About Us

Jim Besgrove RID

Vice President & Design Group Leader Texas

Jim possesses more than 24 years of proven experience in healthcare, corporate, hospitality, entertainment and retail architecture and interior design. His expertise includes designing a wide variety of existing and startup projects to create the best building layouts for client objectives. His eye for design and team player mentality allows him to work collaboratively with you to develop creative design solutions that fit your project goals.

When he’s not at work Jim loves to travel. His favorite travel destination has been Prague and he recommends taking a walking tour of Prague’s historic architecture and visiting the Old Town Square.

EDUCATION: 

Bachelor of Architecture University of Texas at Arlington

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: 

Registered Interior Designer, International Interior Design Association (IIDA)

REGISTRATION: 

Registered Interior Designer in Texas

YEAR JOINED THE FIRM: 

Jim B. joined REES in 2016

Melanie Compton AIA, ACHA, LEED AP

Vice President & Healthcare Group Leader Oklahoma

Melanie is a Vice President of the firm and a registered architect with over 30 years of experience. She serves REES’ healthcare clients as Project Manager and Project Architect. Melanie is also an award recipient of the JB Chenoweth award for outstanding Project Manager and was selected as one of the Top Three Finalists for the 2012 Architect of the Year Award by the American Subcontractor Association of Oklahoma. She also excels in healthcare planning and is certified by the American College of Healthcare Architects. She is a member of the American Society of Healthcare Engineers, the American Healthcare Association, and the International Code Council.

EDUCATION: 

University of Oklahoma

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: 

American Institute of Architects American Society of Healthcare Engineers American Healthcare Association ASHE Healthcare Construction Certified International Code Council

REGISTRATION: 

Licensed Architect, Oklahoma, Kansas Licensed Interior Design, Oklahoma

YEAR JOINED THE FIRM: 

Melanie L. Compton joined REES in 1994

Dennis Metheny AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

Vice President

Dennis is a Vice President and has been with REES for 29 years. Dennis has participated in several award-winning projects at REES including The University of Oklahoma Gaylord Hall project. The University of Oklahoma held an appreciation dinner to express how pleased the university has been with their facilities.  Dennis has been with REES for 29 years. 

EDUCATION: 

Bachelor of Architecture University of Oklahoma

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: 

American Institute of Architecture, NCARB

REGISTRATION: 

Registered Architect, Oklahoma

YEAR JOINED THE FIRM: 

Dennis Metheny joined REES in 1987

Kathy Potts ASHE, LEED AP

Vice President

Kathy is a senior member of the REES Healthcare Group and believes the healthcare environment plays a role in staff retention, recruitment and patient outcomes. Leaning on her 26 years of experience, she is able to design healthcare facilities that improve the efficiency of staff, increase staff satisfaction and shape a positive experience for patients. 
 
Kathy is also passionate about supporting the Oklahoma City community and is involved in multiple nonprofits including: the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, Potts Family Foundation, NorthCare, Healthy Schools Oklahoma, Coalition Prevention of Child Abuse, Leadership Oklahoma and the Pay for Success Initiative.

EDUCATION: 

Bachelor of Architecture University of Oklahoma Bachelor of Arts, Fine Arts and History Oklahoma State University

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: 

Associate Member American Society of Hospital Engineers, American Hospital Association

REGISTRATION: 

Certified in Healthcare Construction, ASHE Certified in Infection Control During Construction and Renovation, LEED AP

YEAR JOINED THE FIRM: 

Kathy joined REES in 1992

Rachel Bundy

Group Leader Oklahoma

Rachel loves math, science and art. In fact, she was a biology major before she realized that she needed a career that satisfied both sides of her brain. Design was a perfect fit. Now a group leader at REES with more than 15 years of experience as a project manager and designer, she has worked on numerous higher education, healthcare and corporate campuses. A true leader, Rachel can quickly pick up on the strengths of others and then build and guide teams to successful project completion.

When she’s not in the office or on site, Rachel loves spending time with all her boys – her husband and their two sons. They enjoy gardening, camping and being outdoors.

