RACHELLE- PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
Rachelle holds a Masters in Architecture from The Ohio State University, a Bachelors in Architecture and Planning from the University of Colorado, and a degree in Baking and Pastry from Johnson & Wales University- Denver.
While working in Denver as a pastry chef, I specialized in wedding cakes, specialty cakes, petit fours and custom cookies. However, the reality of being a pastry chef meant starting my work day getting up at 3 AM to begin work by 4 AM, and the thought of designing the actual space for the restaurant or bakery was much more appealing than starting my day hours before the sun rose.
After deciding to take a semester of architecture school and see how things would turn out (spoiler, they were obviously successful) I haven’t stopped and don't regret the transition, despite the gate keeping joys of undergraduate studio (you learn a lot about people you are in studio with at 2 AM).
When not running the firm, Rachelle is a professor of Architecture at CSU Sacramento.
Rachelle spends her free time taking her daughter outdoors anytime possible, often getting her husband, Chris to tag along as well. They are often kayaking, hiking in the Sierra Nevada’s, running, or building things with Magna-tiles or Lincoln Logs with their toddler.
CHRIS - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Chris served in the Air Force, beginning in 2010, supervising organizations of more than 300 Airmen and managed a fleet of 25 aircraft. He earned his bachelor’s in International Relations at The Ohio State University while minoring in Russian and graduated from the University of Florida with his Masters Degree in Management.
Chris’ experience managing large, complex, organizations has set him up for success in growing a company that shares his vision for sustainable, green building. In his free time, he loves to be outdoors with his wife and daughter, or working out. Fun fact, Chris hated running prior to 2020 and now runs nearly daily. He also is an avid reader!
OUR HISTORY
We come from a long line of engineers whom we are proud to uphold their legacy. Jim Gere came to the west coast in the 1950’s with his wife Janice, and like many other families, they worked hard and helped transform this state into what is now the fourth largest economy in the world. We hope to continue to help develop this community into a place that will also help everyone’s children thrive.
James M Gere was born in Syracuse, New York in 1925. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at age 17 in 1942, serving in England, France and Germany. In June 1946 he married high school sweetheart Janice. After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he received the NSF Fellowship while he earned his Ph.D. He served as department chair and associate Dean of Engineering, and co-founded the Blume Earthquake Engineering Center.
SIMPLE IDEAS
Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.
LASTING IMPACT
We build with clarity, compassion, and integrity, we aim to bring quality work to Northern California.
