Hurricane Katrina. At that time, Ripple and his partners envisioned a more expansive role for the firm, which went beyond the building design; but rather focused on serving as a broader platform for community engagement and service.
This ethos of service to the community remains central to the firm’s mission today.
Complementing Ripple’s role at EskewDumezRipple, Tracy Lea, FAIA reshaped the studio as a regional leader in the technical delivery of architecture. During his 30 years with the firm, he elevated the design-first mission of the practice with a pragmatic, technically driven architectural focus.
In addition to his leadership role within the firm, Lea dedicated himself to transferring his skillset into the broader design community, training generations of industry-leading professionals, while advocating at the local and national levels within the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Looking to the future, Ripple and Lea have played a crucial role in cultivating the next generation of firm leaders, bringing fresh ideas and energy to a seasoned leadership core led by Steve Dumez. Just as Eskew recognized the importance of mentorship and leadership development, Ripple and Lea have embraced the emergence of a new group of leaders, ensuring the continued success of the firm for years to come.
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