Kate Howell IIDA, RID, LEED AP

Design Group Leader Oklahoma

As the Design Team Lead, Kate leads a talented team of architects and interior designers to complete projects in the corporate, healthcare and nonprofit sectors. In her time at REES, Kate has also developed the Workplace practice and has cultivated strong relationships with corporate clients.

Kate is also an active member of the Oklahoma City community as an artist and nonprofit volunteer. She is a member of the United Way’s Women’s Leadership Society, Emerging Leaders and has served for several years as a Community Investment Volunteer.

Jo Schoonover AIA, LEED AP

Architecture Group Leader Texas

Our clients love working with Jo because she is a great communicator and diligent in handling the details of their projects. Jo has more than 18 years of experience working on a variety of project types including corporate commerical, senior living and education. In addition to leading projects, Jo is our REVIT expert leading interal trainings and promoting best practices.

Away from work Jo serves on the Board of Directors for Amberton University and enjoys renovating houses.

Chris Muder AIA

Senior Living Leader

Chris has been visiting job sites since he was young. The son of a general contractor, he was inspired early in life to pursue the A/E/C industry as a career. Now, with 15 years of experience under his proverbial tool belt, Chris brings a unique, user–focused perspective to senior living projects.

Chris is highly organized and detail–oriented, supporting projects from inception to close out. His greatest satisfaction comes from knowing he was able to guide a client through the process to project success. He meets each new challenge with enthusiasm and creativity.

Katie Archer AIA, LEED AP

Senior Associate

Katie serves our corporate, education and government clients as a Project Manager, Project Architect and Designer. She is often the client’s primary contact and the leader of the REES project team, guiding projects through their phases from inception to successful completion. Katie’s strong visualization and client relationship skills have resulted in high client satisfaction and multiple repeat clients.

Kate is also devoted to giving back to her community and has participated in Class II of Leadership Elk City, currently mentors with ElkUp and serves as treasurer of the Elk City Education Foundation.

Kelsey Cromaz AIA, LEED AP

Senior Associate

Kelsey grew up watching her father sketch and build things at home. He was an architect, and she enjoyed tinkering with him. As she got older, she became fascinated by his work and intrigued by the process of how a building comes together. Now a licensed architect herself, Kelsey has more than 10 years of experience as a project architect and is an expert in Revit and Bluebeam. Kelsey works primarily with REES’ healthcare clients, but also has experience in higher education, corporate and community projects. She loves people and excels in guiding her clients through the project process, all the way through project closeout. Outside the office, Kelsey loves to golf, another activity she shares with her dad. She also enjoys coffee, traveling and photography.

Education:

Kelsey holds a Masters of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelors of Architecture from Washington State University

Michael Cromaz

Senior Associate

Michael has loved art and drawing since he can remember. He grew up watching his best friend’s dad complete hand drawings and knows that experience planted the seed for what would eventually become his occupation. He started to see architecture everywhere, and after taking art and drafting in high school, his mind was made up. These days, Michael is a senior member of the REES design team and a recognized visualization wizard. He loves his work because it combines three of his favorite things – architecture, art and cinema. Yes, we’re talking about movies. Michael considers angles and lighting and uses those elements when directing his own animations. He loves to see the look on clients’ faces when they see renderings and videos and finally get to see what they’ve helped to create.

Chris Johnston CSI, CDT, CCCA

Senior Associate

Chris took drafting classes through high school and worked construction during the summer months. When it came time to choose a profession, he knew he wanted to take those skills to the next level. Chris started his career at REES more than 30 years ago as an intern. He specializes in specifications and construction administration, making him a valuable asset on every project. He is proud of the high level of quality he and his teams deliver. Chris believes one of the greatest compliments is a repeat client.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys cooking, spending time with family and cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners.

