Pond adds Luke McCary, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP as Senior Project Manager for Columbia office

Pond announced the hiring of Luke McCary as senior project manager for the Columbia, SC office, located at its new expanded location at 1301 Gervais Street.

With more than 14 years of architecture design and project management experience, McCary has managed a diverse range of architectural design projects including, mixed-use, commercial, adaptive reuse and a wide variety of both K-12 and higher education renovations and new construction. From conception to completion, he has successfully managed project teams and project budgets ranging from $500,000 to $50 million with proven success.

Once he graduated Cum Laude with his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Polytechnic and State University, McCary advanced quickly in the profession. Through his rise within the architectural community in South Carolina, he also made connections within the community through his relationship with the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Since joining the AIA, McCary has served on several committees and he has the distinction of being the youngest AIA South Carolina President in 2013, during its 100-year anniversary.

Currently he serves as one of two AIA Strategic Council Representatives for the Southeast Atlantic Region, along with Pond’s Vice President of Architecture Mark Levine. The Strategic Council serves as the “Think Tank” for the AIA National providing them with ideas and issues important to the profession.

When the right time and right opportunity presented itself, McCary knew his skills and strengths would be a right fit with Pond.

“I really like the diversity of opportunities that Pond offers,” he said. “The makeup of the company’s employees is so unique, with so many top tier co-workers that come to the table with such different areas of expertise.”

“Leadership ability is important at Pond – and Luke is a natural leader. His success in leading multi-discipline commercial and education design projects, combined with his enthusiasm and work ethic made him a natural fit for our company,” said Dave Yensan, program director for Pond’s Columbia, SC office.

Adding, “Luke has the right blend of design talent, communication skills and business savvy needed to serve our clients and grow Pond’s Columbia office.”

McCary is ready for the challenge.

“I think Columbia specifically presents a unique opportunity, with the growth of the markets throughout South Carolina, and we are definitely looking to grow throughout the Carolinas, expand our client base to include design project in higher education, government and military sectors.”