MVE & Partners Promotes Four to Principal

McLarand Vasquez Emsiek & Partners, one of the region’s leading architectural planning and interior design firms, has named four architects in its Irvine office to the new position of principal. Darin Schoolmeester, member of the firm since 1994; Jim Mittendorf, AIA, member of the firm since 1985; Jeff Larsen, AIA, member of the firm since 1985; and Chek-Fong Tang, AIA, member of the firm since 1990, have all been named principal. The promotions mark the valuable contributions and design leadership demonstrated by all of these individuals.

“The creation of the role of principal, which is the now most senior position next to partner, is an important aspect to the evolution of this firm. We have such a deep level of talent and a broad array of project experience that we felt compelled to recognize these individuals for their contributions and for their role as leaders of the firm. Each of these professionals, Darin, Jim, Jeff and Chek have made a tremendous impact, from both an internal perspective and certainly with their clients and projects. We’re pleased to be able to recognize their tremendous talents and work,” said Richard Emsiek, AIA, president, McLarand Vasquez Emsiek & Partners.

Schoolmeester has participated on a wide variety of architectural projects ranging from luxury resort developments to high density urban residential and mixed use projects. Some of his project experience includes Villa Siena in Irvine, Third Avenue Lofts in Scottsdale, The Reserve in Indian Wells and Viejo Carmel in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Mittendorf’s experience includes office towers, high density residential developments and various mixed-use retail facilities. His project experience includes Howard Hughes Center in West Los Angeles, The Water Garden Phase II in Santa Monica, Media Center in Burbank and Douglas Center in Long Beach as well as The Colony in Newport Beach and Franklin Street Master Plan in Redwood City.

Larsen has participated in a variety of architectural design assignments ranging from large commercial office buildings and apartments to high-rise urban condominiums, luxury resorts and military housing developments. Some of his projects include Paraiso on the Promenade in Playa Vista, Northpark A1 in San Jose and The Promenade at Rio Vista in San Diego as well as Corporate Plaza, 888 San Clemente and 680 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach. Tang also has a diverse architectural background with extensive urban design experience on projects ranging from corporate campuses to high-density infill projects. Tang leads the urban design in MVE’s Oakland office on projects including Bridgecourt in Emeryville, University Station in Santa Clara, Uptown Oakland Village and Fruitvaile / BART Station in Oakland.

As principal, each of these persons will be responsible for management aspects of the firm including client relationships, design quality, technical means and methods, mentoring staff and representing the firm in community relations efforts.

About McLarand Vasquez Emsiek & Partners

McLarand Vasquez Emsiek & Partners is one of the country’s most influential and active design organizations, encompassing a diverse team of facility programmers, planners, architects, urban designers, computer specialists and interior designers. The Irvine and Oakland-based firm is recognized for its award-winning designs of large-scale urban office buildings, mixed-use developments, public/private projects, entertainment complexes, specialized hotels, international resorts and urban residential developments. The firm’s expertise lies in its demonstrated ability to design highly attractive and functional architecture, creating unique environments where people aspire to live and work. Visit McLarand Vasquez Emsiek & Partners online at www.mve-architects.com.