Kyle Lombardo AIA, LEED AP

Senior Associate

Kyle is a Senior Associate and has over 37 years of experience as a project manager and project architect. It is Kyle’s core belief that forging solid, trustworthy relationships is what builds successful projects. He has developed strong relationships with clients and contractors on a wide variety of project types. Throughout his experience, Kyle has designed broadcast, healthcare, education and corporate facilities. Kyle is passionate about an architect’s duty to lighten mankind’s footprint on the planet and is a LEED Accredited Professional. In his free time, you can find Kyle on the golf course or in his kitchen, cooking and selecting the perfect wine pairing for his meal.

Jeff Massey AIA, LEED AP

Senior Associate

Jeff was good at art in high school and dreamt of becoming a comic book artist. He found he was better at drawing buildings and objects than people, and so he combined that with a natural knack in math and science and was soon on the path to becoming an architect. Now, with more than 23 years of experience, Jeff frequently serves as project architect on senior living and multifamily projects. He provides a wide spectrum of architectural professional services including programming, presentations, code reviews, design, construction documentation, quality control and accessibility reviews. Outside work, he stays busy enjoying time with family and remodeling the house. And even though he’s not an artist, he is still building his comic book collection.

Kendall Macon AIA

Senior Associate

Ever since his seventh grade teacher commented on his perspective drawing of a house, Kendall has known architecture was the career for him. He excelled in high school drafting courses and went on to study architecture in college. Today, Kendall has more than 13 years of experience and works on REES’ senior living, multifamily and corporate commercial projects. He is a detail–oriented problem solver who enjoys the more technical side of architecture whether it’s building codes, accessibility, construction materials, fire ratings or UL assemblies. Beyond his work experience, Kendall has flipped a house, completing the majority of the work on his own, and assisted his church with a building addition.

Education

Kendall holds a Masters of Architecture from Texas Tech University

Juan Perini LEED AP

Senior Associate

Since he was 6 years old, Juan has been fascinated with drawing and creating building shapes and forms. With more than 21 years experience, Juan is now an experienced project designer and key member of the REES team. A recognized visualization expert, Juan has served clients in the majority of REES’ market segments including senior living, multifamily, higher education, corporate commercial and healthcare. A designer at heart, Juan is proud of his work, whether built or unbuilt, and of his participation in the Latinos in Architecture organization.

Outside the office, Juan enjoys sports, reading, family events with his wife and kids and lots and lots of cooking!

Richard Semtner AIA, CSI, LEED AP

Senior Associate

Richard grew up on a farm, where an assortment of building materials were readily available. He grew up selecting sites and building shelters with his brothers, which led to his eventual choice of architecture as a profession. Today, Richard is a Senior Associate of REES with more than 43 years of experience. He is a quality assurance and contract document preparation specialist, as well as an internal resource for many of the REES architects. Due to his help and mentorship, he has been honored by his coworkers multiple times with the Team Player of the Year award.

Richard has three daughters and nine grandchildren, whose various activities and sporting events keep him busy supporting their endeavors.

Mike Sparkman AIA

Senior Associate

Mike serves as a Program Manager at REES, specifically for our higher education and government clients. Mike’s attention to detail makes him a great partner during contract administration, design, construction documents and construction administration.

In his spare time, Mike loves to golf and has been fortunate to mix business with pleasure by completing several golf courses in his career.

Jason Wint AIA, LEED AP

Senior Associate

It was Jason’s love of art and sketching that brought him to the field of architecture. Now, with more than 22 years of experience, Jason plays a crucial role as project designer and project manager for our corporate, healthcare and higher education clients. For Jason, it’s a natural fit. He finds his patience and quiet perseverance are key to guiding project teams through tough challenges and finding effective solutions.

Beyond the office walls, you can find Jason in the home he built himself, spending time with family or getting a bit of yard work done. He also enjoys exercising and writing.

Education

Bachelor of Architecture
University of Oklahoma

Registration

Jason is registered as an Architect and Interior Designer in Oklahoma.

Duane Mizell

Senior Associate

Duane Mizell knew he always wanted to be a part of something bigger. The ideal fit for his career came when he realized the vast complexity of information technology. Duane serves as IT Manager, an essential role in supporting the work REES does every day. With more than 20 years of experience in information technology, Duane’s positive attitude and dedication to his craft do not go unnoticed – his ability to solve intricate problems, design innovative solutions and access resources with ease sets our employees up for success.

