IKM Architecture has promoted Catherine Wick, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC, to Senior Associate; Nino Samardzic, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, to Associate; and Aaron Perelstein, NCARB, to Associate.
The promotions recognize their leadership within the firm and the distinct ways each is helping strengthen IKM, from mentoring and developing staff to building stronger teams, advancing technical excellence, and deepening client relationships.
Catherine Wick, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC | Senior Associate, Senior Project Manager
With more than a decade of experience focused largely on healthcare design, Cat brings a strong understanding of the technical complexities of healthcare environments and the needs of the people who use them. Her work at IKM has included projects for Allegheny Health Network, UPMC, The Ohio State University and WVU Medicine, along with leadership beyond the firm as a member of the AIA Pittsburgh Board of Directors. As a Senior Associate, Cat plans to expand her involvement in business development and client relationships while continuing to contribute to firm operations. She is particularly focused on mentorship, staff education and creating more opportunities for employees to learn from one another.
“Everyone has something to contribute, even if you don’t know it yet. Everyone deserves a voice.”
– Catherine Wick, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC
For Cat, that philosophy extends to how she approaches leadership. She sees the next chapter of her role as an opportunity to help turn ideas into action while developing the next generation of architects and designers.
Nino Samardzic, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP | Associate, Senior Project Manager
Nino brings 18 years of experience across healthcare, laboratory and research, and education environments, with particular strength in managing complex healthcare projects. His experience includes work for OhioHealth, The Ohio State University, Cleveland Clinic and other major healthcare organizations throughout Ohio. Since joining IKM, Nino has played an important role in building the firm’s Columbus team and strengthening IKM’s presence in the region. As an Associate, he will continue developing that team, expanding client relationships and pursuing larger, more complex opportunities while connecting Columbus clients with the experience and resources of the broader firm.
“Talent is only a small percentage of success. Hard work, continuous education, and a commitment to improving every day are what put you on the right path.” – Nino Samardzic, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
That commitment to continuous improvement shapes Nino’s approach to both projects and leadership as he works to build a collaborative Columbus team and deliver consistently strong work for clients.
Aaron Perelstein, NCARB | Associate, Senior Project Manager
Aaron brings 15 years of experience and a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, higher education and other technically complex environments. His expertise includes life safety, code compliance, technical detailing and design technology, with experience on projects for organizations including Allegheny Health Network, UPMC and Carnegie Mellon University. In his expanded leadership role, Aaron is focused on strengthening professional development across IKM, particularly through training, mentorship and support for emerging professionals pursuing licensure. He also sees opportunities to increase collaboration and engagement across IKM’s three offices.
“We strive to create projects with lasting impact that respond not only to our clients’ needs, but also to the communities they serve. Every design decision, from the overall vision to door functions, is made with the user experience in mind.”
– Aaron Perelstein, NCARB
For Aaron, leadership is an extension of that same mindset: paying attention to both the larger goal and the details that ultimately determine its success.
Together, Cat, Nino and Aaron represent different areas of expertise and experience, but share a commitment to strengthening IKM through its people, its work and its relationships with clients. In their expanded leadership roles, each will help shape the firm’s continued growth while creating opportunities for the people around them to grow as well.
Congratulations to Cat, Nino, and Aaron on their promotions and this next chapter of leadership at IKM.