resume

Spencer Ellis Lepler, AIA, NCARB
Profile
  • Problem solver with a background in solving Architectural, Strategic and Management issues.
  • Skilled in Client, Project, Data and Firm Management with a creative and analytical approach to determine root causes, interpret issues and propose alternative solutions for sustainable growth and cultural change.
  • Proven success with a wide range of project types including single and multifamily residential, commercial, mixed-use, federal, retail, historic preservation, civic, museums and religious facilities.
  • Led teams of 2 to 10 architectural staff with multiple consultants.
Professional Experience
Architectural Field Resource Manager
(Project & Program Manager)
USI Commercial
Chantilly, VA
August 2016 to March 2017
  • Managed the creation of commercial As-Built Surveys of retail spaces including supervising an in-house drafting team and acting as a liaison to the commercial operations order management team.
  • Developed As-Built Documentation processes and documentation standards including interfacing with subcontractors.
  • Performed subject matter expert consultation, review and approval on Accessibility Reports for commercial ADA inspections and multifamily FHA inspections.
  • Assisted with Marketing and Business development for commercial and retail projects.
  • Clients included: Academy Sports, Office Depot, Journeys, Indian Cycles.
Project Manager
LeMay Erickson Willcox Architects
Reston, VA
July 2012 to July 2016
  • Developed and managed the Multifamily Sector (Market Rate and Tax Credit) with a focus on sustainability & accessibility compliance.
  • Grew our relationship with the Elderly and Affordable Housing Tax Credit Development client (TM Associates) from a single project to the development of 18 projects with a total billings of over $1 Million.
  • Led teams of architects from Schematic Design through Construction Administration on multiple concurrent projects.
  • Implemented in house continuing education training on accessibility.
  • Spearheaded the adoption of Newforma Project Information Management software and developed an office standard workflow for generating construction site reports using the mobile Newforma software suite.
  • Projects included: Shreveport Ridge, Warrenton Manor, Elms at Shannons Glenn, Elms at Arcola, Elms at Clarksburg Village Encore.
Principal
studioSML, LLC.
McLean, VA
July 2009 to October 2014
  • Co-founded the company and developed the business with a colleague.
  • Managed the company accounting, branding and web-design, producing projects, and marketing.
  • We created the company as a means to stay engaged in Architecture while working in non-traditional roles. Once we had returned to traditional practice we completed our in progress projects and stopped seeking new work.
  • Assisted with Marketing and Business development for commercial and retail projects.
  • Projects – small architectural projects including residential remodels, interpretive sustainability graphics, and a feasibility study for a green roof project at The US Department of Energy.
Manager, ARE Ethics & Audit
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Washington, DC
December 2009 to April 2012
  • Responsible for Security and Statistics for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) version 4.0: the Architect licensing exam for all 50 US states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam and the US Virgin Islands. It is also used as a standard for licensure in Canada. The current version is now ARE 5.0.
  • Initiated a department-wide audit of all processes, meetings and communication for a risk analysis study of potential confidentiality and content breaches.
  • Implemented internal protocols for monitoring to detect copyright infringement activities in social media, web discussion forums, and printed media.
  • Managed the data analysis component of the transition of the exam to a new test delivery vendor for the first time in the history of the computer based exam
Project Architect
(Technology Coordinator)
Hughes Group Architects, Inc.
Sterling, VA
April 2007 to February 2009
  • Managed architectural projects including Aquatic & Recreational Centers, Religious Facilities, and Fire/Life Safety Buildings.
  • Managed the design and construction of the Wilson Aquatic Center, a 55,000 SF $34.7 million project, from Design Development through Construction Administration.
  • Responsible for technology strategic planning and implementation and coordination of local & offsite IT support.
  • Improved office wide productivity by negotiating a vendor contract for a second plotter at no additional cost.
  • Projects included: Shepherd University Wellness Center, GMU Performing Arts Building, Lansdowne Public Safety Center, Korean Central Presbyterian Church
Project Coordinator
The Preston Partnership, LLC
Falls Church, VA
February 2006 to March 2007
  • Coordinated architectural and engineering drawings for market rate multifamily projects.
  • Generated digital project renderings that the client used to successfully receive approval and financing for projects.
  • Projects included: Westchester at the Pavilions Apartments, Camden Dulles Station.
Designer
architrave p.c., architects
Washington, DC
June 2005 to February 2006
  • Produced architectural drawings and specification review for federal construction projects.
  • Produced projects for the Smithsonian Institute, National Park Service, Architect of the Capitol, and others.
  • Projects included: Washington Monument Guard House, Smithsonian Gems & Minerals Store, US House Ways & Means Committee Room Accessibility Upgrades.
Education
Master of Architecture
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA
June 2005
  • Concurrent Master and Bachelor of Architecture Degrees
  • Certificate in Preservation Studies
  • Minor in English, Minor in History
Technical Applications
  • Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Visio, XHTML and CSS based web design, WordPress, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, AutoCAD Architecture, Autodesk Revit, Newforma
Languages
  • Native English speaker, Fluent in French.
Honors & Awards
  • 2014 – Received the AIA Northern Virginia Service to the Chapter Award.
  • 2011 – Nominated by the AIA Northern Virginia chapter to take part in the 2012 class of the Virginia Society AIA’s (now AIA Virginia) Emerging Leaders in Architecture
Professional Experience
Graphic Designer
Freelance
January 2003 to Present
  • Designed & implemented small business branding materials & websites including blogging and product marketing for WordPress, Shopify and Xhtml/CSS sites with javascript.
  • Performed Search Engine Optimization of existing websites including correcting tagging and titling and the implementation of social media strategies.
Professional Service
Component Director (Current)
AIA Virginia
  • Participated in Strategic Planning for the Organization as well as strategic and budget decisions.
  • Served on the Professional Excellence in Architecture Council.
Second Vice President (current)
Director
YAF Commitee Chair
AIA Virginia
  • Responsible for budget, strategic positioning, and standard operating decisions for the chapter.
  • Focused on creating and developing events and activities focused on mentoring and professional development, including speed mentoring, a discussion group for architectural entrepreneurs and regularly occurring events.
  • Created and implemented a mentoring and networking program which focused on creating small groups of participants for cross experience mentoring and presented large group meetings on topics applicable to all experience levels
Secretary
Board Member at Large
Dominion Stage
  • Responsible for preparing meeting minutes, acquiring performance rights & maintaining organization records.
  • Developed and executed an online collaboration strategy using google apps.