Mesfin Samuel

Founder & Principal In-Charge
31 years Experience

Professional Experience

Professional Experience

The Samuel Group Architects
Founder & Principal In-Charge

Mr. Samuel is the Lead Design Principal for the firm and is responsible for the company’s client-relationship on all National and International Accounts. Mr. Samuel has 31 years experience in the field of Architecture, Planning, Design and Project Management Services, which he has successfully implemented in his professional career throughout the United States.

After completing his education at The University of Texas, Mr. Samuel apprenticed under renowned Dallas Architect, George E. Myers and later at Gromatzky Dupree Architects, before establishing The Samuel Group in January 1987.

In his capacity as Chairman, President, CEO of The Samuel Group, Inc., Mr. Samuel is responsible for the management of design and construction budgets totaling $100,000,000.00 annually on projects executed for Corporate and Private Clients in the United States.

Education & Credentials

Education & Credentials

University of Texas, Arlington, Texas – Bachelor of Science in Architecture (1985)
Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas (1982 -1984)
Karlshorst School of Economics at The Humbolt University, Berlin, Germany (1981-1982)
Herder Institute at The University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (1979-1981)

Awards

Awards

American Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C.
Academic Scholarship (1982-1985)

Membership/Association

Membership/Association

American Institute of Architects, Dallas and National Chapter
Texas Society of Architects
Dallas Council on World Affairs

Significant Projects

Significant Projects

American Airlines, Inc. – Research and Design for the Construction of Automated Airport Facilities. DFW International Airport, JFK Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Houston Intercontinental, Miami International Airport.

Bank of America – Design, Space Planning and Construction Management for Retail Banking and Office Environment throughout the U.S.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. – DFW Airport, Terminal 4E & Satellite Building. Space Planning for Facility Automation and FIDS System.

City of Duncanville, Texas – Complete architectural services for the new City Hall, Police Station while at Meyers Concept Architects/Planners.

Denton County, Texas – Master Plan for City Government Offices in Lewisville, Texas and Child Protective Services Building in Denton, Texas.

The US Salvation Army
– Adult Rehabilitation Center in Dallas, Texas.

Lincoln Property Company – Space Planning for Retail and Office Facilities in Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas and Houston, Texas.

Bank One, Inc. – Branch Banks and Space Planning Services for Bank One Center Dallas, Texas.

AT&T – Space Planning Services for North Dallas Offices.

Texas Instruments – Space Planning for Office and Industrial Park Complex.

Trammell Crow Company – Industrial Park Office Spaces, Dallas, Texas.

CB Richard Ellis – Financial Institution Projects for NationsBank and Bank of America Facilities throughout the United States.

Jones Lang LaSalle – Financial Institution Projects for Bank of America, California, Oklahoma.

SunTrust Bank – Retail Bank and Office Environment Complex in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama and South Carolina.

Wachovia Bank – Design and Project Management of Retail Bank Facilities in Connecticut, New York, Georgia, Texas, Florida & Alabama.

Eagles Landing – Henry County, Georgia.
A High Rise, Mixed-Use Development for Hotel, Multi Family Condominiums and Retail Project for Private Developer.

Plaza Grand – Henry County, Georgia.
Retail, Office, Residential Mixed-Use Project for Private Developer.

Sugar Film Production, Dallas, Texas.
A Four Story Film Studio and Partner’s Residences.

Victory Park, Waxahachie, Texas.
A Mixed-Use Development for Multi Family Housing and Retail Project for a Private Investment Group.

Kids University – Red Oak, Texas.
Full Services Daycare Center.

Heikenfeld Residence, Dallas, Texas.
Design of a private 16,000 sq. ft home.

Klein Residence, Cuscowilla, Georgia.
Design of a private lake front home.

Plaza Towers Condominiums – Atlanta, Georgia.
A Private Residence Design and Construction Management.

The Claridge Condominiums – Dallas, Texas.
A Private Residence Design and Construction Management.

Waterside Hotel, Cuscowilla, Georgia.
Project for a lakefront hotel and restaurant development.

Thoroughbred Hills Development, Duncanville, Texas.
Custom Single and Multi Family Residential Project in a private gated community while at Myer’s Concepts.