In his free time, Duane enjoys gardening, botany, tending to his flock of chickens and studying mycology in the woods near his home. If he’s not outside, you can find him exploring the world of video games.  

Rusty Yeakley AIA, LEED AP

Senior Associate

Rusty’s began his career with an interest in drawing during his elementary school years. He became fascinated by house plans and drawings, so he took drafting classes in high school, where he was encouraged by his instructor that architecture was a career he could pursue successfully. Now, Rusty is a Senior Associate of REES with architectural experience totaling over 20 years. He is a project management expert with an eye for architectural details. While Rusty works primarily on healthcare projects, he also has experience in the broadcast and higher education sectors.

Outside the office, you can find Rusty, well, outside! He enjoys landscaping, gardening, fishing, camping, hiking and golf as well as time with family.

Anthony Furino

Senior Associate

Anthony spent his younger years watching his grandfather design and build an addition to their family lake house in New York. The fascination with that process pushed him towards his career in architecture. With 20 years of experience, Anthony works at REES as a Senior Associate and provides leadership to projects. He is also an active member of AIA Houston and the Kids and Architecture Committee, which provides programs for students from age five through high school.
Outside of work, Anthony loves to travel. He enjoys exploring different parts of the world, immersing himself in the culture, trying unique activities and of course, experiencing the food!

Ron Gafford

Board of Directors Chairman

REES Chairman of the Board

Ron Gafford is the former Consultant to the CEO and Board of Austin Industries, Inc. He has over forty-five years of experience in the design/development/construction industry including commercial and residential real estate development. Ron Gafford is the past Chairman, President and CEO of Austin Industries, Inc. He has vast experience in construction/development of Petrochemical Plant Construction and Operation, Road, Bridge and Utility work and commercial, industrial and interiors finish construction. Ron Gafford earned a BS degree from Texas A&M and an AMP from the Graduate School of Business, Harvard University. Mr. Gafford began his career as a Project Engineer/Estimator and later a Project Manager for the Henry C. Beck Company in Dallas, TX. He later joined the Trammell Crow Company and served as Partner for their Construction and Development.  

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: 

He is a current board member of the Presbyterian Communities and Services.  Mr. Gafford has served on several boards including the Chaparral Steel Company, Dallas Citizens Council, Dallas Symphony Association, Trinity Industries, Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, North Texas Public Broadcasting and Visiting Nurses Association.  He has also been an Advisory Board member for the Dallas Business Committee for the Arts, and Texas A&M University’s Dean’s Advisory Council, College of Architecture.  Mr. Gafford has also served as a member of the Dallas Together Forum, Coalition for Better Transportation, WPO, CEO Organization, and The Trust for Public Land, The Dallas Assembly, and Dallas Chapter of Associated General Contractors of America, YPO and Nature Conservancy.

Allan Parr AIA, LEED AP

Chief Executive Officer

Allan has been with REES since 2009. His experience is particularly strong in corporate, high-tech, healthcare, and mission critical project types. A registered and NCARB certified Architect and member of the American Institute of Architects, Allan has 35 years of experience delivering successful projects for clients and developing new business.

Prior to joining REES, Allan’s experience includes leadership of major real estate functions of two Fortune 500 technology companies. His previous experience also includes consulting with architecture and interiors practices in various leadership roles. With millions of square feet of successful project experience, he has a history of delivering results for his clients.

EDUCATION

Allan holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree from Texas A&M University, as well as a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

American Institute of Architects, NCARB, CORENET International, USGBC LEED AP

REGISTRATION

Licensed Architect in 14 states National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Certification

YEAR JOINED THE FIRM

Allan Parr joined REES in 2009

Frank Rees AIA, LEED AP

Founder

Dr. Frank W. Rees, Jr. is the founder and former Chairman of REES and continues to serve as Project Director on select projects. He specializes in senior living and has worked on more than 100 senior living projects. Dr. Rees is also an accomplished writer and an experienced speaker, having addressed more than 30 professional organizations. Dr. Rees has served on the Board of Young Presidents Organization and the World President’s Organization and is still highly involved in several healthcare and senior living industry organizations. 

