SCB announces the promotions of Kelly Somers, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, and Michael (Mike) Thompson, AIA, LEED AP, to Principal.

Kelly’s and Mike’s promotions usher in a new generation of leadership at SCB. “Our firm’s success is built on the dedication of practitioners devoted to their craft,” says President and CEO Chris Pemberton, AIA. “We look for innovative and grounded leaders to carry that tradition into the future, and our two new Principals have shown their capacity to do that.”

During her 18+ years with SCB, Kelly has been instrumental in the success of the firm’s residential practice. Kelly has overseen highly visible and impactful projects across various market sectors, including high-rise residential, hospitality, commercial office, and campus environments. Her collaborative and solution-focused approach to project management has distinguished her time at SCB, fostering strong client relationships, innovative design, and technical expertise. As Principal, Kelly will also be driving SCB’s internal talent growth and development efforts to continue creating paths for the future leaders of our firm.

“Kelly has shown extraordinary skill managing complex projects in different regions across the country and throughout dynamic market conditions,” says Pemberton. “She has also been an impactful studio team leader, demonstrating an acute problem-solving ability and a capacity to inspire design teams to pursue brave, ambitious work.”

An award-winning designer with over 30 years of experience, Mike joins the principal leadership team in the firm’s national campus environments practice group. He started at SCB in 2012 and quickly established himself as a design leader within the firm, focusing on creating spaces and places dedicated to supporting the student experience at higher education institutions. His thoughtful approach to campus design is noted for responding to and reflecting an institution’s unique character and culture while being mindful of students’ social needs, technological demands, and intellectual aspirations.

“Mike has always shown great care and commitment to his craft as an architect. His genuine passion for design and mentorship has helped to inspire an inventive, curious, and idea-focused culture within the campus environments studio in Chicago,” says Pemberton. “I am grateful for his contributions and look forward to continuing to work together to grow our higher education practice across the country.”

“A characteristic of our work at SCB is that we focus on high-performance outcomes. We recognize the impact of design across scales, from the people living, working, or learning in the spaces we create to the culture and character of the cities and campuses where we work, to the lasting effects of our projects on the environment,” says Pemberton. “Kelly and Mike demonstrate an awareness of how these considerations come together to realize beautiful and unique design, and I look forward to seeing their contributions to SCB in the years to come.”