A.W. Brown Performance Hall, Dallas, Texas.
Design Study for a 2000 Seat Multi-Use Music Auditorium for South Dallas Development.

LazyBoy Furniture Store, Georgia, Texas and Minnesota.
Furniture Retail Galleries for Breunig Commercial Development.

Bart Sargent

Principal
20 years Experience

Professional Experience

Professional Experience

The Samuel Group, Atlanta, GA
Principal

Mr. Sargent joined The Samuel Group in October 1996 and became Principal of the Atlanta office in December 2006. Mr. Sargent oversees and supervises the firm’s growth in the Southeast and East coast of the United States. A Certified NCARB Architect, Mr. Sargent holds licenses in ten states and continues to expand his reach as our firm grows nationally and internationally. As Principal and Senior Account Executive of The Samuel Group, Mr. Sargent oversees the design and construction of all major projects and manages an annual budget in excess of $60,000,000 for corporate clients whom The Samuel Group represents.

As principal of TSG, Atlanta he has involvement in all stages of project from initial design and planning stages, design development, construction documents bidding and contract negotiation and construction administration.

Is Responsible for creating and implementing office standards for production of design and construction documents.

His National and International Projects include over 150 InStore and free standing banking centers, 50+ bank remodels, various office/interior projects, building renovations and other commercial projects.

Gary Parker & Co., Architects, Woodstock, Georgia
Intern Architect/Project Manager

Involvement in all stages of projects from initial design and planning stages to master planning, design development, contract documents, specifications, bidding and contract negotiation and construction administration.

Projects included municipal buildings, 30+ churches and worship facilities and 40+ custom homes

Education & Credentials

Education & Credentials

Southern College of Technology – Bachelor of Architecture (1995)
Minor in Environmental Development

Architecture Licenses

Architecture Licenses

Georgia, October 2001
Tennessee, June 2004
Texas, August 2004
Alabama, November 2004
Florida, June 2005
Minnesota, September 2005
South Carolina, November 2005
New York, December 2005
Connecticut, August 2008
Louisiana, May 2009

NCARB Certified, May 2002
LEED AP, 2008

Mike E. Johnson

Architect – Director of Design
39 years Experience

Professional Experience

Professional Experience

The Samuel Group, Dallas, TX
Director of Design

As a Senior Registered Architect, Mr. Johnson has worked with The Samuel Group for the last 20 years.
During his 39 year career he has been involved with all phases of architectural projects and office management and has been involved in key positions on projects both nationally and internationally. He has had responsibility for all aspects of design and coordination including professionals in architecture, interior design, graphics, and related disciplines. He has lived and worked in France and England as well as Texas.

Mr. Johnson’s experience has been on projects including financial institutions, data centers, schools, performing arts complexes, retail centers, offices, private residences, multifamily housing, and civic and law enforcement facilities. He has had key responsibilities on facilities projects for NASA, The Proctor & Gamble Company, Automatic Data Processing Brokerage Services, Experian, Sprint, Bank of America, Perot Systems and others.

Education & Credentials

Education & Credentials

Bachelor of Architecture, Cum Laude
Kansas State University 1974
Architect, State of Texas 1977 #6174

Significant Projects

Significant Projects

Lead Designer for the Ethiopian Cultural Center, a multi facility arts complex, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.

Lead Designer for The Jubilee, a new boutique hotel planned for Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.

Facility Programmer/Design Consultant for a new 83,000 SF data center, Experian UK, Nottingham, England.

Project Manager/Designer for a 210,000 SF data center and offices, Perot Systems Corporation, Plano, TX.

Project Designer for the Sugar Film Production HQ / Partner Residences, Dallas Texas.

Project Manager/Designer for a data center, training center and offices, PSC and Europcar, Paris, France.

Project Designer for a 220,000 SF data center, ADP Brokerage Services, Jersey City, NJ.

Project Designer for an 80,000SF data center, Proctor & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH.

Project Architect/Project Designer for a new City Hall and Police Station Complex, Duncanville, TX.

Master Planner/Project Designer for the Brazos Commons, 12 acre, 860,000SF multi-use project: retail, office buildings, hotel, parking structure, theme tower, Waco, TX.

Project Designer for Bear Landing Retirement Community, Waco, TX.

