Blueprint Magazine

01/09/2026

Jeffrey Hansen's two decades at Hyatt exposed him to the evolving complexities of hotel development, from large-scale urban builds to renovations requiring careful attention to the guest experience.

Today, as executive vice president of design and construction for
White Lodging, he carries those lessons forward while overseeing a portfolio that includes renovations, new developments, and ongoing work to maintain quality and consistency across dozens of properties.

“If the hotels we construct don’t deliver on the White Lodging standards, then the operations team cannot deliver the White Lodging brand to our customers,” he said.

Jeff Hansen, executive vice president of design and construction for White Lodging, shares how his decades-long journey in hospitality development continues to shape exceptional guest experiences through teamwork, communication, and a commitment to building hotels that elevate the brand.

01/06/2026

Logan Hodges, PMP is one of two tactical leaders in facilities and infrastructure asset management at Dewberry, where she helps school systems, state agencies, municipalities, and private clients understand their buildings, plan for the future, and make data-informed decisions.

Unlike traditional assessments that rely primarily on checklists or visual observations, Dewberry deploys full, multidisciplinary teams on-site, with subject-matter experts dedicated to each discipline.

“We take pride in having subject matter experts in these fields,” Hodges says. “But we also want to hear from those who know the buildings best.”

Providing school districts with clearer data, stronger planning tools, and trusted long-term partnerships, Logan Hodges is helping communities make smarter, future-focused decisions through Dewberry’s relationship-centered approach to asset management.

01/05/2026

As the VP of Design & Construction for Jack In The Box, Michael Wahrer bases his work for both brands on a coordinated, data-driven system, one built on disciplined prototype development, cross-functional alignment, and a clear vision for what makes a brand scalable.

After 27 years with the company and more than 2.5 years in his current role, he guides the full portfolio of architecture, design, construction, capital planning, and development strategic initiatives across a nationwide footprint.

“We are trying to create something predictable, something efficient, and something that reflects who we are,” Wahrer says. “We listen. We test. We adjust."

Mike Wahrer leads a disciplined, prototype-driven transformation at Jack in the Box and Del Taco that is making new restaurant development more efficient, predictable, and franchise-friendly nationwide.

01/05/2026

Naperville Community Unit School District 203 is among Illinois's largest and most accomplished public-school systems. Its' student learning philosophy extends beyond classrooms and into the physical spaces where students learn.

Melanie Brown, director of buildings and grounds, oversees projects that touch every corner of the district’s 23 schools and 16,000-plus students.

“Summer is the busiest time of the year for our department,” Brown says. “It takes strong teamwork and clear planning to make sure we keep daily operations running while so many construction projects are underway.”

Melanie Brown is leading Naperville 203’s push toward modern, sustainable, and student-centered schools—where every upgrade is designed to inspire learning and prepare students for the future.

12/30/2025

Rocky Mountain Health Care Services (RMHCS), a non-profit based in Colorado Springs, operates as a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and provides comprehensive medical, emotional, and social support to low-income seniors.

Since joining RMHCS in 2022 and becoming Director of Facilities in 2025, Casey Markwell, MBA has been part of a team driving projects that expand access, efficiency, and comfort for participants. His most visible achievement is taking the lead on transforming the organization’s third floor into a physical therapy gym and adding a new state-of-the-art dental suite on the second floor.

“By bringing these services in-house, we’re improving quality and saving money at the same time,” Markwell explains. “We’ll recover the cost of the project in less than four years. But more importantly, it’s about convenience and dignity. Participants can now see multiple providers in one visit, in a place that feels comfortable and familiar.”

For Casey Markwell, every project at Rocky Mountain Health Care Services—from building a new dental suite to constructing a simple wheelchair ramp—is about one thing: giving older adults their independence and dignity back.

12/22/2025

Based in Houston, Shiann Hernandez, P.E., project manager at BGE, Inc., manages complex public works projects that directly impact how millions of Texans access and use water every day. Whether climbing inside a city water tank to inspect the structure or presenting at a city council meeting, her focus remains steady—ensuring safe, reliable water systems for communities that depend on them.

Founded in 1975, BGE, Inc. is a multidisciplinary consulting firm providing civil engineering, environmental, surveying, planning, landscape architecture, construction management, and transportation services. Her role in the public works department involves designing and managing water and wastewater infrastructure for municipalities and developers.

“The goal is to make sure these tanks can continue to safely store and provide clean water,” she says. “That means checking everything—structural integrity, coatings, valves—and recommending repairs or improvements that bring them up to today’s standards.”

