GuernseyTingle Announces Leadership Transition with Retirement of President Thomas Tingle, AIA
GuernseyTingle announced the retirement of longtime company president Tom Tingle, AIA, another chapter in the architecture firm’s storied history. Its existing board of directors expands to seven well-tenured principals, while Tingle will continue to support the firm in a part-time role.
The privately held firm, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in November 2023, has operated under a shared leadership structure for the past decade. Tingle’s continued involvement further ensures a seamless transition and the preservation of the firm’s core values.
“Tom Tingle’s invaluable contributions have been integral to the success and ethos of GuernseyTingle,” said GuernseyTingle Principal Kristin Baum, AIA, LEED AP, who was promoted to chairman of the board. “His leadership, creativity and dedication have been an inspiration to us all. While the board of directors will miss his daily presence, we are thrilled that Tom will continue to lend us his expertise and insight.”
In addition to Baum, Brad Sipes, Associate AIA; Scott VanVoorhees, AIA, DBIA; Stephanie Kalantarians, AIA; Amanda Running, AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Michael Creasy, AIA; and Dawn Hassan are the principals comprising the firm’s leadership team.
Four out of seven members of the team are female, underscoring the firm’s diversity, which has occurred organically over the years.
Tingle looks forward to retiring while remaining connected to select GuernseyTingle design projects and business development initiatives.
“I am immensely proud of what GuernseyTingle has achieved and grateful for the incredible journey I’ve had with this remarkable team,” said Tingle, who joined the original firm just four months after it was founded on Nov. 22, 1983. “I am excited about the opportunity to remain involved and contribute in a part-time capacity. I have full confidence in the team’s abilities to continue delivering outstanding architectural solutions.”
GuernseyTingle, one of the largest architectural firms on the Virginia Peninsula, takes a highly cooperative approach to relationship building and creative visioning for clients across the U.S., providing full design services, including architecture, interiors and planning.
In addition to its significant architectural experience, GuernseyTingle is distinguished by its organic culture that promotes a collaborative, hardworking and family-oriented atmosphere.
The firm embraces the five pillars of its success – the colleagues, clients, contractors, consultants and community who have been integral to the firm’s values, vision and longevity. By focusing on the five C’s, GuernseyTingle has grown to become a leader in a team-build design philosophy emphasizing collaboration.
All of the firm’s team members share a dedication to the Williamsburg community, supporting and serving in leadership roles for multiple charitable organizations.
“Today’s announcement is very much a natural progression of an ownership and leadership transition plan that has been in place for some time, one that will keep the firm in the very capable hands of people who live, work and play right here in our community,” Tingle said.
GuernseyTingle currently employs 30 people across the region and expects to grow further over the coming years. It is currently hiring for several architect and architectural designer positions.