Project Architect for Prestonwood Creek Office Buildings, 120,000 SF and parking structure, Dallas, TX.

Project Designer for an 111,000 SF five story addition to Central Computer Facility, NASA, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX.

Project Planner/Designer for Eagles Landing, 24 story Hotel/Condo Project, Stockbridge, GA.

Project Designer for Courtside, 204 Unit Apartment Community, Waco, TX.

Yonas Belaineh

Senior Project Manager
24 years Experience

Professional Experience

Professional Experience

The Samuel Group, Dallas, TX
Senior Project Manager

Yonas Belaineh brings more than 18 years of experience, 7 with TSG, in planning and design projects. He has become an intricate member the TSG Design Team.

His expertise in the design process is shown in his wide variety of projects. His proactive stance and intuitive understanding of structural and mechanical disciplines enhances his ability to work through complex issues.

Education & Credentials

Education & Credentials

Bachelor of Science in Architecture from University of Texas at Arlington, 1990

Significant Projects

Significant Projects

Involved in design, CADD drafting and presentation drawings for City of Frisco Comprehensive Master Plan.

Involved in all phases of project (programming, initial design and planning, design development, construction documents, bidding and contract negotiation and construction administration) on the following projects:
• Bright Realty Sec Office Building
• AMX (Panja) Corporation
• Citizens Communications
• Nokia
• Alcatel
• City of Garland Police/Jail & Municipal Courts
• Community Credit Union
• Bank One New Branch Bank
• DFW International Airport North & South Shuttle Terminal

Involved in design development, construction documents and construction administration on the following projects:
• First Horizon Home Loans
• Inflow
• Logix Communications
• Park Ventura
• Metro Media
• Waterview Commons
• Town Bank
• E.W. Blanch
• Verio

Nisha Chowdhry

Senior Project Manager/Client Manager
17 years Experience

Professional Experience

Professional Experience

The Samuel Group, Austin, TX
Senior Project Manager/Client Manager

Opened Austin office for Dallas based firm.

Architecture services include site selection, test fits, due diligence, production management, permitting, construction management and overall account management.

Client Manager for National Bank of America account.

Responsible for coordination of all design/construction phases of over 75 bank sites throughout Texas.

Completed the first LEED certified Bank of America

Travis County, Austin, TX
Senior Architectural Associate

Established in-house design group for Travis County.

Project manager for various projects ranging from courthouses to new buildings.

Responsible for all phases of a project from fiscal year budgeting, planning, and design through bidding, construction and final move-in.

Managed over 30 projects per fiscal year as well as largest in–house design project for Travis County.

Pearson English Architectural Design Inc., Austin, TX
Project Manager

Project Designer responsible for project management, construction administration, contract documents, finish selections, presentation drawings, and design development of commercial interiors and ground-up projects in AutoCAD 14 and 2i.

Education & Credentials

Education & Credentials

Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering
University of Texas at Austin

Architecture Licenses

Architecture Licenses

Registered EIT in Texas 2000
NCARB Certified 2002
LEED AP Certified 2008

Michael D. Walker

Controller
28 years Experience

Professional Experience

Professional Experience

The Samuel Group, Dallas, TX
Controller

Responsibilities include maintaining the books and current records of the operating company, oversee the Accounting Department including accounts payable and accounts receivable processing, operations of corporate office, human resources and insurance, prepare Budget Proposal Forms to clients and monitor Work Authorizations from clients, review and monitor Certificate of Application for Payment and Change Order Requests received from General Contractor, prepare fiscal year-end Financial Statements and tax package to Certified Public Accountant, and assist in preparation of Request For Proposals from current and potential clients.

G.E. Capital Real Estate
Financial Analyst (Contract)

Prepare cash flow projection and valuation of properties with loans included in a portfolio of Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (CMBS) based on underwriting guidelines, current rent roll, previous year operation statement, and market conditions.

L&B Realty Advisors, Inc
Acquisitions Analyst

Review executive summary packages on potential investments in office, retail and industrial properties. Underwrite and prepare feasibility analysis based on market assumptions and client investment criteria, tour properties, draft letter of intent, communication with brokers, assist with property due diligence including review of operation statements and tenant leases, arranging property evaluation and environmental site assessment and communicating with legal counsel. Prepare investment committee executive summary and slide show presentation

Lehndorff USA Companies
Accounting Manager

Responsibilities included maintaining the books and current records of oil and gas entities and certain land holding ventures.