BGE Project Manager Shiann Hernandez is turning her passion for clean water into community impact, leading projects that ensure safe, reliable water for millions across Houston and beyond.

12/18/2025

Aubrey Wyrick, project manager at Brinkmann Constructors, is part of a growing firm delivering high-caliber work across multifamily, senior living, and industrial sectors. As the company scales to meet new demand, it’s looking for project engineers, assistant superintendents, and managers who share her collaborative spirit.

Wyrick’s leadership style blends structure with empathy—a balance she’s honed through years of trial and reflection.

“I struggled early on with how to manage people,” she says. “I’m naturally direct, which can come off as aggressive. Over time, I learned that every person wants to be treated differently. You have to understand their strengths and meet them where they are.”

After being inspired by the teamwork behind Machu Picchu, Phoenix project manager Aubrey Wyrick is proving that today’s strongest builds—like The Rosie high-rise—are still powered by collaboration, trust, and great leadership.

12/17/2025

In her new role as Director of Facilities at Methodist Hospital for Surgery, Jamesha Castillo is applying lessons from across her career to a broader scope—balancing technical oversight with leadership, sustainability, and innovation. She ensures that preventative maintenance is executed through Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) such as FSI, TMS, and ATG, which automate compliance and maximize equipment longevity.

Her certifications—Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) and Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM)—provide the framework for how she approaches operations: with a deep respect for regulatory alignment and patient-centered outcomes.

“Facilities, maintenance, and safety all share one goal,” she says, “to create the safest environment possible for patients and staff.”

From nursing school to leading hospital operations, Jamesha Castillo’s journey at Methodist Health System shows how passion, perseverance, and purpose can turn curiosity into a career that keeps healthcare running strong.

12/16/2025

Alliance Material Handling, headquartered in the Washington, D.C., area, has built its name by offering complete material handling and warehouse solutions.

With over 25 years in the door and construction industry, Jerry Snead leads Alliance’s new construction division, managing everything from bidding and contracts to project ex*****on. His work underpins the company’s ambitious growth trajectory, helping Alliance become the top regional supplier of industrial and warehouse equipment—and a future Fortune 500 contender.

“Whether it’s a single door or a multimillion-dollar build, we treat every job with the same level of attention,” he says.

With 25 years of experience and a passion for precision, Jerry Snead helps Alliance Material Handling open doors to growth, quality, and shared success across the DMV region.

12/12/2025

Danny Donev's approach to workplace strategy reflects his dual background in engineering and business. IBM's Head of Design, Construction and Workplace Strategy views buildings as both systems and stories—carefully constructed frameworks that must support operational efficiency while also telling employees something about the culture they belong to.

One example he points to with pride is a high-profile office consolidation that merged multiple sites under a single roof. For Donev, the real success of the project wasn’t simply reducing real estate costs but creating an environment where collaboration naturally flourished.

“Consolidating office spaces under one roof breaks down silos,” he explains. “When teams are physically closer, ideas flow more freely. It’s about enabling people to do their best work, together.”

Danny Donev builds more than offices—he creates spaces that spark connection, creativity, and long-term success.

12/09/2025

As president of Greer Tank, LLC, David Kapla leads a company synonymous with craftsmanship and reliability in some of the harshest environments on earth. Founded in 1952, Greer Tank began in the unforgiving Alaskan climate. More than 70 years later, the company has evolved into a global leader in engineered fuel and water storage solutions, serving clients across Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and international markets.

For Kapla, Greer Tank’s success is inseparable from the people behind it. “I started in the shop and rose through the ranks,” he says. “That hard work, keeping your eyes and ears open, mouth closed, and learning as much as you can—that’s what gets you there.”

His story reflects the company’s defining value: growth through grit and integrity. From yard hand to serving as general manager for Greer Steel and later leading the entire Greer family of companies, Kapla has lived every part of the business, shoulder to shoulder with the people who make it run.

From sweeping floors to leading a global manufacturer, David Kapla’s story at Greer Tank is one of grit, integrity, and leadership built to withstand any environment.

12/08/2025

Mark Mezera, project manager at The Morse Group, is now helming the biggest project of his career: a massive distribution center for the world’s largest retailer. And while the job itself nears completion, Mezera sees it as just the beginning.

As lead project manager and estimator, Mezera sits at the helm of one of the more significant builds in the company’s history: a sprawling perishable distribution center for the world’s largest retailer. The project, nearing completion, is not only the largest of his career but a calling card for what he hopes to accomplish moving forward.

“This is the marquee project I’d show anyone,” he says. “It’s opened doors for me, and I want to use it as a springboard—to demonstrate what I can do and what Morse can do.”