COLUMBIA, SC – April 3, 2018 – Quackenbush Architects + Planners is pleased to announce and welcome three new associates to its team — Mirjam Gerlach and Maria-Luz Torres, both intern architects, and Kyle Alston, graphic designer and marketing coordinator.

Gerlach’s portfolio includes numerous projects in higher education, community centers, new commercial construction, and custom single-family homes. A native of Germany, Gerlach studied architecture at Technical University Kaiserslautern in 2003 and received her state certification as an engineer in construction technology from Balthasar-Newman-Technikum in 2006. In 2014 she moved to South Carolina and worked for a smaller firm on a number of projects, including the Columbia Craft Brewing building and the Occupational Therapy Building at Lenoir-Rhyne University on North Main Street.

At Quackenbush, Gerlach is working on a $4.5 million design and construction project for the Northside Elementary School in Rock Hill. The project involves designing a new arts wing while providing core upgrades to the existing forty-year-old building. “I’m excited to use my knowledge of construction and design to contribute on such a meaningful project,” she says.

Torres’ focus at Q+ involves plans for renovations to existing spaces with construction of new additions for programs such as the Culinary Arts program to the Heyward Career & Technology Center in Richland County. This project aims to take maximum advantage of the available space in the school and provide additional space where needed.  

 Kyle Alston brings an impressive graphic design portfolio to Quackenbush. A 2016 graduate of the University of South Carolina with Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design, Alston most recently won three ADDY awards from the American Advertising Federation for his hand-illustrated poster for “Mad Max: Fury Road,” completed for the Nickelodeon Theatre in Columbia. The ADDYs are the graphic design field’s top industry awards. Alston’s other work includes serving as graphic designer for USC’s Engineering Department, where he was responsible for internal and external branding, and in creating promotional materials for special events.

Alston’s role at Quackenbush includes developing creative ways to brand the organization and expand its market position. He says he’s excited that his Q+ work involves collaborating with architects as designers. “Quackenbush is an opportunity for me to really flex my design skills,” he says. “I entered an industry that was unfamiliar to me, but also one where I can learn about the field through new experiences.”

“Mirjam, Maria and Kyle are talented professionals who will bring fresh perspectives and diverse backgrounds to the team,” says Quackenbush Architects + Planners President Doug Quackenbush. “I’m thrilled to have them join us!”