Lehndorff USA Companies
Financial Analyst

Responsibilities included assisting the Executive Vice President in the performance of special projects and analysis of joint venture operations and owners equity. Performed oil and gas joint venture audits and final settlement reviews of the sale of oil and gas properties.

Internal Auditor

Responsibilities included performing oil and gas joint venture audits, real estate audits and special projects.

Price Waterhouse & Company
Audit Staff

Audit Responsibilities included cash, purchases and accounts payable, sales and accounts receivable, inventory and fixed assets/depreciation of large publicly held companies. Audit experience included limited partnerships in real estate and oil and gas, computer and copier leasing, retail and manufacturing corporations.

Education & Credentials

Education & Credentials

Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Accounting,
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, 1985

Donna Bennett

Director of Interiors
30 years Experience

Professional Experience

Professional Experience

The Samuel Group Architects, New York, NY
Director of Interiors

DB Designs, New York; NY – 2004-Present

International Design Incorporated; Washington, DC – 2000-2004

Interior Design Manager, Marriott International Inc.; Bethesda, MD- 1999-2000

Caldwell Bennett Interiors; Atlanta, GA – 1992-1999

Interior Designer / Project Manager, Bank of America; Atlanta, GA. 1984-1992

Education & Credentials

Education & Credentials

University of Georgia, Athens GA – Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design

Affiliations / Certifications

Affiliations / Certifications

National Certification of Interior Designers (NCIDQ)
American Society of Interior Designer (ASID)

Significant Projects

Significant Projects

NYC World Wide Plaza, 50th Street,
2 Bedroom Apartment Renovation

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Malina Del Aqua, 3 Bedroom Condo

NYC 76th / Park Ave
5 Bedroom Apartment (DB Designs/Mariano Puente)

NYC Tribecca, Washington Street, 2 Bedroom-Loft

NYC 5th Ave/ 82nd St.
3 Bedroom Brownstone Renovation (DB Designs/ Mariano Puente)

NYC Essex House, Central Park South,
1 Bedroom Apartment (DB Designs/ Mariano Puente)

NYC 110th Street/ Broadway 2 Bedroom Apartment

NYC The Strand, 43rd Street, 2 Bedroom Apartment Renovation

Renaissance Hotel, Boise Ideho,
Public Space and Guest-room Renovation

Radision Hotel, Wilmington, Delaware
Guest-room, Suites and Public Space Design (New Build)

Rehoboth Beach Hotel, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware,
Guest-room and Suite Renovation

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Newark Delaware,
Guest-room and Public Space Design (New Build)

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Brookline Massachusetts.,
Public Space Design (New Build)

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Roanoke, Virginia,
Public Space Design (New Build)

Marriott Springhill Suites, Peabody Massachusetts,
Public Space Design (New Build)

Marriott Springhill Suites, National Prototype Guest-room Design
Choice Hotels: Development of Conceptual/ National Prototype Public Space Design for the following:
• Comfort Suites (Modern Classic Proto Design)
• Comfort Suites (Urban Edge Proto Space)
• Sleep Inn (Craftsman Proto Space)
• Sleep Inn (Signature Proto Space)
• Econo Lodge

Bank of America:
• Over 25 New Branch Designs
• Over 35 Branch Renovations
• Over 120,000sq. ft of design and space planning for major buildings.

Reliance Trust Company, Corporate Headquarters, Atlanta GA.
10,000 sq feet company relocation, design, space planning,
project mgt.

Bank South Corporation:
• Designed Prototype for Bank South In-Store Kroger Branch
• 48 Branch Renovations
• 16 In-Store Renovations

5 In-Store Kroger Future Design Branches

Renovation of over 50,000 sq, ft. of office/operational space- Riverwood Bldg.

Davis Reality, Atlanta, Ga. Dr. Teresa Brennan, Chiropractic Office

SGD Glass Manufacturer Corporate headquarter and Factory, Marietta, GA. (Approx. 30,000 sq. ft)