EDUCATION: 

Architecture Doctorate University of Hawaii OPM, Graduate College of Business Harvard University Management of Design & Planning Firms Graduate School of Design Harvard University Bachelor of Architecture University of Oklahoma

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: 

American Institute of Architects National Association of Senior Living Industries American Association of Homes & Services for the Aging American Healthcare Association Texas Healthcare Association Assisted Living Facilities Association of America

REGISTRATION: 

Architect, Texas Architect, 38 additional states Interior Design, Texas NCARB LEED® AP

YEAR JOINED THE FIRM: 

Frank founded REES in 1975

J. Christopher Farmer MD

Board of Directors Member

Former Chair of Critical Care Department of Mayo Clinic

Doctor J. Christopher Farmer has more than a decade of experience as a physician executive member and leader of not-for-profit boards of large medical professional organizations. He previously served as Professor and Chair, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Doctor Farmer established several foundational international critical care education programs. He was the founding Editor-in-Chief, Multidisciplinary Critical Care Knowledge Assessment Program (MCCKAP). He is the editor and author of numerous books related to critical care, education, and disaster medical response. Doctor Farmer is a retired Air Force Colonel and Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine. Doctor Farmer has received numerous national awards and citations as an internationally recognized educator and executive leader in critical care medicine. He was recognized as the outstanding physician in the Air Force as well as the Department of Defense for his work developing the CCATT program.

EDUCATION: 

• B.S., Texas A&M University
• M.D., McGovern Medical School, University of Texas, Houston
• Residency, Internal Medicine, Wilford Hall Medical Center
• Fellowship, Critical Care Medicine, St. Louis University and Mercy Hospital, St. Louis

Robert Pence PE BCEE

Board of Directors Member

Chairmain of Freese and Nichols

Mr. Pence serves Freese and Nichols as Chairman after having served 15 years as President and CEO.   He has led Freese and Nichols into a productive expansion despite the economic challenges that followed 9/11. Under his leadership, Freese and Nichols added 12 offices, more than double their workforce and added service lines in urban planning, oil and gas and coastal engineering.  In 2010, Freese and Nichols became the first architecture/engineering firm to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for Performance Excellence.

Named 2011 CEO of the Year by the Fort Worth Business Press, Bob joined Freese and Nichols as an engineer in 1978. Throughout his time with the company, Bob has championed corporate support for professional education, fostered an atmosphere of open communication throughout the company and focused on involvement in company-wide community service projects. In 2011, CE News recognized Freese and Nichols as the Best Civil Engineering Firm to Work For in the nation among large firms.

EDUCATION: 

Bob received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Texas A&M University and is a veteran of the U.S. Army.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: 

 His community service includes chairing the North Texas Commission and the local United Way campaign, and serving as an advocate for children and education in numerous endeavors. Bob was named Engineer of the Year by the Fort Worth Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers in 2008 and in 2010, a Fellow by Leadership Fort Worth. 

Paul Stewart

Board of Directors Member

President of International Entertainment Management

Paul Stewart practiced international business law for ten years, and was a partner in Baker & McKenzie, the world’s largest law firm.  Mr. Stewart left his law practice to become president of Leibinger, a leading German medical device manufacturer in the fields of facial reconstruction, neurosurgery and precision radiotherapy.  Stewart helped arrange the sale of the company to Pfizer and then served within Pfizer as the worldwide president of Leibinger and as a member of the management board of Howmedica, a $1 billion Pfizer subsidiary in the orthopedic market.  Following his time at Pfizer, Stewart helped found a venture capital fund investing in technology companies in the healthcare industry.  He also helped found two nutritional supplement companies that he later merged into a high- quality manufacturing company in Dallas, in which he served as chairman of the board until the sale of the company to a strategic buyer. 

EDUCATION: 

Paul Stewart grew up in Dallas and graduated from St. Mark’s School of Texas.  He earned a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree (Humanities) from Stanford University, and a law degree from the University of Texas. 

Mick Cornett

Board of Directors Member

Mick Cornett is a businessman and former 4-Term Mayor of Oklahoma City. Mick spent 20 years as a television sportscaster/new anchor /sports play-by-play broadcaster. Following the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 he diverted his attention to public service and served as a full-time college professor before winning a seat on the Oklahoma City Council in 2001. In 2004 he won the city-wide election for Mayor. During his tenure as Mayor, Oklahoma City experienced an economic renaissance that is still in progress. He is best known for helping to bring an NBA franchise to Oklahoma City and addressing the community’s shortcomings in areas of health and wellness. His leadership to pass the transformational MAPS 3 initiative has spurred an enormous amount of private investment into the city. He was named to Fortune magazine’s list The 50 Greatest Leaders in the World, Newsweek’s The 5 Most Innovative Mayors in America, the European based World Mayor Organization’s second-best Mayor in the World and Governing Magazines’ Public Official of the Year. In 2018, he chose not to run for a fifth term as Mayor.

Mick has a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA from New York University. He is an accomplished author, his latest book The Next American City and enjoys spending time traveling to speak on his book, and consulting for a diverse group of businesses.

Farooq Karim AIA, RID, LEED AP

Vice President & Design Director

Farooq is a Vice President and serves as Design Director. He has a passion for working collaboratively with clients to develop creative solutions for their projects. As both an architect and interior designer, Farooq has the ability to work with you to develop holistic and integrated design solutions for your project. Farooq is very involved in the community and participates in organizations such as Leadership Oklahoma, Leadership Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Arts Council, Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence and many others. Farooq has been with REES for more than 23 years. He also holds the distinction of being the most committed college football fan in the office, having not missed a home football game for his favorite team since 1975. 

EDUCATION: 

Bachelor of Architecture University of Oklahoma

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: 

American Institute of Architects

REGISTRATION: 

Licensed Architect: Oklahoma, Missouri Licensed Interior Design: Oklahoma

YEAR JOINED THE FIRM: 

Farooq Karim joined REES in 1993

Stephen Lawson AIA, LEED AP

Vice President & Client Development Director

Stephen serves as REES’ healthcare segment leader. In his 25 years of experience, Stephen has been involved in the programming, planning and design of nationally recognized and award–winning healthcare institutions. From rural and community healthcare facilities to metropolitan medical centers, he is committed to improving the healing environment while maintaining efficient functional settings. He champions the firm’s vision, fostering a collaborative culture while working to find new and improved ways to meet and exceed client expectations. 

Stephen is an avid learner, and that propensity continues outside the office. In his spare time, you can usually find him with a book or tuned into a podcast.

EDUCATION: 

Masters of Architecture University of Oklahoma Bachelor of Professional Studies, Architecture University of Buffalo Associates in Applied Science, Architectural Engineering and Construction Technology Alfred State College

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: 

American Institute of Architects American Institute of Architect – Academy of Architecture for Health American Society of Healthcare Engineers NCARB Certified Health Industry Council Oklahoma Association of Healthcare Engineers ASHE Healthcare Construction Certification

REGISTRATION: 

Licensed Architect, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas Licensed Interior Design, Oklahoma LEED AP

YEAR JOINED THE FIRM: 

Stephen E. Lawson joined REES in 2005

Richard Semtner AIA, CSI, LEED AP

Senior Associate

Richard grew up on a farm, where an assortment of building materials were readily available. He grew up selecting sites and building shelters with his brothers, which led to his eventual choice of architecture as a profession. Today, Richard is a Senior Associate of REES with more than 43 years of experience. He is a quality assurance and contract document preparation specialist, as well as an internal resource for many of the REES architects. Due to his help and mentorship, he has been honored by his coworkers multiple times with the Team Player of the Year award.

Richard has three daughters and nine grandchildren, whose various activities and sporting events keep him busy supporting their endeavors.